No evidence for either Collar and cuff or sling after fracture of the clavicle

March 1, 2000

December 9, 2003

Simon Carley, Clinical Fellow (Manchester Royal Infirmary)

Kevin Mackway-Jones, Manchester Royal Infirmary

In [young patients with simple clavicle fractures] is [collar and cuff better than broad arm sling] at [reducing pain and reducing time to recovery].

A 23 year old male presents to the emergency department following a fall on the outstretched hand. X-rays reveal a mid clavicular fracture. You know that a figure of eight bandage is of no benefit but are unsure whether a sling or a collar and cuff is best.

Medline 1966-12/98 using the OVID interface.

([exp immobilization OR exp bandages OR collar and cuff.mp OR broad arm sling$.mp] AND {[exp clavicle OR clavicle$.mp OR clavicular.mp] AND [exp fractures OR fracture$.mp]}) LIMIT to human AND english language.

20 papers found none of which were relevant.

There is no literature on the use of collar and cuff or sling in simple clavicular fracture.

There is no evidence to determine whether collar and cuff is better than sling for management of simple clavicular fractures. Local advice should be followed and the comfort of the patient must be taken into account.