Epidemiology of Surgically Treated Clavicle Fractures in Our Setting
Abstract
Introduction: Clavicle fractures account for 2.6 -10% of all skeletal fractures and occur predominantly in young adults. In recent years, indications for surgery have expanded, driven by advances in implant technology. Objective: To conduct an updated epidemiological analysis of surgically treated clavicle fractures at a referral center in a large metropolitan area. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, descriptive, observational study included 451 adults who underwent surgery between January 2010 and December 2024. Demographic variables, mechanism of injury, anatomical location, fracture type according to the modified Edinburgh classification, associated injuries, time to surgery, time to union, and complications were analyzed. Results: Eighty-four percent of the patients were men (mean age, 29.8 years). The most affected age group was 18 -29 years (32%). Most fractures involved the midshaft (84%), and the 2B1 pattern was the most common. The most frequent mechanism of injury was a motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle accident (24%), followed by sports-related injuries (23%). Associated injuries occurred in 14% of patients. The mean time to surgery was 11.6 days, the mean time to union was 12.5 weeks, and the overall complication rate was 10%. Conclusions: Surgically treated clavicle fractures are more common in young men, with a predominance of midshaft fractures caused by high-energy mechanisms. Two new descriptive patterns were added to the Edinburgh classification. The rate of surgery-related complications was low.Downloads
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