Clavicle

Question 1

Woltz et al. Meta-Analysis demonstrates (2017)

Answer 1

• plate fixation has advantages which include earlier functional recovery with potentially improved use of the arm (constant scores)
• lower nonunion rates if there are risk factors for nonunion including smoking, displacement, and comminution
• if favorable fracture factors exist, then surgery may not be beneficial
• plates reduce nonunion rates but may not offer an improved functional outcome
• secondary operations are common, whether you have surgery initially or not
• one-third of patients with a nonunion do not appear to go on to require surgery