Clavicle fractures are common and can occur in different ways including falling on an outstretched hand, hitting the outside of the shoulder, or a direct hit to the clavicle.

 

Symptoms of a Clavicle Fracture
- Clavicle fracture symptoms include:
- Shoulder pain
- Difficulty moving or lifting the affected arm
- Shoulder swelling
- Shoulder bruising
- Sagging shoulder
- Deformity or bump over the break
 

A thorough patient history and physical exam is important to diagnose a clavicle fracture and an x-ray typically is obtained to check for additional injuries.

 

Surgical fixation of the clavicle is being recommended more frequently in order to promote healing. Recent studies indicate long-term shoulder weakness and mal-union from fractures with an overlap or a distraction of more than 1 centimeter when left untreated. A new intramedullary fixation technique has permitted normal alignment and restoration of the length of the clavicle with an early return to work and sports. The risks of surgery, including non-union and infection, are still present; however, for athletes who want to return to full sports as early as possible and for people who are concerned about optimal anatomic alignment and healing, this technique has served these patients well.