The natural course of lateral clavicle fracture: 15 (11–21) year follow-up of 110 cases

110 patients with non-operated on fracture of the lateral end of the clavicle were reviewed on an average 15 years after the injury. There were 73 undislocated Neer Type I fractures, 23 dislocated Type II fractures and 14 intraarticular Type III fractures. The patients' age at trauma was 36 (2-71) years. At follow-up 95 shoulders were asymptomatic. 15 shoulders had moderate pain and dysfunction and were rated fair; no patient had severe, residual shoulder disability. There were 10 nonunions, 8 of these asymptomatic. We conclude that fracture of the lateral end of the clavicle does not require operation.