Non-Operative Versus Operative Treatment for High-Energy Midshaft Clavicle Fractures (NCT00590850) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Non-Operative Versus Operative Treatment for High-Energy Midshaft Clavicle Fractures
United States412 participantsStarted 2003-10
Plain-language summary
Clavicle (collar bone) fractures account for about 33% of all fractures around the shoulder. Some surgeons suggest that surgical treatment is the best option, while others suggest that nonoperative care is the best treatment. There is no evidence to date that either option in superior. For this reason, we propose to conduct a prospective, randomized clinical trial of surgical versus non-surgical treatment of displaced high-energy clavicle fractures. This study will use both objective clinical and patient-based outcome measures. The purpose of this study is to see if there is a difference between clinical outcomes (healing rate, time to healing, time to return to work, Constant Score, complications), functional outcomes (DASH Score), and health related quality of life (SF-36) in nonoperative care and two types of surgical care for displaced fractures of the clavicular shaft in adults.
Included patients will be randomized into one of three groups: nonoperative care (Group N); surgical care using plates and screws (Group P); and surgical care using intramedullary pin put inside of the clavicle to stabilize it (Group I).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 85 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* ages of 18 and 85
* a midshaft clavicle fracture
* fracture displaced the width of the clavicle or shortened at least 1.5 cm
* less than 21 days since the injury
Exclusion Criteria:
* injury involving the lateral ligaments
* fracture involve the sternoclavicular joint
* Pathologic Fracture
* Open Fracture
* Fracture with neurovascular compromise
* Displaced fracture with impending skin compromise
* Medical comorbidities that preclude surgery
* Associated injuries to ipsilateral shoulder girdle
* severe cognitive disability or injury that may inhibit study form completion
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores