American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Appropriate Use Criteria: Case Studies on Treatment of Mid-shaft Clavicle Fractures

Mid-shaft clavicle fractures in the adult and postpubescent adolescent population are a common injury treated by orthopaedic surgeons. This injury has a notable burden of disease due to its prevalence, effect on the patient, and effect on the society through cost of treatment and time lost from social activity. Determining surgical and nonsurgical care for a clavicle fracture can represent a clinical challenge. To assist clinicians with this treatment decision, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has developed and adopted an appropriate use criteria to recommend nonsurgical and surgical treatment based on a variety of patient and injury characteristics. These criteria are available online and through phone-based applications. This article aims to illustrate how the criteria may be applied in clinical practice.