Epidemiology - Most common in young adults and elderly women

Risk factors - Osteoperosis

Pathology -

• Most occur in the midshaft, or near junction of middle and outer third (75-85%)
  • Not reinforced by ligaments here
• Distal fractures (15-20%), medial fractures (<5%)

Mechanism of injury:

• Direct blow to shoulder
• fall onto shoulder
• FOOSH

Management:

• arm support, pain medication, shoulder exercises after healing
• Treatment of closed uncomplicated clavicle fractures is with initial sling immobilisation for 2 weeks, following by range of motion exercises
• surgery if necessary – open reduction and internal fixation