What is the prefered method of splinting a fractured clavicle?

Clavicle Fractures

Initial Management:

- Analgesia

- Sling

Definitive Management:

- Figure of 8 dressing

- Benefits:

- Cheap

- Easy

- Usually comfortable

- Low rates of skin necrosis

- Drawbacks:

- Requires frequent dressing changes

- Prone to malunion due to poor immobilization

- Difficult in patients with tight skin, chest wall deformities, or obesity

- Can limit shoulder motion (especially if placed high)

- Crossed arm splint

- Benefits:

- Easy to apply

- Cheap

- Low rates of skin necrosis

- Drawbacks:

- Poor immobilization

- Poor patient satisfaction

- Often requires analgesia at regular intervals

- Cannot be used bilaterally

- Shoulder immobilizers

- Benefits:

- Easy to apply

- Usually comfortable

- Low rates of skin necrosis

- Can be used bilaterally

- Drawbacks:

- Can limit abduction

- Expensive

- Risk of pressure sores with prolonged use

- Difficult in patients with tight skin, chest wall deformities, or obesity

Operative Management

- Indications

- Open fracture

- Neurovascular compromise

- Failure of conservative treatment

- Bilateral fractures

- Pathological fractures

- Methods:

- ORIF with plate and screws

- IM nailing

- Open reduction with Kirschner wires