The aim of this study was to investigate the time for bone union, time for return to sports, and complications after treatment for middle-third fractures of the clavicle caused by sports. Twelve patients with middle-third fractures of the clavicle who wished for early return to sports participated in this study. We investigated age at first visit, time for bone union, time for return to sports, and complications. Among six patients without epiphyseal closure of the humeral head, four who underwent conservative treatment were 10-17 years old at first visit. Bone union was achieved in an average of 2.7 months, and return to sports was achieved in an average of 2.3 months. Complications included refracture in one. The remaining two patients without epiphyseal closure who underwent surgery were both aged 14 years at first visit. Bone union was achieved in 1.5 months and 3 months, and return to sports was achieved in 3 weeks and 3 months, respectively. Complications included refracture in one. Six patients with epiphyseal closure who underwent surgery were 21-51 years old at first visit. Bone union was achieved in an average of 4.8 months, and return to sports was achieved in an average of 2.5 months. Complications included screw loosening in one, shoulder contracture in one, and transient nerve disorder in one. Two of the patients without epiphyseal closure (both judoists) may have refracture due to incomplete bone union. In patients with the epiphysial closure, return to sports was achieved before bone union.
