Performance of military tasks after clavicle plating

Mil Med. 2011 Aug;176(8):950-5. doi: 10.7205/milmed-d-10-00104.

Abstract

Management of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in the military, a largely shoulder-bearing population, is controversial. We aimed to report the military-relevant functional outcomes after plate fixation. We performed a nested cross-sectional analysis of active duty service members enrolled in an ongoing multicenter, randomized trial on clavicle plating. For this analysis, we included subjects with 26 months follow-up. Outcome measures included radiographic appearance, physical examination, a military-specific questionnaire, and validated shoulder surveys. Mean follow-up for 28 clavicle fractures was 13 months. Union rate by 12 weeks was 93% (26/28). There was one case of soft tissue irritation requiring hardware removal. At latest follow-up, 75% of patients were satisfied; 68% had mild/no pain; 79% had full range of motion; 75% could perform push-ups; and 21% have deployed. For the majority of active duty personnel, rapid healing, return to military-specific tasks, and satisfaction with outcome are possible after plate fixation of clavicle fractures. However, approximately 25% report some functional limitations at 1 year.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Plates
  • Clavicle / injuries*
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Fractures, Bone / rehabilitation*
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery
  • Health Status Indicators
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Military Medicine
  • Military Personnel*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Task Performance and Analysis
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States
  • Young Adult