Displaced Midshaft Clavicular Fractures among Patients with Clavicular Fracture Admitted to the Orthopaedic Department of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Midshaft clavicular fractures are common among young adults. Open reduction and internal fixation of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures with plate and screws have been shown to decrease nonunion, symptomatic malunion, and residual shoulder disability compared with non-operative treatment allowing early pain-free movement and early return to work. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures among patients with clavicular fractures admitted to the orthopaedics department of a tertiary care centre.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics of a tertiary care centre from 31 January 2016 to 31 December 2019 after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 659/2021 P). Data were collected using hospital-based records from patients of the age group 18 to 50 years. Convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 95% confidence interval were calculated.

Results: Among 120 patients, the prevalence of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures was 40 (33.33%) (24.90-41.76, 95% Confidence Interval). Among them 39 (90%) were males and 4 (10%) were females and the mean age of 31.45 years. The average Constant-Murley score were 95.68±5.59.

Conclusions: The prevalence of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures among patients with clavicular fractures admitted to the Department of Orthopedics was lower than the other studies done in similar settings.