Clavicle Fracture Treatment
The collarbone, or clavicle, is the thin bone that crosses the top of your chest connecting the ribs and shoulder. Broken collarbones are a common fracture injury due to the thinness of the clavicle. Contact sports injuries, auto accidents and falls can all result in a broken collarbone. Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic surgery and sports injury clinic offers clavicle fracture treatment at our facility in Miami, FL.
Many clavicle fracture injuries are minor and may not need surgery. Patients may need to immobilize the arm and shoulder by wearing a sling to allow the bone to heal. However, if more severe or complex fractures occur in the clavicle bone, it could require surgical repair.
Broken Collarbone Symptoms
The clavicle connects to the shoulder and the sternum (breastplate) and curves slightly outward. There is no support in the middle of the bone between the shoulder and sternum, which makes it vulnerable to fractures with impact or pressure. Many broken collarbones occur when the patient lands on an outstretched arm, but impact in sports or motor vehicle accidents can also cause fractures in this delicate bone. Symptoms of a broken collarbone include:
- Swelling
- Throbbing pain
- Bruising
- Visible deformity
- Inability to move associated shoulder
When there is a complex or multiple fracture of the clavicle, surgery may be required to restore stability to the arm and shoulder. Plates, screws and other surgical devices may be used to secure the bone in place, followed by physical therapy once the bone heals. Dr. Glashow and his team can perform complex clavicle fracture surgery to repair the bone with open reduction and the use of internal fixation techniques.
If you have symptoms of a broken collarbone, it is important to seek treatment. If you need surgery and live in southern Florida, contact the orthopedic experts at the office of Jonathan L. Glashow, MD. Call our facility to schedule a fractured clavicle consultation to discuss your treatment options.
