The Robinson classification of clavicle fractures, as well as the AO/OTA and Neer classification systems, is a frequently used classification system for assessing clavicular fractures.

The Robinson classification is based on a review of a thousand patients and was developed to provide a guide to both treatment and prognosis, thus making it a clinically useful system.

Classification

The Robinson classification system accounts for three characteristics of the fractures.

• location of the fracture
• displacement/angulation
• articular involvement/fragmentation.

These characteristics help select treatment and predict prognosis.

Type 1

Medial fifth of the clavicle

• type 1A1: medial fifth undisplaced extra-articular fracture
• type 1A2: medial fifth undisplaced intra-articular fracture
• type 1B1: medial fifth displaced extra-articular fracture
• type 1B2: medial fifth displaced intra-articular fracture

Type 2

Intermediate three-fifths of the clavicle diaphysis

• type 2A1: intermediate three-fifths undisplaced fracture
• type 2A2: intermediate three-fifths angulated fracture
• type 2B1: intermediate three-fifths displaced simple or butterfly fracture
• type 2B2: intermediate three-fifths displaced segmental or comminuted fracture

Type 3

Lateral fifth of the clavicle

• type 3A1: lateral fifth undisplaced extra-articular fracture
• type 3A2: lateral fifth undisplaced intra-articular fracture
• type 3B1: lateral fifth displaced extra-articular fracture
• type 3B2: lateral fifth displaced intra-articular fracture

History and etymology

Christopher Robinson (fl. 2022), is a Scottish orthopaedic surgeon, who published his proposed classification system in 1998 following prospective review of clinical and radiographic findings of 1,000 consecutive patients with clavicular fractures presenting 1988-1994 ².