Radiological outcomes of two non-surgical management methods for mid-shaft clavicle fractures in school-age children: No difference between figure-of-eight bandage and arm sling

BACKGROUND: Although non-surgical management is a commonly used treatment for pediatric clavicle fractures, there is limited data in the literature regarding the most effective method. This study aims to compare the radiological outcomes of the figure-of-eight bandage versus the arm sling in the treatment of mid-shaft clavicle fractures in school-age children. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups based on the preferred conservative management method: Group 1 (arm sling) and Group 2 (figure-of-eight bandage). The degree of angulation and shortening was measured at initial admission and during follow-up. Demographic characteristics and radiological data were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Group 1 included 10 girls and 10 boys, while Group 2 included 12 girls and 17 boys (p=0.761). The mean shortening at initial presentation was 7.28 +/- 6.06 mm in Group 1 and 6.65 +/- 5.58 mm in Group 2 (p=0.625). At follow-up, the mean shortening was 6.24 +/- 5.59 mm in Group 1 and 5.59 +/- 4.91 mm in Group 2 (p=0.569). The mean angulation at initial presentation was 21.28 +/- 10.05 degrees in Group 1 and 20.41 +/- 12.23 degrees in Group 2 (p=0.752). At follow-up, the mean angulation was 14.45 +/- 9.41 degrees in Group 1 and 11.82 +/- 10.27 degrees in Group 2 (p=0.189). In intra-group comparisons, no significant difference was found between the initial shortening and follow-up shortening in either group (Group 1: p=0.062; Group 2: p=0.190). A significant reduction in angulation was observed in both groups during follow-up (p=0.001 for Group 1; p=0.001 for Group 2). CONCLUSION: The radiological outcomes of the figure-of-eight bandage and the arm sling in the treatment of mid-shaft clavicle fractures in school-age children are similar.