Introduction:

The collarbone is the only bone that joins the axial skeleton with the appendicular, during the function of the thoracic limb a shortening implies a decrease in strength and function since it acts as a lever, where the greater the shortening, the smaller will be the force produced. Factors such as multifragmentation, bone loss and reabsorption of the edges of the fragments are some limiting to the restitution of the clavicular length. How much might a shortening of the collarbone affect the function of the upper limb?

Material and methods:

A retrospective and non-probabilistic cross-sectional study was conducted in surgically treated clavicular fracture patients. Shortening was measured in millimeters on postoperative X-Ray, dash scale was subsequently applied to determine the degree of function.

Results:

12 patients, average age 37 ± 17.7 years. 2 women and 10 men. 5 on the right side and 7 left side. Statistical analysis was performed with Pearson correlation coefficient. Average shortening 13.32 ± 9.9 mm. Average scale of DASH 6.0 ± 3.

Discussion:

Moderate correlation with limitation in function in shortenings ≥ 1 cm, as well as clinical significance on the DASH scale from 6 points, 4 less than what the literature marks. With this, it can be determined that patients managed with or without surgery, with a shortening > 1 cm will have a considerable limitation in the function of the shoulder and upper limb.