Treatment of Distal Clavicle Fractures in Adults

» Distal clavicle fractures are less common, accounting for 10% to 30% of all clavicle fractures. » The presence of radiographic nonunion does not correlate with symptomatic nonunion, with a variable percentage of patients necessitating subsequent surgical intervention (20%). » Fracture displacement is associated with a higher risk of nonunion (31%-37%), particularly in Neer type II and V fracture patterns. » Nondisplaced distal clavicle fractures can be treated with nonoperative management (Neer types I, III, and IV). » Surgical treatment is indicated for displaced Neer type II and V fractures. Increased radiographic coracoclavicular (CC) distance in type II and V fractures is an indication for CC stabilization. However, there is no consensus on ideal fixation techniques for fracture fixation and CC stabilization. » Surgical treatment may require secondary implant removal, regardless of the fixation construct used (28%-55%) but especially common with hook plate fixation.