Vol. 9, Issue 3, Part B (2025)

Background: Clavicle fractures are common upper limb injuries that can result in chronic pain, deformity, and impaired function. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) are validated tools for evaluating post-operative recovery. Comparative data on simple and complex fracture outcomes after open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) remain scarce in Southeast Asia.
Objective: This study aimed to compare functional outcomes between simple and complex clavicle fractures 6 months after ORIF, using DASH and OSS scores. 
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at Dr. M. Djamil Hospital, Padang, from December 2024 to May 2025. Patients undergoing ORIF for simple or complex clavicle fractures were evaluated at 6 months using DASH and OSS. Statistical analysis included chi-square and independent t-tests. 
Results: Thirty-two patients (68.8% male; mean age <25 years most frequent) were included. All simple fracture patients achieved minimal disability (DASH 0–20) compared with 70.6% in complex fractures (p<0.001). OSS scores showed no significant difference between groups (p=0.458), with >93% in both groups reporting satisfactory outcomes. 
Conclusion: Simple fractures demonstrated significantly better DASH scores at 6 months, indicating less disability, while OSS outcomes were similar. These findings suggest that fracture complexity influences overall upper limb disability but not perceived shoulder-specific function after ORIF.