Clavicle fractures: epidemiology, classification and treatment of 2 422 fractures in the Swedish Fracture Register; an observational study

BACKGROUND: Large multi-centre studies of clavicle fractures have so far been missing. The aim of this observational study was to describe the epidemiology, classification and treatment of clavicle fractures in the The Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) that collects national prospective data from large fracture populations. METHODS: Data were retrieved from the SFR on all clavicle fractures sustained by patients ≥ 15 years of age in 2013–2014 (n = 2 422) with regards to date of injury, cause of injury, fracture classification and treatment. RESULTS: Sixty-eight per cent of the clavicle fractures occurred in males. The largest subgroup was males aged 15–24 years, representing 21% of clavicle fractures. At the ages of 65 years and above, females sustained more clavicle fractures than males. Same-level falls and bicycle accidents were the most common injury mechanisms. Displaced midshaft fractures constituted 43% of all fractures and were the most frequently operated fractures. Seventeen per cent of the patients underwent operative treatment within 30 days of the injury, where plate fixation was the choice of treatment in 94% of fractures. CONCLUSION: The largest patient group was young males. Displaced midshaft fractures were the most common type of clavicle fracture as well as the most frequently operated type of fracture.