What is a Clavicle Fracture?

The clavicle, commonly known as the collarbone, is an S-shaped bone that lies horizontally at the top of the thorax. It functions as a strut between the sternum and scapula (shoulder blade), helping to maintain the proper positioning of the upper limb. The clavicle plays a crucial role in the range of motion of the upper limb. When the shoulder girdle experiences blunt force trauma, such as a direct blow or a fall onto an outstretched arm, the clavicle can easily break. Clavicle fractures are common, accounting for 5% of all adult bone fractures.

Dr. Khaleel, Senior Consultant Arthroscopic Shoulder and Sports Surgeon at Kims Alshifa, Perintalmanna, Kerala, India, has extensive experience in treating patients with clavicle fractures.

Types of Clavicle Fractures

Clavicle fractures are classified based on their anatomical location:

• Middle Clavicle Fracture: The most common type, occurring in the middle of the clavicle bone.
• Lateral/Distal Clavicle Fracture: Occurs near the top of the scapula, furthest from the body's midline.
• Medial Clavicle Fracture: The rarest type, occurring closest to the neck, accounting for only 2-4% of all clavicle fractures.

Populations at Risk for Clavicle Fractures

• Athletes: Individuals involved in contact sports or high-impact activities, especially males, are three times more likely to experience a clavicle fracture.
• Children and Teens: Ages 10 to 19 are more susceptible due to still-growing bones with lower density.
• Older Adults: Decreased bone density from aging makes even minor injuries more likely to cause a clavicle fracture.

Symptoms of a Clavicle Fracture

• Sharp pain in the clavicle immediately after injury
• Pain with arm movement
• Shoulder stiffness
• Obvious visual deformity of the clavicle
• Difficulty lifting or rotating the affected arm
• Downward shoulder sag
• Tenderness, inflammation, and bruising of the affected clavicle

Diagnosing a Clavicle Fracture

Dr. Khaleel, Senior Consultant Arthroscopic Shoulder and Sports Surgeon at Kims Alshifa, Perintalmanna, Kerala, India, will take a comprehensive medical history, including details of the initial injury and any other relevant conditions. A thorough physical examination will be performed, and an X-ray will be used to confirm the diagnosis of a clavicle fracture. Additional diagnostic imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, may be recommended to identify any damage to other structures in the shoulder girdle.

Treatment for a Clavicle Fracture

• Non-Surgical Treatment: For fractures without bone displacement, conservative treatment may suffice. This includes immobilizing the shoulder with the clavicle in the correct anatomical position, controlling pain and inflammation with rest, ice, and NSAIDs, and possibly a physical rehabilitation program.
• Surgical Treatment: Surgery may be necessary for dislocated clavicles, displaced bones, fractures that break through the skin, or if conservative therapy fails. Surgical repair involves using special plates, pins, and/or screws to realign the bone fragments into the correct anatomical configuration.

For more information on clavicle fractures and treatment options, please contact Dr. Khaleel at Kims Alshifa, Perintalmanna, Kerala, India.