Adult clavicular fractures in Port Harcourt: Outcome of non-operative treatment

Abstract

Background: Fractures of the clavicle are commonly encountered in musculoskeletal trauma. Non-operative treatment remained the mainstay of management of clavicular fractures until recent evidence showed improved functional outcome and fewer complications with surgery for some fracture patterns and specific injury types. In the developing world, the indications for operative treatment are less probably due to a combination of limited resources and low health insurance coverage.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the result of non-operative treatment of fractures of the clavicle.

Methods: The study was a descriptive retrospective study, spanning a period of 5 years. Records of patients whose information met the inclusion criteria were utilized in the study. Their information was obtained from hospital records and analysed using SPSS version 26.

Results: Records of 46 patients were utilized in the study. The age group 31-40 and 61-70years were mostly affected (n=11 each; 23.9%) with female to male ratio of 1.2:1. Mid-shaft clavicular fractures were predominant (n=31; 67.4%). Falls were responsible for most of the injuries (n=24; 54.3%). Most of the patients (n=30; 65.2%) were treated with figure-of-eight splint. Union was achieved in 89.1% (n=41) of the fractures with mean time to radiological union of 19.04±3.66 weeks. There was positive linear correlation between increasing age and time to radiological union (p=0.007).

Conclusion: The result showed that non-operative treatment is an effective method of managing clavicular fractures in adults.