Clavicle fracture
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
Philadelphia GLP-1 weight loss and GLP-1 clinic NYC
| Clavicle fracture | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Broken collarbone |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, bruising, deformity |
| Complications | Pneumothorax, neurovascular injury, nonunion |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Weeks to months |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Trauma, falls, sports injuries |
| Risks | Contact sports, bicycle accidents, motor vehicle collisions |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, X-ray |
| Differential diagnosis | Acromioclavicular joint injury, shoulder dislocation |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Sling, physical therapy, surgery |
| Medication | Analgesics |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Clavicle Fracture
A clavicle fracture, also known as a broken collarbone, is a common injury that occurs in the clavicle, one of the main bones in the shoulder. This type of fracture typically results from a direct blow to the shoulder, such as during a fall or a sports-related injury.
Causes[edit]
The most common cause of a clavicle fracture is a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm. This can occur during various activities, such as cycling, football, and skiing. Other causes can include car accidents and, in newborns, the passage through the birth canal.
Symptoms[edit]
The main symptoms of a clavicle fracture include pain, swelling, and an inability to move the arm. There may also be a noticeable deformity or bump over the break. Bruising, tenderness, and a grinding sensation when the arm is moved are also common.
Diagnosis[edit]
A clavicle fracture is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays. In some cases, a CT scan may be used to provide more detailed images.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for a clavicle fracture often depends on the nature of the fracture. Non-surgical treatment options include the use of a sling to immobilize the arm, pain medication, and physical therapy. Surgical treatment may be required for more severe fractures and can involve the use of plates, screws, or pins to hold the bone in place while it heals.
Prognosis[edit]
With appropriate treatment, most people with a clavicle fracture can expect to make a full recovery. However, complications can occur, including nerve or blood vessel damage, infection, and nonunion of the fracture.
Gallery[edit]
-
Clavicle fracture on the left side
-
Animated depiction of a clavicle fracture
-
Illustration of a clavicle fracture
-
Post-operative image of a clavicle fracture
