A 24-year-old female presented to the ED with a complaint of left shoulder pain following a bicycle accident, in which the patient fell over the handlebars. The patient reported pain in the left clavicle and shoulder region, but denied numbness, tingling, or weakness. Her past medical history was significant for a right clavicle fracture repair 2 years ago. ...

Clavicle fractures are a common injury, accounting for 2.6-4% of adult fractures and 35% of injuries to the shoulder girdle. The most important aspects of clavicle fracture management are pattern of injury and location, of which there are three anatomical sites: medial, lateral, and midshaft (most-common). ...

Surgery is not without the risk of complications, such as wound infection, irritation, prominence, and plate failure, all of which should be discussed with the patient. However, the only way to prevent a malunion of a midshaft clavicle fracture is through surgical fixation. Surgical treatment is best in young, active patients who need function back in the shortest time possible, as the results of nonoperative and operative were similar 6 months out, with most patients reaching full function.