Broken Collarbone/Clavicle
The clavicle (collarbone) is located between the shoulder blade and the ribcage, and it connects the arm at the shoulder to the body. Fractures in the clavicle are very common. These fractures are often caused by a direct hit to the shoulder area and can occur in a car accident or from a fall on the shoulder. Falling and catching yourself with a stretched out arm can also cause a clavicle fracture. Newborns can experience a clavicle fracture during the birth process.
Here at YourOrthoSolution, we have some of the top orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians in the country. We are dedicated to getting you back to the things you love through a customized plan that fits only you. Our caring team always goes that extra step to make you feel a part of our family. We specialize in treating injuries, including broken collarbones, and want to help you start the healing process as quickly as possible to get you on the path to recovery.
Symptoms
Clavicle fractures are often very painful and can make it difficult for you to move your shoulder and arm. You may also have the following symptoms:
- Bruising, swelling, and/or tenderness
- Grinding sensation when raising the arm, if raising is even possible due to the pain
- Deformity or “bump” over the break
- Shoulder that sags
- Newborns may be fussy and not move the affected arm as much as the unaffected arm
Nonsurgical Treatments
If the broken ends of the bones are still correctly aligned, you may not need surgery. Broken collarbones can heal without surgery.
Sling Support
An arm sling can be used for comfort immediately after the break to keep the arm stable and in place as well as to minimize pain while the break heals, which is usually within four to six weeks. The lack of movement of the arm while wearing a sling will cause lost muscle strength in the shoulder.
Doctor Check-Ups During Healing
While you are healing, your doctor will take regular X-rays to make sure the bone is healing properly and in the right position. Sometimes, a fracture will move out of place before the full healing process is complete, and your doctor will check to ensure this has not happened.
A malunion occurs when the bones shift during the healing process and heal in the wrong position. If this occurs, your doctor can recommend treatment options based on how far the bone has shifted and how much the malunion affects your arm movements.
Surgical Treatments
If your case is severe enough, surgery may be required to align the bones.
Plates and Screw Implants
During the surgery, the bones are repositioned into the proper alignment and can be held in place with special screws or metal plates on bone, which will stabilize the bone placement.
The plates and screws will not be removed unless they are causing discomfort. This is not common, but sometimes it does occur, especially for very thin patients. In some cases, the plate can be removed after complete healing has taken place (usually six to nine months after the surgery).
Pins
Pins can also used to hold the fracture in position after the bone has been put in place. Pin placement incisions are usually smaller than those used for plates. Irritation of the skin where the pins have been inserted can occur, so they are usually removed after the fracture has healed.
Physical Therapy After Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatments
As the bone heals and pain decreases, your doctor may recommend starting some easy physical therapy exercises. More vigorous physical therapy will begin once the fracture is completely healed to help regain complete use of the shoulder and arm. Physical therapy will also help reduce the stiffness and soreness that comes following sling use. Certain exercises will restore movement and strengthen your shoulder. Your doctor will provide therapy exercises you can perform at home, or the doctor may have you work with a trained physical therapist. The therapy exercises are very important to help you resume normal activities and help you regain strength in your shoulder and arm.
As with all of our procedures, the goal is to get you back to full strength and doing the activities you want to do. Our highly trained specialists will take into account several factors and create a customized treatment plan for you and your needs.
At YourOrthoSolution, all of our doctors and staff are dedicated to ensuring that you not only receive the best orthopedic care in the area but also have an exceptional experience each time you visit our locations. Our dedicated staff will handle all insurance processes for you. You can expect to be in a friendly atmosphere and receive top orthopedic treatment to help you return to full mobility as quickly as possible.
