Background: The fracture of the clavicle is the second most common fracture in snowboarding after the distal radius fracture. Nonsurgical treatment is frequently the treatment of first choice. For displaced fractures, surgical treatment is recommended.
Methods: In general, internal fixation can be performed with a plate osteosynthesis or an intramedullary nail. Clinical studies were able to show similar and even slightly better functional results of the intramedullary nail in comparison to plate osteosynthesis. Because of less surgical trauma and better cosmetic results, intramedullary systems are increasingly preferred.
Results: Lateral clavicular fractures are more complex regarding surgical treatment due to their potential for concomitant ligamentous injuries. The hooked plate shows good clinical results with the advantage of addressing the fracture as well as the ligament injury in one step. The limitation of mobility during the first few postoperative weeks is the technique's main disadvantage.
Conclusions: Ligament reconstruction with suture pulley systems as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with a locking plate osteosythesis are increasingly used due to their excellent clinical results with early postoperative mobilization.