Complications

• mal-union is common, but thought to be more desirable than the internal fixation necessary to prevent it
• non-union is uncommon;
• risk factors for non-union of midshaft clavicle fractures include:
  • clavicle shortening > 15–20 mm
  • female sex
  • fracture comminution
  • fracture displacement
  • greater extent of initial trauma
  • older age
• only consider internal fixation if symptomatic (which patients rarely are)
• deformity:

may be distressing especially to parents of children in whom the size of the callus may be quite considerable

callus can be removed

• damage to vessels and nerves is very rare

Reference

1. Pecci M, Kreher JB. Clavicle fractures. Am Fam Physician. 2008;77(1):65-70.