Complications

• mal-union is common -
• but thought to be more desirable than the internal fixation necessary to prevent it
• non-union is uncommon -
• risk factors for non-union of midshaft clavicle fractures include:
  • clavicle shortening > 15–20 mm
  • female sex
  • fracture comminution
  • fracture displacement
  • greater extent of initial trauma
  • older age (1)
• only consider internal fixation if symptomatic - which patients are rarely
• deformity:
• may be distressing especially to parents of children in whom the size of the callus may be quite considerable
• callus can be removed
• damage to vessels and nerves:
• very rare
• Sir Robert Peel died when he was thrown from his horse, fracturing his clavicle and rupturing a great vessel

Reference:

• (1) Pecci M, Kreher JB. Clavicle fractures. Am Fam Physician. 2008;77(1):65-70.