The pieces of bone are then held in place with special metal hardware.Ĭommon methods of internal fixation include: During the procedure, the bone fragments are first repositioned (reduced) into their normal alignment. This is the procedure most often used to treat clavicle fractures. This can improve shoulder strength when you have recovered. Surgery typically involves putting the broken pieces of bone back into position and preventing them from moving out of place until they are healed. If the broken ends of the bones have significantly shifted out of place, your doctor may recommend surgery. This usually gets smaller over time, but a small bump often remains permanently. Surgical treatment for this is very rare, determined by how far out of place the bones are and how much this affects your arm movement.Ī large bump over the fracture site may develop as the fracture heals. If the fracture fragments do move out of place and the bones heal in that position, it is called a malunion. In other cases, nonunion can result in significant pain and may require an operation for repair.In some cases of nonunion, the patient has very little pain and good motion, so no further treatment is required.If the fracture does not heal, it is called a nonunion. It is important to follow up with your doctor as scheduled to make sure the bone stays in position. In some cases, a clavicle fracture can move out of place before it heals.
After the bone has healed, you will be able to gradually return to your normal activities.Ĭomplications. During these visits, the doctor will take X-rays to make sure the bone is healing in a good position. You will need to see your doctor regularly until your fracture heals. You will start more strenuous exercises gradually once the fracture is completely healed.įollow-up care. These exercises will help prevent stiffness and weakness. Once the bone begins to heal, your pain will decrease and your doctor may start gentle shoulder exercises. Often, patients will begin doing exercises for elbow motion immediately after the injury.Īfter a clavicle fracture, it is common to lose some shoulder and arm strength.
Although there will be some pain, it is important to maintain arm motion to prevent shoulder and elbow stiffness. Pain medication, including acetaminophen, can help relieve pain as the fracture heals. A simple arm sling is usually used for comfort immediately after the break and to keep your arm and shoulder in position while the injury heals.
Many broken collarbones can heal without surgery. If the broken ends of the bones have not significantly shifted out of place, you may not need surgery.
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