Conservative Interventions for Treating Clavicle Fractures in Adults
Fracture of Clavicle
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Fracture of Clavicle focused on measuring Clavicle [mh], Fracture Healing [mh], Fractures, Bone [mh], Treatment outcome [mh], Conservative treatment [tw]
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults aged 18 years or older and 65 years or less with middle third clavicle fracture,
- Acute fracture (less than 10 days), we will include all types of middle third clavicle fractures (non-displaced and displaced fractures),
- No medical contraindication to proposed methods of immobilisation,
- Understanding of Portuguese language and written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pathological fracture,
- Open fracture,
- Neurovascular injury on physical examination,
- Associated head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score of <12),
- Ipsilateral upper limb fractures and/or dislocation(except hand and fingers),
- History of frozen shoulder,
- Previous disease in the limb that could influence the results (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis),
- Inability to comply with follow-up (inability to read or complete forms).
Sites / Locations
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Active Comparator
Group 1: a standard arm sling
Group 2: a figure-of-eight bandage
Group 1: the orthopaedic surgeon will apply a standard arm sling that will be used for four weeks; however, during these weeks, participants will be encouraged to discard the sling when their pain has subsided. After four weeks the same orientations of group 1 will be done to this group.
Group 2: a figure-of-eight bandage will be used for four weeks, and every week the participants will return to check and adjust the immobilisation. In this way, the dominant hand can remain free and simple activities will be allowed (writing, keyboarding and other). After four weeks, participants will be encouraged to discard the bandage, but load bearing will not be allowed before osseous consolidation (around 10 weeks).