Conservative Treatment Versus Operative Plate Fixation for Acute, Displaced Fractures of the Distal Clavicle

Inclusion Criteria: * Men or women aged 16 to 60 years of age * Completely displaced (no cortical contact), closed fracture of the distal 3rd of the clavicle (Type II) confirmed by radiograph * Fractures within 28 days post injury * Provision of informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Pathological fractures * Non-displaced (cortical contact) distal clavicle fractures * Open clavicle fractures * Presence of vascular injury * Fractures more than 28 days post-injury * Limited life expectancy due to significant medical co-morbidity * Medical contraindication to surgery * Inability to comply with rehabilitation or form completion * Likely problems, in the judgement of the investigators, with maintaining follow-up (i.e. patients with no fixed address, patients not mentally competent to give consent, etc.)