Introduction: Clavicle fractures account for 2.6% of all fractures and are mostly treated conservatively. However, due to the excellent results after fixation with the new models of molded plates, blocked and low profile, there is a growing tendency towards expanding surgical indications, particularly in displaced midshaft fractures.

 

Material and Methods: Data were collected using the Pubmed using the following terms: "clavicle", "fracture", "treatment" and "complications". The search was restricted to articles in English/Portuguese, published after 2000. 20 articles with an earlier publication date were included due to their singular relevance to the topic. After selection from the title and abstract, 51 full text

articles were consulted.

 

Results: Treatment of clavicle fractures is divided into conservative and surgical. The initial approach, non-invasive conservative, is limited to rest associated with rehabilitation. In the surgical approach, although there are some indications defined, there is still debate regarding the inclusion of new indications.

 

Discussion: Conservative treatment is usually the first choice for treatment, however, we infer that therapeutic choice should be individualized. Despite conservative treatment having satisfactory results, surgical treatment should be considered, as it has better prognosis, allowing a better recovery and lower functional and motor deficits - 14% of non- after conservative and 1.7%

surgical - particularly in displaced midshaft fractures.

 

Conclusion: Treatment of clavicular fractures with open reduction and internal fixation with molded and locked plates should be seen as an excellent therapy due to its more satisfactory results compared to conservative therapy.

 

Keywords: Clavicle; fractures, bone; therapeutics; surgical procedures, operative;