Return to elite-level sport after clavicle fractures
ObjectiveTo determine if return to sport following clavicle fracture occurs earlier in high-level sports than the current standard of care allows for.DesignObservational study retrospective review of NHL prospective data.SettingThe study was performed at a university orthopaedic surgery department.PatientsNHL player with clavicle fracture.Assessment of independent variablesThe independent variable including time on injured reserve and type of treatment.Main outcome measuresThe primary study outcome measure was successful return to NHL play.Results15 athletes were identified; 10 were treated operatively and 5 non-operatively. The average return to ice hockey was 10 weeks. If the one outlier is removed, the average is 9.1 weeks. There was one re-fracture in the non-operative group. The average time from injury to return to sport was 65 days in the operative group and 97.6 days in the non-operative group. Two patients were unable to return play during the same season.ConclusionsHigh-end athletes safely return to at-risk sports after clavicle fracture much sooner than the average seen with non-elite athletes. Additional study may demonstrate that return to activity can likely be accelerated without significantly increasing complications.