Short term outcome evaluation of conservative versus operative treatment of middle third clavicle fractures: A prospective observational study

Background: The study was conducted to compare the short term outcome between conservative and operative management of middle third clavicle fractures. Materials and Methods: 118 patients with displaced clavicle fractures of both genders were classified into 2 groups of 59 each. Group I patients were treated either by intramedullary nail or open reduction and internal fixation with plate-screw construct and group II patients were managed conservatively on clavicular brace. Patients were evaluated clinically, with the DASH questionnaire and the Constant score. Results: There were 39 males and 20 females in group I and 32 males and 27 females in group II. The mean constant score was 94.2 in group I and 91.4 in group II, DASH score was 4.5 in group I and 3.2 in group I and malunion was seen in 5 in group I and 9 in in group II. The difference was significant ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The operative group had significantly higher excellent outcome as compared to the conservative group.