[Unstable fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle and principles of their treatment].

25 fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle were treated during the last six years. 22 of them were unstable because of additional rupture of the coracoclavicular ligaments. Only in two patients conservative treatment was successful, in six cases conservative treatment was unsuccessful. Altogether 20 fractures had to be operated. Coracoclavicular screw fixation (Bosworth) is recommended for simple fractures and plating for multifragmental injuries. Operative methods using K-wires are frequently impaired by wire-migration and therefore require a longer period of external immobilization. Independent of the type of surgery objective and subjective results were equally good.