Clavicle fracture

A clavicle fracture is a bone fracture in the clavicle, or collarbone. It is often caused by a fall onto an outstretched upper extremity, a fall onto a shoulder, or a direct blow to the clavicle. Many research projects are underway regarding the medical healing process of clavicle fractures.

Signs and symptoms

• Pain, particularly with upper extremity movement
• Swelling
• Often, after the swelling has subsided, the fracture can be felt through the skin.
• Sharp pain when any movement is made.
• Referred pain: dull to extreme ache in and around clavicle area, including surrounding muscles.
• Possible nausea, dizziness, and/or spotty vision due to extreme pain

Diagnosis

X rays are the standard method of diagnosis however ultrasound imaging performed in the emergency room may be equally accurate in children.

Treatment

Nonoperative

Treatment usually involves resting the affected extremity and supporting the arm with the use of a sling.

In older practice, a figure-8 brace was used, designed to immobilize and retract the shoulder, maintaining symmetric positioning to facilitate healing. More recent clinical studies have shown that the outcomes of this method were not measurably different from simple sling support, and due to the movement difficulties caused to the patient, this method has mostly lapsed.

Current practice is generally to provide a sling, and pain relief, and to allow the bone to heal itself, monitoring progress with X-rays...
Read More