THE INCIDENCE OF FRACTURES OF THE CLAVICLE

The age- and gender-specific incidences were calculated in 2035 cases of fracture of the clavicle. The fractures were classified in three gr oups according to the Allman system. Each group was further divided in to undisplaced and displaced fracture subgroups, with an extra subgrou p of comminuted midclavicular fractures in Group I. Seventy-six percen t of the fractures were classified as Allman Group I. The median age i n this group was 13 years. There were significant differences in age- and gender-specific incidence between the undisplaced, displaced, and comminuted fracture subgroups. Twenty-one percent were classified as A llman Group II. The median age of the patients was 47 years, and there was no difference in age between the undisplaced and displaced fractu re subgroups. Three percent were classified as Allman Group III, and t he median age of the patients in this group was 59 years. All three gr oups were characterized by a significant preponderance of men, and the re was a significant increase in the incidence of clavicular fracture, both overall and sports-related, between 1952 and 1987.