Description
The clavicle (collar bone) connects the shoulder to the breast bone (sternum). A fracture is a broken bone. The clavicle is frequently broken when a patient falls and lands on the outside of the shoulder. The clavicle can also be fractured from a direct blow. Severe fractures can cause damage to the nerve or blood vessels of the arm.
Symptoms
Shoulder pain, deformity of the collar bone, shoulder pain with movement, arm numbness, arm weakness, bruising over collar bone, tenderness of collar bone.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. An x-ray will confirm the diagnosis.
Specialists:
Orthopedic Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. An x-ray will confirm the diagnosis.
Specialists:
Orthopedic Surgery
Treatment
Most clavicle fractures can be treated by placing the arm in a sling or shoulder immobilizer. Severe fractures may require surgery. Fractures with the bone protruding through the skin will require surgery to clean out the wound. Pain medications will be prescribed.