Factors associated with short form-36 outcomes in nonoperative treatment for ipsilateral fractures of the clavicle and scapula

Twenty consecutive patients with ipsilateral fractures of the clavicle and scapula were treated nonoperatively with immobilization and physical therapy. Results were evaluated using the Herscovici, Rowe, and Constant scoring systems and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. The average comprehensive SF-36 score was lower than the scores obtained using the other scoring systems. In the SF-36 questionnaire, physical scores were strongly associated with nonphysical scores (P<.001). No association was found between SF-36 physical scores and age (P=.37), fracture pattern (clavicle, P=.81; scapula, P=.18), fracture displacement (P=.18), or injury severity score (P=.52). Outcomes were found to relate more to nonphysical factors than to the physical injury.