Clavicle Fracture

What is a Clavicle Fracture?

Clavicle fracture, also called broken collarbone is a very common sports injury seen in people who are involved in contact sports such as football and martial arts as well as impact sports such as motor racing. A direct blow over the shoulder that may occur during a fall on an outstretched arm or a motor vehicle accident may cause the clavicle bone to break.

Symptoms of Clavicle Fractures

Broken clavicle may cause difficulty in lifting your arm because of pain, swelling and bruising over the bone. You may also notice a slight tenting of the skin overlaying the fracture. 

Treatment

Nonsurgical Treatment

A broken collar bone can be treated by wearing a sling to keeps the shoulder from moving while the bones heal and without surgery. OTC pain medications are permitted for pain control. 

Surgical Treatment

Some fractures, if the bone ends have been significantly displaced, surgery will be recommended to realign the collarbone. Surgery is performed to align the bone ends and hold them stable during healing. This improves the shoulder strength. Surgery for the fixation of clavicle fractures may be considered in the following circumstances:

  • Multiple fractures

  • Compound (open) fractures

  • Fracture associated with nerve or blood vessel damage and scapula fracture

  • Overlapping of the broken ends of bone (shortened clavicle)

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

Plates and Screws Fixation

During this surgical procedure, your surgeon will reposition the broken bone ends into normal position and then uses special screws or metal plates to hold the bone fragments in place. These plates and screws are usually left in the bone. If they cause any irritation, they can be removed after fracture healing is complete.

Complications of Clavicle Fracture Surgery

Patients with diabetes, the elderly individuals and people who make use of tobacco products are at a greater risk of developing complications both during and after the surgery. In addition to the risks that occur with any major surgery, certain specific risks of clavicle fracture surgery include difficulty in bone healing, lung injury and irritation caused by hardware.