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HOMEPAGE |
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| KNEE | SHOULDER | FOOT and ANKLE | BACK and NECK | ELBOW and WRIST | HIP and PELVIS | COMPLETE INDEX |
Diagnosis |
COLLAR BONE FRACTURE (Clavicle Fracture) |
| Definition | A break of the clavicle bone located between the shoulder and the chest. Diagram of Normal Shoulder |
| Details | The clavicle (collar bone) is one of the most commonly fractured bones. It acts like a strut between the breast bone in the center of the chest and the shoulder bones. It is very close to the skin and can be injured in a variety of ways. |
| Causes | The most common ways to break the clavicle (collar bone) are via a fall or from a direct blow to the bone. Almost any sport can be associated with clavicle (collar bone) fractures. Football, rugby and hockey are the most common. |
| Diagnosis | A clavicle (collar bone) fracture is diagnosed with a history of a fall associated with pain and deformity around
the shoulder. Typically, there is some swelling and tenderness associated with the fracture. X-rays are used to
confirm the fracture. Rarely, further investigation by an CT scan may be needed. X-rays of Normal and Fractured Collar Bones (Clavicle) |
| Treatment | Nonoperative: Most clavicle fractures can be treated with a sling or a figure 8 splint. The typical time
to healing is 8-10 weeks. Restriction of activity during that time period is important for healing. Operative: Occasionally, surgery is needed. The indications for surgery include fractures where the bone pokes through the skin, severely displaced fractures and some fractures of the outer part of the collar bone. The surgery usually involves some form of a pin or a plate and screws. Pictures of a severe collar bone fracture treated with a plate and screws Animations of a patient's shoulder range of motion, 10 weeks after surgery |
| Prevention |
Maintaining excellent strength, stability, and flexibility of the shoulder and upper back muscles may help prevent some fractures. copyright www.emedx.com |