Background: Prior literature is mixed on the necessity of an axillary shoulder radiograph in the setting of presumably isolated clavicle fractures, with some authors endorsing its need for any shoulder girdle trauma and others stating it is unnecessary. However, no studies to date have specifically evaluated this.
Hypothesis: We hypothesize that an axillary shoulder radiograph will offer no management changing information in the setting of clavicle fractures.
Methods: Ninety-five patients presented for follow-up for management of a clavicle fracture. Analysis was performed to determine if the axillary view was useful based on the discovery of a glenohumeral dislocation or a degree of clavicle fracture displacement not seen on other views that resulted in surgical indication.
Results: Of the 95 clavicle fractures, 54 received an axillary view either at the time of initial diagnosis or as an additional ordered radiograph. There were 0 glenohumeral dislocations identified. One axillary view demonstrated a degree of displacement that was greater than that seen on other shoulder and clavicle views, but the patient was not indicated for surgery.
Conclusion: It is reasonable to consider excluding axillary shoulder radiographs as part of a standard workup for clavicle fractures.
