| dc.description.abstract | Background: Clavicle fractures are common with the middle third being most frequently
involved. Treatment of displaced fractures is controversial with both non-operative and
operative management being advocated for.
Objectives: To determine age and gender specific incidence, treatment practices and associated
complications of clavicle fractures, and whether these are procedure specific, at Aga Khan
University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH, N).
Design: A retrospective chart audit.
Methods: The study was conducted in patients with radiologically confirmed clavicle fractures
at the AKUH, N. Data were grouped on the basis of age, sex, location of fracture and treatment
modality and presented as frequencies and percentages.
Results: A total of 51 patients were included in the study. The male to female ratio was 3:1,
with the modal age group being 30 -34 years. The middle third of the clavicle was the most
commonly involved (63%), followed by the lateral (35%) and medial third (2%). Most fractures
were managed non-operatively. Of the patients treated non-operatively 82% had a good
outcome with no complications. Of patients treated operatively 75% had a good outcome with
no complications, 17% patients required a second operation with one developing osteomyelitis
and the other had failed fixation of the clavicle, and one other patient complained of pain.
Conclusion: Although operative treatment is associated with early mobilization and more rigid
stability it may have higher complication rates and therefore should not be used routinely. | en_US |
