Displaced fractures of the medial end of the clavicle: report of five cases.

The authors present a group of five men who sustained a displaced fracture of the medial end of the clavicle. In all cases, the diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomographic scan. Three young men with extra-articular fractures were treated operatively with a very good result. Two older men were treated nonoperatively, one with a good result (intra-articular fracture) and one with a fair result (extra-articular fracture). The method of treatment of fractures of the medial end of the clavicle depends primarily on the type and displacement of the fracture. Treatment decisions should be always based on a computed tomographic scan, because plain radiographs do not adequately image the medial clavicle. Surgical treatment of these fractures should be considered, particularly in young or physically active individuals.