Operative versus Conservative Treatment of Displaced Mid-Shaft Clavicle Fracture in Adolescents and Young Adults

Background: Fractures of the clavicle account for 2.6–4% of all fractures. Incidence in males is usually highest in second and third decade which decreases as per age. In females, it is usually bimodal, with peak incidence in young and elderly. Patient and method: This was a cohort study conducted at El-Helmia armed forces hospital on 60 patients with fracture Clavicle; patients were categorized into two groups (each of 30 patients). One group was treated conservatively while the other was treated surgically by open reduction & internal fixation. Results: There were no significant differences between groups in terms of age or gender distribution, the affected side or the mode of trauma. Both groups achieved high union rates; however the operative group showed a significantly lower rate of delayed union. The operative group showed a significantly shorter time to union (11.00 ± 3.22 weeks vs. 13.80 ± 6.60 weeks, p