Surgical versus conservative interventions for treating fractures of the middle third of the clavicle (review)

Background: Clavicle fractures are common, accounting for 2.6 to 4 of all fractures. Eighty per cent of clavicle fractures are located in the middle third of the clavicle. Although treatment of these fractures is usually non-surgical, displaced clavicle fractures may be considered for surgical treatment because of their greater risk of non-union. Objectives: To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of surgical versus conservative interventions for treating middle third clavicle fractures. Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint andMuscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (toDecember 2012), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; in The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 11), MEDLINE (1966 to December 2012), EMBASE (1980 to 2012 Week 40), LILACS (1982 to December 2012), and trial registries (December 2012). No language or publication restrictions were applied.