ArticleJournal of orthopaedic surgery and research2026
Epidemiological changes in clavicle fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic: a six-year analysis from a large single-center cohort.
Article in Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
objectiveTo evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of clavicle fractures in a high-volume trauma center over a six-year period and to compare trauma mechanisms and management patterns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
methodsA retrospective review of 1500 consecutive clavicle fracture cases treated at a level-one trauma center between January 2016 and December 2021 was conducted. Demographic characteristics, fracture classification, trauma mechanisms, and treatment modalities were analyzed. Comparisons were made between the pre-pandemic period (2016-March 2020) and the pandemic period (March 2020-2021).
resultsThe cohort consisted predominantly of young males (68.5%, median age: 21.7 years). Midshaft fractures were most common (79.3%). During the pandemic, trauma mechanisms changed significantly, with a marked decrease in sports-related injuries (34.3% to 13.4%) and an increase in simple falls (46.0% to 62.9%) and high-energy trauma (19.7% to 23.7%) (p < 0.001). Despite these epidemiological shifts, the proportion of surgically treated fractures remained unchanged (8.7% pre-pandemic vs. 8.1% during the pandemic, p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in fracture type or associated injuries between periods.
conclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic was associated with substantial changes in the epidemiology of clavicle fractures, particularly in trauma mechanisms, but did not affect the rate of operative versus non-operative management. These findings suggest that while societal restrictions altered injury patterns, clinical decision-making for clavicle fracture treatment remained stable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III (Retrospective comparative study).
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