Clavicle fracture

Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)

A clavicle fracture, commonly referred to as a broken collarbone, is a break in the clavicle, the bone connecting your breastbone (sternum) to your shoulder blade (scapula). It’s one of the most commonly fractured bones in the body, accounting for about 5% of all adult fractures.

Causes:

The most common cause of a clavicle fracture is a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm. This can happen during various activities, including:

• Sports injuries, particularly those involving contact or falls, like biking, football, skiing, etc.
• Car accidents
• Direct blows to the shoulder

Symptoms:

The following symptoms are indicative of a clavicle fracture:

• Severe pain and tenderness at the fracture site
• Difficulty moving the shoulder
• Swelling and bruising around the collarbone
• Deformity of the collarbone, visible in some cases, where the bone appears misaligned or bent

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of a clavicle fracture typically involves:

• Physical examination: The doctor will check for pain, swelling, and deformity around the collarbone. They will also assess your ability to move your shoulder.
• X-rays: These imaging tests are usually sufficient to confirm the fracture and its location.

Treatment:

Most clavicle fractures heal well without surgery, especially in children and adolescents. The typical treatment plan includes:

• Immobilization: Wearing a sling for several weeks to support the bone and allow it to heal properly.
• Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are often used to manage pain.
• Physical therapy: Exercises to regain shoulder movement and strength once the initial healing phase is complete.

In some cases, surgery might be necessary, particularly for:

• Fractures with significant displacement of bone fragments
• Open fractures where the broken bone protrudes through the skin
• Fractures in individuals with high functional demands on their shoulder

Recovery:

The healing time for a clavicle fracture typically takes 4-6 weeks, with most people regaining full shoulder function within 3-4 months. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and individual healing rates.

There are three main types of clavicle fractures, classified based on the location of the break:

1. Medial third fractures (least common): These fractures occur near the sternum (breastbone) and account for less than 5% of all clavicle fractures. They can involve injury to the sternoclavicular ligaments, which connect the clavicle to the sternum.

2. Middle third fractures (most common): These are the most common type of clavicle fracture, accounting for about 75-80% of all cases. They occur in the middle portion of the clavicle, which is the flattest and weakest part of the bone.

3. Lateral third fractures (second most common): These fractures occur near the acromion process, a bony projection at the tip of the shoulder blade where the clavicle meets the scapula (shoulder bone) and are connected by the acromioclavicular (AC) joint and ligaments. They account for about 15-25% of clavicle fractures. These fractures can be further subclassified based on the involvement of the AC ligaments:

• Type I: The coracoclavicular ligaments remain intact, providing some stability to the fracture.
  

  pssjournal.biomedcentral.com

  Type I lateral third clavicle fracture
• Type II: The coracoclavicular ligaments are torn, leading to more significant displacement of the bone fragments.
  

  www.orthobullets.com

  Type II lateral third clavicle fracture

  Surgery for clavicle fractures is typically considered in specific cases where non-surgical treatment is unlikely to achieve optimal healing or function. Here are the main surgical methods used for clavicle fractures:

  1. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF):

  This is the most common surgical procedure for displaced clavicle fractures, particularly those involving:

  • Significant bone displacement (more than 2 cm)
  • Open fractures
  • Fractures with compromised blood supply to the bone fragments
  • Fractures in individuals with high functional demands on their shoulder, like athletes

  ORIF involves the following steps:

  • Anesthesia: General anesthesia is usually administered to ensure patient comfort and immobility during the surgery.
  • Incision: A small incision is made over the fracture site to access the broken bone.
  • Reduction: The surgeon carefully aligns the bone fragments back into their anatomical position. Plates and screws, or intramedullary nails, are used to hold the bone fragments in place and promote healing.
    

    www.hopkinsmedicine.org

    Open reduction and internal fixation clavicle fracture
  • Closure: The incision is then closed with sutures.

  2. Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO):

  MIPO is a newer, minimally invasive technique for fixing clavicle fractures. Compared to ORIF, MIPO uses smaller incisions and special plates and screws designed for minimally invasive surgery. This can lead to:

  • Less tissue disruption
  • Reduced blood loss
  • Faster healing time
  • Potentially less post-operative pain

  However, MIPO might not be suitable for all cases, especially those with complex fractures or significant bone displacement.

  3. Intramedullary Nailing:

  This technique involves inserting a thin metal rod (intramedullary nail) down the center of the clavicle to hold the bone fragments in place. It is a minimally invasive option compared to ORIF and offers advantages like:

  • Less disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues
  • Faster healing time
  • Potential for earlier return to activity

  However, intramedullary nailing might not be suitable for all fracture patterns, particularly comminuted fractures (fractures with multiple bone fragments) or fractures involving the ends of the clavicle.

  The choice of surgical method for a clavicle fracture depends on various factors, including the specific type and location of the fracture, the degree of displacement, and the patient’s individual characteristics and needs. Consulting a qualified orthopedic surgeon is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment approach for a clavicle fracture.

  Broken Collarbone? Recover Quickly at Our Clinic!

  Are you suffering from a broken collarbone?

  Looking for fast and effective treatment?

  Then come to our specialized clinic in Germany!

  We offer:

  • Experienced and qualified surgeons: Our team consists of skilled specialists who specialize in treating broken collarbones.
  • Modern equipment: Our clinic is equipped with the latest technology and equipment to provide you with the best possible treatment.
  • Minimally invasive procedures: Whenever possible, we perform minimally invasive procedures to accelerate healing and minimize scarring.
  • Comprehensive care: We support you throughout your entire treatment process, from the initial consultation to full recovery.

  Contact us today for a free consultation!

  Fast recovery and return to daily life with our expertise!

clavicle fracture