Lateral clavicle fractures: an expert survey of AO trauma Italy members and evidence-based treatment recommendations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Distal-third clavicle fractures represent stand for a small proportion of all fractures, and ligament injuries are often involved in the etiological mechanism, influencing the type of treatment. A national survey was conducted to gain more insight into the current approaches in the management of distal-third fractures in Italy.METHODS: A questionnaire was sent by e-mail to all trauma surgeons subscribed to AO/OTA and AUOT Association few days before webinar. Questions concerned personal experience, the pre-, peri- and postoperative strategies and the different ideas on the classification.RESULTS: During the webinar, some clinical cases have been presented to discuss about criticalities of these fractures and at the end a final treatment algorithm has been proposed.CONCLUSIONS: Compared with previous surveys, our survey is the most complete and largest presents in the literature. Surgery remains the best option for displaced lateral third clavicle fractures because it ensures high union rates, although a gold standard osteosynthesis technique has not yet been reached.