Matthew-boes-snc
Appt : (919) 863-6845
Make an Online Appointment
  • shoulder-arthrocscopy
  • rotar-cuff-tear
  • knee-arthroscopy
  • Acl-reconstruction
  • trusted-sports

All You Need To Know About Clavicle Fractures

Your clavicle, or “collarbone”, plays an important role in the positioning and function of your arm. It is the main connection of your shoulder girdle to the rest of your body. Because of the collarbone’s length and vulnerable location lying just under the skin of the shoulder, it is often at risk for injury. Clavicle fractures are some of the most common fractures treated by orthopaedic doctors. Of note, the clavicle is the last bone in the body to stop growing – often at up to 25 years of age. As a result of this prolonged growth, the clavicle has excellent healing potential, and most clavicle fractures can be treated non-operatively by simply allowing the bones to mend. However, there are some types of clavicle fractures that are best treated surgically. The clavicle is critical in providing length and contour to the shoulder which allows muscles around the shoulder girdle to function effectively. Fractures that cause significant shortening or mal-alignment of the clavicle can cause weakness in the shoulder or risk of “nonunion” or incomplete healing of the fracture leading to chronic pain.

Risk Factors for Clavicle Fractures

  • Falls – either directly on the shoulder or onto an outstretched hand attempting to “break the fall.”
  • Direct blow – any forceful blow to the clavicle (i.e. – falling object, lacrosse stick) can cause a fracture due to the little muscle or soft tissue protection to the bone.
  • Osteoporosis, or low bone quality

Symptoms of Clavicle Fractures

  • Difficulty moving one or both arms. It may be impossible to raise the arm at all and attempts may cause a grinding or crackling noise.
  • There may be some pain emanating from the site of the break, even without moving.
  • A swollen bump above the site of the break. May be visible beneath skin.
  • Swelling and bruising of the clavicle.
  • A sagging or hanging shoulder.

Treatment of Clavicle Fractures

  • A clavicle fracture is treated differently dependent upon how severe the break is and where it is broken. The clavicle most often breaks cleanly in the middle. This type of fracture usually heals within 6-8 weeks and is treated by:
  • Sling to immobilize and support the arm during healing.
  • Pain medication to reduce any pain the person is experiencing.
  • Ice to limit swelling and help with the pain.
  • Physical therapy after healing or towards the end of healing to help regain full motion and strengthen surrounding muscles.
  • Surgery is reserved for patients with significant separation of the bone ends, shortening of the bone due to overlap of the fracture ends, and fractures creating multiple pieces. These types of injuries are at risk to heal in positions that limit full shoulder function, or are at risk of not healing which causes significant pain with attempts at using the arm.
  • If you have sustained a clavicle injury, it is best to seek consultation with a orthopaedic specialist to review the nature of the injury and determine the best course of treatment in order to maximize your outcome from this very common injury.

3,805 comments on “All You Need To Know About Clavicle Fractures

  1. My husband and i ended up being so excited when John managed to round up his analysis while using the precious recommendations he came across when using the web pages. It’s not at all simplistic just to be giving for free concepts that people today could have been selling. So we do understand we have got the blog owner to thank because of that. Those illustrations you made, the straightforward website navigation, the friendships you help to promote – it’s all remarkable, and it’s really leading our son in addition to our family know that this situation is amusing, and that is very serious. Many thanks for the whole lot!

  2. The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesn’t fail me as much as this one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I really believed you would have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something that you could possibly fix if you weren’t too busy seeking attention.

  3. Doterra Data says:

    Matthew Steadman’s blog is the best resource for information

  4. Doterra says:

    Matt Steadman is the an expert on Young Living essential oils, and has some information for everyone.

  5. Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article! It’s the little changes which will make the greatest changes. Thanks for sharing!

  6. Matthew Steadman’s seems to know what he is talking about, and his wife does young living essential oils!

  7. Next time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I really believed you would have something useful to say. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something that you could fix if you weren’t too busy looking for attention.

  8. Magnificent beat ! Can I be your apprentice? Just kidding!

  9. Excellent article! We are linking to this great post on our site. Keep up the great writing.

  10. May I just say what a relief to discover a person that genuinely understands what they’re talking about on the internet. You certainly realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people have to check this out and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you are not more popular given that you most certainly possess the gift.

  11. Thanks again for the post.Really thank you! Fantastic.

  12. Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this information. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and web and this is actually frustrating. A good website with exciting content, this is what I need. Thanks for keeping this web site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.

  13. free blog says:

    You’ve made some decent points there. I looked on the net for more info about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.

  14. buy online says:

    My husband and i got thrilled when Michael could finish up his homework from the ideas he came across through the web site. It is now and again perplexing to just continually be giving freely tips and tricks that many some people might have been making money from. And we recognize we have got the blog owner to thank because of that. Most of the illustrations you made, the easy blog navigation, the friendships you will make it easier to create – it is mostly fabulous, and it’s really aiding our son and us reckon that that subject matter is brilliant, and that’s especially essential. Thank you for all the pieces!

  15. spybubble says:

    Hello, I do think your blog could possibly be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Other than that, wonderful blog!

  16. Twitter says:

    Howdy! I simply wish to give a huge thumbs up for the great information you have here on this post. I will be coming again to your weblog for extra soon.

  17. oferta says:

    Thanks for your goresso interesting article. One other problem is that mesothelioma cancer is generally due to the inhalation of material from asbestos fiber, which is a cancer causing material. It’s commonly noticed among laborers in the engineering industry who have long experience of asbestos. It is caused by moving into asbestos covered buildings for years of time, Inherited genes plays a crucial role, and some persons are more vulnerable towards the risk than others.

X

Tell a Friend

captcha