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about the Shoulder > Fractures of the Clavicle (Collar Bone) What is a Fracture of the Clavicle? (“Collar Bone”) Your clavicle bone or “collar bone” connects the scapula bone in your shoulder to your sternum in your chest. Its function is to hold the shoulder upward and backward. Clavicle fractures are among the most common bone injuries. A break in the clavicle bone is usually always a closed fracture that normally takes about 6 weeks to heal in an adult, 4 weeks in a child. Surgery is rarely needed. Causes of a Fracture of the Clavicle? At the time of birth, the clavicle may fracture during passage through the birth canal. The fracture is frequently not diagnosed until the healing bone callus is noticed as a hard lump. At this time it needs no treatment and the lump will disappear as the baby grows. Accidents such as falls against the shoulder or on an outstretched hand are the most common cause of fractures of the clavicle. Sometimes, a blow from a blunt object or a collision of some sort can cause the clavicle to break. Symptoms of a Fracture of the Clavicle?
Treatment of a Fracture of the Clavicle? The goal of treating broken bones is to set them, making them whole again. A broken clavicle usually requires a simple arm sling to be worn for about 6 weeks. Children with broken clavicles are often equipped with a figure-8 clavicle strap that keeps their clavicle immobilized until it heals, which is usually 3-to-4 weeks. Most adults with the fracture will use a figure-8 splint or strap and will probably sleep in a chair or in bed with extra pillows because the fracture takes a week or two to get sufficient healing and it’s important to not roll onto the bone while sleeping. Your doctor will examine the fracture site for neurovascular damage and take x-rays of the injured area, including the joints above and below the primary injury site. He or she will ask for details about how the injury occurred, and will need to know about previous conditions of the fractured bone. Healing is considered complete when there is no motion at the fracture site and x-rays reveal complete bone union. Patients with broken clavicles will usually be able to exercise their shoulders after three weeks of immobilization. The information provided herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a licensed physician. © 2000 DynoMed.com, LLC, Indianapolis, IN |