What is a clavicle fracture?
The clavicle is the long, thin bone located in the upper chest, between the sternum and the shoulder. Its function is to join the upper limb to the thorax and to keep the shoulders aligned. Several muscles are inserted in it (deltoid and trapezius on the upper side and subclavian muscle, conoid ligament and trapezoid ligament on the lower side).
A clavicle fracture occurs when this bone is broken. Among the clavicle injuries we also find clavicle dislocation or acromioclavicular dislocation.
What are the symptoms of a clavicle fracture?
If the fracture is slight, the main symptoms are:
- Pain in the area of the fractured bone.
- The shoulder appears to be slumped
- Difficulty and pain when moving the shoulder or arm.
- Bruising, swelling or a lump on the collarbone
- Crunching or grinding noise when lifting the arm.
On the other hand, if the fracture is more severe, it has the following symptoms:
- A bruised area of the clavicle
- Lack of sensation or tingling sensation in the arm or fingers
What causes a clavicle fracture?
A clavicle fracture is almost always caused by a violent impact against the outstretched arm in a fall or by a fall directly on the shoulder itself. It is more frequent in children, since these bones do not harden until adulthood.
What is the treatment of clavicle fracture?
Conventional treatment has always consisted of immobilizing the shoulder with a special bandage or a splint with the arm in a sling for six to eight weeks. However, surgery of the clavicle fracture is now more popular, as it has been shown to increase the likelihood of proper bone healing and shorter recovery time.
Surgery is especially indicated in fractures that present a displacement of the fractured bone. There are several surgical techniques, including the use of needles that are placed through the skin, the placement of plates screwed to the bone or the placement of a long screw inside the fractured bone. After the operation, the arm must be worn in a sling for at least a few days, and daily activities and weight-bearing are not allowed for four to six weeks.
What specialist treats it?
The specialist who treats the clavicle fracture is the traumatologist, although it is possible that the treatment may require the collaboration of the physiotherapist.