Many factors determine whether a clavicle fracture will need surgery and they should be discussed with your doctor. Generally, if surgery is necessary it is done with an incision followed by implanting a plate and screws. Sometimes a bone graft may be needed to help stimulate healing. Treatment after surgery depends upon many factors, such as how fast the fracture heals. Fortunately surgery is successful in cases where it is needed, but surgery is needed in few cases.
Surgery can reduce a visible deformity of the fracture but results in a scar.
Occasionally surgery may be indicated in a high-caliber athlete but this, too, is controversial and studies are mixed on when exactly surgery should be done. Fractures near the AC joint also can usually be treated without surgery. If there are torn ligaments associated with the fracture, then surgery may be indicated, although it is controversial. The pluses and minuses of surgery should be discussed with your doctor. The Shoulder, ed 2.