Clavicle Fractures
Causes, Symptoms, Types, Treatment Options, and Rehabilitation
A clavicle fracture, or broken collarbone, is a common orthopedic injury involving a break in the bone that links the shoulder to the chest. This bone plays a crucial role in shoulder movement and upper body stability. Without proper treatment, it can cause long-term discomfort and functional limitations.
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell, an orthopaedic surgeon in Adelaide, specialises in treating clavicle fractures. His expertise ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care for optimal recovery.
Understanding Clavicle Fractures
Anatomy of the Clavicle
The clavicle is an S-shaped bone that supports the shoulder blade and the sternum. It is essential for structural support and facilitates a wide range of shoulder movements. The clavicle also protects neurovascular structures beneath it.
Learn more about the shoulder here.
Clavicle fractures usually happen from direct impact or force transmitted through the arm. The cause often determines the severity and type of fracture, influencing treatment choices.
Causes of Clavicle Fractures
-
Direct impact – Forceful hit to the shoulder during sports or physical collision.
-
Indirect force – Falling on an outstretched hand, transferring pressure to the collarbone.
-
High-energy trauma – Severe accidents such as car crashes causing immediate bone break.
Types of clavicle fractures
Three types of Clavicle fractures can occur:
Midshaft Fractures: The most common type occurs in the middle portion of the clavicle, which is the thinnest and weakest part of the bone. These fractures often exhibit significant displacement due to the pull of the pectoralis major and the arm's weight.
Distal Fractures: These occur near the acromioclavicular (AC) joint at the lateral end of the clavicle. They can be challenging to manage due to their complex anatomy and potential involvement of the coracoclavicular ligaments.
Medial Fractures: Less common, occurring at the medial end of the clavicle near the sternoclavicular (SC) joint.
Symptoms of Clavicle Fractures
Clavicle fractures greatly varies on severity and type
- Pain: The pain from a clavicle fracture is typically sharp and intense, especially immediately following the injury. This pain is usually localised to the collarbone area but can radiate to the shoulder and upper chest.
- Movement Limitation: Patients often find moving their arm or shoulder on the affected side extremely painful. This can significantly limit the range of motion and make even slight movements difficult.
Recognising the symptoms of a clavicle fracture is essential for timely medical intervention, as early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes and prevent complications. Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell, an orthopaedic surgeon in Adelaide, works in diagnosing and treating clavicle fractures, providing expert care for optimal recovery.
For more information and to schedule a consultation, contact Dr Oscar today.
How to Identify a Clavicle Fracture
Using the symptoms above you'll be able to identify if you have clavicle fracture
Diagnosis
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell's expertise ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plans for clavicle fractures. Diagnosis typically involves a simple standard series of x-rays to the clavicle region. The x-ray or radiograph will immediately confirm if there is a fracture. In some instances, a CT scan may be recommended for 3D planning of the fracture type for operative planning of screw and plate placement.
Treatment Options for Clavicle Fractures
The treatment approach for clavicle fractures depends on the severity and displacement of the fracture.
The treatment plan depends on fracture type, displacement, and patient activity level. Both non-surgical and surgical options aim for full recovery of strength and mobility.
Non-surgical treatment
Rest and Immobilisation:
- Utilise a sling or figure-of-eight strap to stabilise the shoulder and allow the fractured clavicle to heal correctly.
- Prevents further displacement of bone fragments and promotes alignment for effective fusion.
Physical Therapy:
- Initiate gentle range-of-motion exercises to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
- Progress to strengthening exercises to restore full shoulder mobility and strength as healing progresses.
Overall Benefits:
- The non-surgical approach minimises the risks associated with surgery.
- Promotes natural healing process with comprehensive care for optimal recovery.
Surgical Treatments
Types of Surgical Procedures:
- Plates and Screws:
This involves the surgical placement of metal plates and screws to hold the fractured bone fragments in proper alignment. The plates are positioned over the bone and secured with screws to stabilise the fracture and facilitate proper healing.
If you suspect a clavicle fracture, seek immediate medical attention. For more information and to schedule a consultation, contact Dr Oscar today and take the first step toward recovery from your clavicle fracture.
Monitoring Progress
Follow-up Visits:
Regular follow-up appointments with Dr Oscar or a healthcare provider are essential to monitor healing progress and ensure that rehabilitation milestones are met. If applicable, X-rays may be performed periodically to assess bone healing and the integration of any surgical hardware.
Individualised Care:
Dr Oscar provides individualised guidance throughout the recovery process, adjusting rehabilitation plans based on each patient's progress and specific needs. This personalised approach maximises recovery outcomes and reduces the risk of long-term complications.
Case Example
Before
After
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Choose Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell?
Qualifications and Experience
Dr Brumby-Rendell is a highly experienced orthopaedic surgeon in Adelaide. He prioritises expert patient education and care for his patients.
Rest assured, our clinics are conveniently located with easy access and ample parking. Don't hesitate to reach out – we're here to help you on your journey towards optimal collarbone health.
Ready to learn more?
Here are more shoulder-related injuries discssed by Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell.
Read more about shoulder-related injury treatment by Dr. Brumby-Rendell here: