Clavicle fractures are a common injury, particularly among the young and active—yet debate continues over the best way to treat them. In this study, Dr Duckworth was one of several authors who along with lead author, Dr Harrison Faulkner discussed a new, low-profile surgical technique: limited incision plating of acute midshaft clavicle fractures.

A prospective cohort of 1,038 patients underwent surgery using a 3–5 cm incision, which offers a much less invasive alternative to traditional open approaches

Outcomes

• Low disability: At final follow-up, the average DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score was 0.8 (on a 0–100 scale), indicating excellent functional recovery
• Rapid recovery: Full shoulder movement was restored within approximately 6.1 weeks on average.
• Reliable bone healing: Fracture union occurred in an average of 10.6 weeks, with a remarkably low nonunion rate of 0.3%, primarily in infection-related cases

Minimal Complications

• Infections: Deep and superficial infections occurred in 0.6% and 1.3% of cases, respectively.
• Minor irritation: Reports of peri-clavicular numbness and plate-related discomfort were rare: 1.6% and 2.6%, respectively.
• 94.3% of patients rated their shoulders as “normal”, with a mean follow-up of nearly 18 months