Operative Management for Displaced Distal Clavicle Fractures.

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Abstract

[Indexed for MEDLINE] 15. JBJS Rev. 2026 Apr 17;14(4). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.25.00260. eCollection 2026 Apr 1. Treatment of Distal Clavicle Fractures in Adults: Evidence-Based Strategies for Treatment. DeBernardis DA(1), Joshi T, Kalva SR, Fucich D, Virk MS. Author information: (1)Division of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York. » Distal clavicle fractures are less common, accounting for 10% to 30% of all clavicle fractures. » The presence of radiographic nonunion does not correlate with symptomatic nonunion, with a variable percentage of patients necessitating subsequent surgical intervention (20%). » Fracture displacement is associated with a higher risk of nonunion (31%-37%), particularly in Neer type II and V fracture patterns. » Nondisplaced distal clavicle fractures can be treated with nonoperative management (Neer types I, III, and IV). » Surgical treatment is indicated for displaced Neer type II and V fractures. Increased radiographic coracoclavicular (CC) distance in type II and V fractures is an indication for CC stabilization. However, there is no consensus on ideal fixation techniques for fracture fixation and CC stabilization. » Surgical treatment may require secondary implant removal, regardless of the fixation construct used (28%-55%) but especially common with hook plate fixation. Copyright © 2026 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated. DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.25.00260