Description
In this presentation, Dr. Katie Rooks discusses non-operative treatment approaches for clavicle fractures in adolescents, practicing out of the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She emphasizes the significance of considering growth patterns and the inherent remodeling potential of bones in teenagers, which differ from adults. Citing studies, Dr. Rooks illustrates that clavicle growth patterns vary significantly between individuals, and that surgical interventions may not always be the immediate solution for fractures that appear to have shortening or displacement.
Dr. Rooks highlights that while traditional surgical indications like open fractures and significant displacement are widely accepted, newer surgical indications, including less severe fractures, require careful consideration. Notably, she discusses existing variability in measurement techniques for determining fracture shortening, stressing the lack of standardized methods which can affect treatment decisions.
The presentation ultimately explores evidence supporting both non-operative and operative treatments for adolescent clavicle fractures, with a focus on patient satisfaction and return to activities post-treatment. Dr. Rooks argues that current literature suggests that many adolescents can safely return to their pre-injury sports level without routine surgical fixation and that non-operative methods typically yield high satisfaction and good functional outcomes.
Furthermore, while surgical treatment options may provide benefits in certain cases, the associated risks such as complications, infection, and the potential for hardware irritation should not be overlooked. Dr. Rooks concludes with a call for further research to establish clearer guidelines on when surgical intervention in adolescents is necessary, indicating that the mainstream approach continues to favor non-operative management for midshaft clavicle fractures.