What is a Clavicle Fracture?

Tag Archives: Clavicle Fracture

A clavicle fracture (broken collarbone) also known as a fracture of the clavicle bone extends from the front part of the shoulder to the sternum (or breastbone) in the middle of the chest.

Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by judicious board-certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic treatments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding locations in this region of the southwest.

Treatment for Clavicle Fracture

In case the patient suspects that they have a clavicle fracture, they must contact a doctor or seek medical help immediately. The doctor will order an x-ray to confirm the fracture.

The patient’s arm will be made immobile using a figure of eight bandages, collar, and cuff, or sling. The figure of eight bandage helps prevent shortening of the collarbone as it heals. This bandage is usually preferable to the sling.

The primary goal in the initial stages of the injury is pain relief. Therefore, the doctor typically prescribes pain meds for relief. Following a period of complete immobilization (one to two weeks), the patient’s arm should be delicately moved to prevent stiffness of the shoulder.

Shoulder flexion exercises to 90 degrees are particularly useful in preventing such stiffness. This involves moving the arm from its position on the side upwards horizontally.

The rehabilitation process will involve restoring the complete range of motion via mobility exercises and stretches and making sure that the strength is not impacted.

The injury may take four to six weeks to heal. The patient should not engage in any sports or even running until the injury has healed completely. However, the patient may still be able to undertake cycling on a stationary bike.

These types of fractures typically do not require surgery. Surgical intervention is more likely for open fractures (fractures where the bone goes through the skin) or if the bones do not fuse together after six weeks.

Surgical Treatment

Collarbone fracture surgery involves placing the broken fragments of the bone back in position and preventing them from moving out of place until the fracture has healed completely. This will enable the patient to improve strength in the shoulder once it heals.

A common surgery to treat collarbone fractures is the Open Reduction and Internal Fixation procedure. In this procedure, the surgeon will initially reposition or reduce the bone pieces into their natural alignment. After that, they will use special material hardware to hold the bone fragments in position. Some standard internal fixation techniques include the use of plates and screws.  

The surgeon will attach special screws and metal plates to the outer surface of the bone to hold the bone pieces in place after they are reduced into their natural position.

After the surgery, the patient may experience a small patch of numb skin beneath the incision. This will resolve over time. The patient may be able to detect the presence of the plate through the skin.

Even after the collarbone heals, the screws and plates are typically left in place. But if the patient is uncomfortable, these may be removed.

At times, surgeons use pins to hold the bone fragments together once the ends are put back in their normal position. Cordial orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and other towns and cities in this part of southeastern Nevada.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.

Broken Collarbone

A break in the collarbone is known as a clavicle fracture. Nearly five percent of all adult fractures are clavicle fractures. Most of these fractures can be treated by providing a sling that restricts the movement of the arm and shoulder while the bone heals. But if the bone pieces have shifted to other areas of your body, surgery may be required to realign the collarbone.

Astute and hardworking Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler of the Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute provide treatments for clavicle fracture to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations across the vast horizon.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Most broken collarbones can heal without surgery once it is determined that the broken ends of the bone have not significantly moved away from their position. Non-surgical procedure may include:

Arm Support

The surgeon will normally provide a simple arm sling for comfort immediately after the fracture in order to keep the arm and shoulder in position while the healing of the bone occurs.

Medication

Pain medication, including acetaminophen, may be prescribed by the surgeon to provide relief from pain as the fracture heals.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy will initially cause some discomfort, but it is essential to maintain arm motion to prevent stiffness. Patients will often start doing elbow motion exercises immediately after the injury.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery for a clavicle fracture will involve putting the broken pieces of the bone back into place and preventing them from shifting out until the fracture is fully healed. This will help to improve shoulder strength once the patient has recovered.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation is a common surgical procedure to treat clavicle fractures. The surgeon will first reposition or reduce the bone fragments into their normal alignment. Thereafter, the bone pieces will be held in place using special material hardware. Common internal fixation methods include plates and screws.

Special screws and metal plates are attached to the bone’s outer surface in order to hold the bone fragments in place once they are reduced into their normal alignment. Following the procedure, the patient may have a minor patch of numb skin under the incision, which will become less conspicuous with time. The patient may be able to feel the plate through the skin.

Screws and plates are usually left in their place even after the bone has healed, unless the patient experiences discomfort in the collarbone area. Instead of plates, the surgeon may sometimes use pins to hold the fracture in position once the bone ends have been put back in place. The pins will usually involve small incisions than the ones used for plates. Pins or screws are often removed once the fracture has healed because they can irritate the skin where they have been placed.

Rehabilitation

The movement of the shoulder can be restored and its strength improved with specific physical exercises. The surgeon may recommend a home therapy plan or suggest working with a physical therapist. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and other cities and neighborhoods in this part of The Silver State for clavicle fracture treatments.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9393.

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