AAOS updates clinical practice guideline for treatment of clavicle fractures

Fact checked byGina Brockenbrough, MA

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has released an updated clinical practice guideline for the treatment of clavicle fractures in skeletally immature and mature patients, according to a press release.

The guideline noted the following:

Shoulder injury — The AAOS has released an updated clinical practice guideline for the treatment of clavicle fractures. Source: Adobe Stock

Strong evidence supports that operative treatment is associated with higher union rates and better outcomes compared with nonoperative treatment in skeletally mature patients with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures.
Moderate evidence shows that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for acute midshaft clavicle fracture is not associated with accelerated healing or lower rates of nonunion and should not be used for nonoperative management.
Moderate evidence indicates that lateral locking plates have fewer complications and better outcomes compared with hook plates for the treatment of lateral clavicle fractures in adults.
Intramedullary nails vs. single plates result in similar long-term clinical outcomes and complications for clavicle shaft fractures.

The guideline recommends slings for immobilization compared with figure-of-eight braces for acute clavicle fractures. It also noted no benefit of operative treatment compared with nonoperative treatment for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in pediatric patients based on a lack of reliable evidence.

The full clinical practice guideline for clavicle fractures can be found at: https://www.orthoguidelines.org/topic?id=1043

Published by:

Sources/Disclosures

Collapse

Source:

Press Release

Read more

AAOS updates clinical practice guideline for treatment of clavicle fractures

Related Content