All You Need To Know About Clavicle Fractures
Your clavicle, or “collarbone”, plays an important role in the positioning and function of your arm. It is the main connection of your shoulder girdle to the rest of your body. Because of the collarbone’s length and vulnerable location lying just under the skin of the shoulder, it is often at risk for injury. Clavicle fractures are some of the most common fractures treated by orthopaedic doctors. Of note, the clavicle is the last bone in the body to stop growing – often at up to 25 years of age. As a result of this prolonged growth, the clavicle has excellent healing potential, and most clavicle fractures can be treated non-operatively by simply allowing the bones to mend. However, there are some types of clavicle fractures that are best treated surgically. The clavicle is critical in providing length and contour to the shoulder which allows muscles around the shoulder girdle to function effectively. Fractures that cause significant shortening or mal-alignment of the clavicle can cause weakness in the shoulder or risk of “nonunion” or incomplete healing of the fracture leading to chronic pain.
Risk Factors for Clavicle Fractures
- Falls – either directly on the shoulder or onto an outstretched hand attempting to “break the fall.”
- Direct blow – any forceful blow to the clavicle (i.e. – falling object, lacrosse stick) can cause a fracture due to the little muscle or soft tissue protection to the bone.
- Osteoporosis, or low bone quality
Symptoms of Clavicle Fractures
- Difficulty moving one or both arms. It may be impossible to raise the arm at all and attempts may cause a grinding or crackling noise.
- There may be some pain emanating from the site of the break, even without moving.
- A swollen bump above the site of the break. May be visible beneath skin.
- Swelling and bruising of the clavicle.
- A sagging or hanging shoulder.
Treatment of Clavicle Fractures
- A clavicle fracture is treated differently dependent upon how severe the break is and where it is broken. The clavicle most often breaks cleanly in the middle. This type of fracture usually heals within 6-8 weeks and is treated by:
- Sling to immobilize and support the arm during healing.
- Pain medication to reduce any pain the person is experiencing.
- Ice to limit swelling and help with the pain.
- Physical therapy after healing or towards the end of healing to help regain full motion and strengthen surrounding muscles.
- Surgery is reserved for patients with significant separation of the bone ends, shortening of the bone due to overlap of the fracture ends, and fractures creating multiple pieces. These types of injuries are at risk to heal in positions that limit full shoulder function, or are at risk of not healing which causes significant pain with attempts at using the arm.
- If you have sustained a clavicle injury, it is best to seek consultation with a orthopaedic specialist to review the nature of the injury and determine the best course of treatment in order to maximize your outcome from this very common injury.
Great post. I was pdodissc checking constantly this weblog and I’m impressed! Very helpful info specially the remaining section 🙂 I care for such information much. I used to be seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
Hurrah, that’s what I was seeking for, what a information! existing here at this website, thanks admin of this web site.|
Howdy! This article could not be written much better! Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept preaching about this. I will send this information to him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
I’m not sure the place pdodsbdf you’re getting your information, however good topic. I needs to spend a while learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for wonderful information I used to be on the lookout for this information for my mission.
I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for great information I was looking for this info for my mission.
Hi, Neat post. There is an issue along with your web site in web explorer, could test this¡K IE still is the marketplace leader and a big part of other folks will leave out your excellent writing because of this problem.
Definitely believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the internet the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
Very good article. I am dealing with many of these issues as well..
I like it whenever people come together and share thoughts. Great blog, continue the good work!
I’ve learned wofhwefdd newer and more effective things through your blog post. One more thing to I have observed is that usually, FSBO sellers are going to reject a person. Remember, they would prefer to not ever use your companies. But if you maintain a stable, professional connection, offering support and remaining in contact for around four to five weeks, you will usually have the ability to win an interview. From there, a house listing follows. Thanks
with this man or with any of this made up companies. Watch this space more videos and articles exposing Paul Okade’s fraudulent activities
I’d personally also like podldns to convey that most people who find themselves without having health insurance are usually students, self-employed and people who are without a job. More than half of the uninsured are under the age of 35. They do not sense they are wanting health insurance as they are young and also healthy. Its income is generally spent on real estate, food, and entertainment. Many people that do represent the working class either 100 % or as a hobby are not made available insurance through their jobs so they head out without because of the rising tariff of health insurance in the United States. Thanks for the ideas you reveal through this web site.
Hello there hofpdds! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Many thanks
That is a great tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Brief but very precise information… Thank you for sharing this one. A must read article!
I love reading through a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!