Clavicle Fracture Treatment
The clavicle, or collarbone, connects your arm to your ribcage and is part of the shoulder configuration. Clavicle fractures are common, as broken collarbones account for 5% of orthopedic fractures in adults. While many clavicle fractures can be healed without surgery, it is important to receive medical treatment. Jonathan Glashow, MD, Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine offers clavicle fracture treatment for simple and complex collarbone injuries at our clinic in UES New York City.
Causes and Symptoms of Broken Collarbones
The clavicle is susceptible to fractures. It is a delicate bone that has little support in the center, often resulting in mid-bone fractures. Most broken collarbones are caused by a direct impact to the shoulder or outstretched arm in a fall or from trauma while playing a contact sport. Most clavicle fractures are in the middle of the bone, but they can occur at the connection to the ribcage, or scapula. Symptoms of a broken collarbone include:
- Pain when attempting to lift arm
- Shoulder sagging forward and downward
- Swelling and bruising over the collarbone
- Bone-on-bone sensation when raising the arm
- Bump or deformity on collarbone
Simple, hairline or singular clavicle fractures may be treated without surgery. Immobilizing the arm and shoulder with a sling and allowing the bone to heal is possible with some broken collarbones. For multiple or severe clavicle fractures, surgery may be required. Open reduction and internal fixation to repair and reset the bone, followed by recovery and rehabilitation, may be needed with complex broken collarbones.
Dr. Jonathan Glashow is a top-ranked orthopedic specialist offering treatment in NYC. He provides advanced options in clavicle fracture treatment, including same day diagnosis, consultation and surgery. Contact our team if you need urgent medical care for a broken collarbone. We can see patients after hours for emergency orthopedic care.
