Clavicle Fracture treatment
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery for Athletes in San Antonio, Texas
What is a clavicle fracture?
A clavicle fracture, also known as a broken collarbone, occurs when the bone that connects your shoulder to your chest breaks. This bone, called the clavicle, helps keep your shoulder stable and allows you to move your arm. Because the clavicle is close to the surface and isn’t protected by much muscle or fat, it can break easily, especially if you fall or get hit while playing sports. This type of injury is common and can be very painful, making it important to get the right care to heal properly and return to your activities.
Symptoms of clavicle fractures
If you break your collarbone, you might feel:
Sharp pain where the bone is broken.
Swelling, bruising, and tenderness on your collarbone.
A bump or deformity over the break.
Trouble moving your arm or shoulder.
A crackling or grinding feeling when you move your shoulder.
If you have any of these symptoms after an injury, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Treatment Options for Clavicle Fractures
Clavicle fractures occur in both children and adults, but the treatment and healing process vary due to differences in bone development and growth.
Children and Teenagers:
Growth Plates: In children and younger teenagers, growth plates (epiphyseal plates) are located at both ends of the clavicle. These plates are regions of cartilage where bone growth occurs. A fracture involving the growth plates can impact bone development and may require special care to ensure that the bone continues to grow properly. As teenagers get older and approach the end of their growth period, these growth plates begin to close, and fractures may start to resemble those in adults.
Treatment Approach: For both children and teenagers, non-surgical methods such as wearing a sling and resting are often effective in treating clavicle fractures. Doctors closely monitor these fractures, particularly when growth plates are involved, to ensure proper alignment and development. In older teenagers, the treatment approach might be more similar to that of adults, depending on the severity and location of the fracture.
Surgical Intervention: Surgery is rarely needed for children and younger teenagers but may be considered for more complex fractures or those involving the growth plates, to prevent long-term issues. In teenagers, especially those nearing the end of their growth period, surgical intervention may be more likely if the fracture is severe or if there are concerns about proper healing.
Adults:
Mature Bones: In adults, the clavicle is fully developed, with no growth plates, so fractures typically involve breaks in the bone itself. As adults age, decreased bone density can make healing more challenging and increase the risk of complications.
Treatment Approach: While minor fractures may heal with rest and a sling, severe or displaced fractures often require more aggressive treatment. The goal is to realign and stabilize the bone to ensure proper healing.
Surgical Treatments: For more serious fractures, surgery is often necessary. Surgeons use plates and screws to secure the bone, promoting proper alignment and stability during healing.
Rehabilitation: After surgery, adults usually need rehabilitation to regain shoulder strength and movement. Physical therapy is essential to restore full function and prevent long-term issues, and the recovery process can take several months.
Healing and Recovery
The healing and recovery process for clavicle fractures can differ significantly between children and adults due to the unique characteristics of their bones and overall health.
Children and teenagers generally experience faster healing of clavicle fractures due to their active growth and high regenerative capacity. Most fractures in children heal well with conservative treatments, such as rest and wearing a sling. However, there is a risk of malunion, or improper healing, if the fracture is not properly aligned. Close monitoring is essential to ensure that the bone heals correctly and that growth and development proceed normally.
In contrast, adults typically face a longer healing process due to age-related changes in bone density and overall health. Recovery from a clavicle fracture often requires physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion. Adults may also encounter complications such as nonunion, where the bone fails to heal properly, or alignment issues, particularly with more severe fractures. Proper management and rehabilitation are crucial for a successful recovery.
FAQs about Clavicle Fractures
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Recovery time varies based on the fracture's severity and treatment method:
Children: Most children recover within 6-8 weeks with conservative treatment.
Adults: Adults may take 8-12 weeks or longer, particularly if surgery is required. Physical therapy can aid in a quicker and more complete recovery.
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Children: Children’s bones heal faster and generally require non-surgical treatments. Growth plates need to be monitored to ensure proper development. Surgery is rare and usually only needed for complex cases.
Adults: Adults often need more intensive treatment, including possible surgery, especially if the fracture is severe. Healing may take longer, and physical therapy is typically required to restore strength and function.
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In some cases, clavicle fractures may lead to long-term issues, such as:
Reduced Range of Motion: Particularly if the shoulder wasn’t properly immobilized or if there were complications.
Chronic Pain: Some individuals may experience persistent discomfort.
Impaired Function: Severe fractures or complications can affect shoulder function.
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While it's not always possible to prevent fractures, you can reduce your risk by:
Using Protective Gear: Wear appropriate sports gear to protect your shoulders.
Strengthening Exercises: Engage in exercises that strengthen the shoulder and upper body.
Safety Measures: Take precautions to avoid falls and collisions during activities.
For personalized advice and treatment, contact Dr. Rush to discuss your specific needs and concerns regarding clavicle fractures.
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You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:
Severe Pain: Intense pain in the collarbone area, especially if it doesn’t improve with rest.
Visible Deformity: Any noticeable bump or misalignment in the collarbone area.
Difficulty Moving: Pain or difficulty moving the shoulder or arm.
Swelling and Bruising: Significant swelling or bruising around the collarbone.
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During the healing process, it is advisable to avoid activities that could strain or injure the shoulder, such as:
Heavy Lifting: Avoid lifting heavy objects that could stress the collarbone.
Contact Sports: Steer clear of sports or activities that involve collisions or high impact.
Overhead Movements: Limit activities that require raising the arms above shoulder level.
Follow your doctor's recommendations and physical therapist's guidance to ensure a safe and effective recovery.It is advisable to see a doctor, especially if the sprain is severe, if you have recurrent sprains, or if symptoms persist despite initial treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent complications and promote better long-term outcomes.
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Signs that a clavicle fracture may not be healing as expected include:
Persistent Pain: Continued or worsening pain after initial treatment.
Nonunion: The fracture site shows no signs of healing on follow-up X-rays.
Malalignment: Visible misalignment or deformity of the collarbone.
Increased Swelling: Persistent or worsening swelling despite treatment.
If you notice any of these signs, contact your doctor for further evaluation and possible adjustments to your treatment plan.
Meet Your Clavicle fracture Expert, Dr. Rush
Dr. Jeremy K. Rush, MD, FAAP, is San Antonio's only orthopedic surgeon who is Dual-Fellowship Trained in pediatric orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. He specializes in arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle, as well as the treatment of fractures and other injuries in young athletes.
