Clavicle fractures, Robinson classification
- Radiographic classification system, provides some guidance for management. However, doesn’t take into account elements such as shortening or displacement which impact on function outcomes or prognosis for healing
- Divided into 3 groups, with 4 subgroups in each
| Subgroup | Description |
|---|---|
| 1A1 | Medial third, extra-articular, undisplaced |
| 1B1 | Medial third, extra-articular, displaced |
| 1A2 | Medial third, intra-articular, undisplaced |
| 1B2 | Medial third, intra-articular, displaced |
| 2A1 | Middle third, simple, undisplaced |
| 2A2 | Middle third, simple, displaced |
| 2B1 | Middle third, butterfly fragment |
| 2B2 | Middle third, comminuted |
| 3A1 | Lateral third (lateral to the trapezoid ligament), extra-articular, undisplaced |
| 3B1 | Lateral third, extra-articular, displaced |
| 3A2 | Lateral third, intra-articular, undisplaced |
| 3B2 | Lateral third, intra-articular, displaced |
Original publication Robinson CM. Fractures of the clavicle in the adult. Epidemiology and classification. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1998;80(3):476-84.
Clavicle fractures, Neer classification (lateral third)
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| I | Lateral to the coracoclavicular ligaments, minimal displacement |
| IIA | Medial to the conoid ligament, both coracoclavicular ligaments attached to the distal fragment |
| IIB | Between the conoid and trapezoid ligaments, conoid torn |
| III | Extends into the acromioclavicular joint |
Original publication Neer Cs 2nd. Fractures of the distal third of the clavicle. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1968;58:43-50.
Proximal humerus fractures, Neer classification
- Based on number of segments, being fragments which muscles attach onto or have structural relevance. Fragments must be at least 1cm separate
| Parts | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 part | Minimally displaced, effectively all one |
| 2 part | 2 separate parts, being typically head / GT / LT and shaft. Other combinations may include an isolated GT or LT fracture |
| 3 part | 3 separate fragments. The head and LT or GT are still in continuity, otherwise all fragments are separate. |
| 4 part | GT, LT, shaft, neck all separate fragments. |
Original publication Neer Cs 2nd. Displaced proximal humeral fractures. I. Classification and evaluation. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1970;52(6):1077-89.
References
Author Contributions
Sean Griffiths, WH Resident, 2020
Reviewed by Professor Phong Tran, Head of Orthopaedic Surgery, Western Health. Last updated 10 October 2026.