The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume
-
J Bone Joint Surg Am · Apr 2012
Review Meta Analysis Comparative StudyOperative versus nonoperative care of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Recent studies have suggested benefits following primary operative fixation of substantially displaced midshaft fractures of the clavicle. We reviewed randomized clinical trials of operative versus nonoperative treatment of these fractures, and pooled the functional outcome and complication rates to arrive at summary estimates of these outcomes. ⋯ Operative treatment provided a significantly lower rate of nonunion and symptomatic malunion and an earlier functional return compared with nonoperative treatment. However, there is little evidence at present to show that the long-term functional outcome of operative intervention is significantly superior to nonoperative care.