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Review
. 2020 Jun;12(2):135-144.
doi: 10.4055/cios20010. Epub 2020 May 14.

Current Concepts for Classification and Treatment of Distal Clavicle Fractures

Dong-Wan Kim  1 , Du-Han Kim  1 , Beom-Soo Kim  1 , Chul-Hyun Cho  1
Affiliations
Review

Current Concepts for Classification and Treatment of Distal Clavicle Fractures

Dong-Wan Kim et al. Clin Orthop Surg. 2020 Jun.

Abstract

Distal clavicle fractures are less common than mid-shaft fractures in adults and there is no consensus on the best classification system or the ideal treatment approach considering that high nonunion rates have been reported. Although there are numerous treatment options for distal clavicle fractures, a gold standard treatment has not yet been established. Each surgical technique has its pros and cons. In this review article, we provide an overview of classification systems and treatment methods for distal clavicle fractures.

Keywords: Classification; Distal clavicle; Fracture; Treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Cho's classification system of distal clavicle fractures. CC: coracoclavicular. Reprinted from Cho et al. according to the Elsevier user license.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Treatment algorithm based on Cho's classification system. CC: coracoclavicular, IM: intramedullary fixation. Reprinted from Cho et al. according to the Elsevier user license.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3. A 68-year-old woman with a type IID distal clavicle fracture on the left shoulder was treated by precontoured locking plate fixation without other procedures. (A) Preoperative radiograph. (B) Postoperative radiograph. (C, D) Radiographs obtained at 14 months after surgery showing complete bony union and plate removal.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4. A 44-year-old woman with a type IIC distal clavicle fracture on the left shoulder was treated by TightRope (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) fixation with additional circumferential suture. (A) Preoperative radiograph. (B) Postoperative radiograph. (C) Radiograph obtained at 12 months after surgery showing complete bony union with subsidence of the clavicular button.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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