Management and Outcomes of Clavicle Fractures in Adolescents at General Hospital Ikorodu, Lagos

Clavicle fractures represent one of the most common fractures of the upper limb in adolescents, frequently resulting from falls during physical activity or road traffic accidents. The optimal management of midshaft clavicle fractures remains a subject of ongoing clinical debate. This prospective observational study evaluates the management and clinical outcomes of clavicle fractures in adolescent patients aged 12 to 18 years presenting at General Hospital Ikorodu, Lagos, South West Nigeria. Patients treated conservatively with a figure-of-eight bandage or broad arm sling will be compared with those who undergo surgical fixation using plate osteosynthesis. Outcome measures at three and six months will include radiological union, shoulder function (Constant-Murley Score), pain scores, complications, and return to school or sports activity. Demographic factors, fracture displacement, and shortening will be documented. The study hypothesises that significantly displaced fractures treated conservatively exhibit higher rates of symptomatic malunion. Findings will be shared with the orthopaedic unit at Ikorodu and presented to the Lagos State Health Service Commission to guide development of adolescent fracture management protocols. This study contributes to the evidence base on paediatric and adolescent clavicle fracture management in South West Nigeria, a topic underrepresented in Nigerian orthopaedic literature. Keywords: clavicle fracture, adolescents, conservative management, Constant-Murley Score, Lagos.