Pearls

Specific characteristics that increase the risk for non-union:

• Displacement greater than 1.5cm
• Shortening
• Anterior or posterior displacement of the fracture
• Lack of cortical apposition of the fracture ends
• Advanced age
• Female gender
• Butterfly segments (comminution)

Pediatrics:
In patients <12 years old almost all injuries are treated nonoperatively.
Plastic deformity of the clavicle should be treated the same as a complete fracture.