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. What i do not realize is in reality how you’re now not really much more well-liked than you may be now. You are so intelligent. You realize therefore significantly with regards to this subject, made me in my view believe it from a lot of various angles. Its like women and men aren’t interested except it¡¦s one thing to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs great. At all times handle it up!

  2. It’s hard to come by educated people in this particular topic, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

  3. This website definitely has all of the information and facts I needed concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.

  4. It’s hard to come by educated people about this topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

  5. Great remarkable issues here. I¡¦m very glad to look your article. Thank you a lot and i am looking forward to touch you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?

  6. We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with valuable info to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.

  7. Metal art with decorative appeal. Explore our selection of unique metal wall decor.

  8. see more says:

    I like meeting utile info, this post has got me even more info!

  9. I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this site. I am hoping the same high-grade web site post from you in the upcoming as well. Actually your creative writing skills has inspired me to get my own website now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a good example of it.

  10. massage says:

    I really like it when people come together and share thoughts. Great blog, continue the good work!

  11. Atv says:

    Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Very helpful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  12. Smart Car says:

    Great blog here! Also your site loads up fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  13. buy kamagra says:

    Hi, I think your blog might be having internet browser compatibility problems. Whenever I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, fantastic website!

  14. With this issue, it’s important to have someone like you with something to say that really matters.

  15. buy kamagra says:

    Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful post. Many thanks for supplying this info.

  16. witryna www says:

    Thanks for the thoughts toposis you have discussed here. Furthermore, I believe usually there are some factors which really keep your car insurance policy premium down. One is, to think about buying vehicles that are from the good report on car insurance corporations. Cars which are expensive are more at risk of being robbed. Aside from that insurance policies are also in line with the value of the car, so the higher in price it is, then higher your premium you pay.

  17. Your style is unique in comparison to other folks I have read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this site.

  18. Healthcare says:

    whoah this blog is excellent i love reading your posts. Keep up the good work! You already know, lots of individuals are searching around for this information, you could aid them greatly.

  19. As a Newbie, I am permanently exploring online for articles that can aid me. Thank you

  20. My brother suggested I might like this web site. He was totally right. This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

X

Tell a Friend

captcha