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

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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° in Group 1 and 20.41+-12.23° in Group 2 (p=0.752). At follow-up, the mean angulation was 14.45+-9.41° in Group 1 and 11.82+-10.27° 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.