COMPARISON OF OUTCOME OF CONSERVATIVE VERSUS OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF DISPLACED MIDSHAFT CLAVICLE FRACTURES

Background: The universal treatment for fractures of midshaft of clavicle is a polysling for 4-6 weeks when it is un-displaced/minimally displaced. However, if displacement and shortening is more than 2 cm, it is better to surgically operate it to minimize the rate of non-union. The aim of our study was to compare the rate of non-union in optratried and conservative treatment of clavicle fractures. Material & Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Bahawal victoria hospital Bahawalpur & Gomal Medical College DI Khan from January 2014 to December 2015. In our study we had 150 patients, who were admitted through emergency department. 75 were included into operative (group A) and 75 included into conservative(group B). Open fractures and fractures older than one month were excluded. Outcome was measured in term of non-union rate in both genders. Results: Out of 75 patients of operative group (A), 59(78.7%) were males and 16(21.3%) were females. Out of 75 patients of conservative group (B), males were 59(78.7%) and females 16(21.3%). Mean age of patients in operative group (A) was 31.77 +/- 11.03 and in conservative group (B) 35.53 +/- 12.49 years. Non-union were found in 19(12.66%) out of 150 patients. In which 5(6.66%) patients belonged to group A (operative group) and 14(18.66%) belonged to group B (conservative group). Conclusion: Platting of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures has better outcome as compared to conservative treatment.