| The Clavicle is sometimes referred to as the collar | | | | crepitus. If the patient complains of numbness down |
| bone, and makes up the Shoulder or Pectoral Girdle. | | | | the arm, neurovascular compromise may have |
| The Shoulder Girdle comprises the two collar bones | | | | occurred. |
| and the scapulae bones, which are triangular shaped | | | | Routine x-rays usually will indicate the location and |
| bones on the back of the rib cage. | | | | severity of the Clavicle fracture. The type of |
| The Clavicle along with the scapular connects the arm | | | | fracture usually dictates the type of treatment. If |
| to the upper body, allowing the arm to swing away | | | | the fracture is displaced, the doctor may manipulate |
| from the body. The Clavicle also protects the nerves | | | | the clavicle back in place, under anesthesia. More |
| and blood vessels that travel along the neck to the | | | | severe fractures and dislocations may require surgical |
| shoulder area. | | | | intervention. |
| Males are usually twice as likely to develop a Clavicle | | | | If the injury is acute, ice should be applied to the |
| fracture than females. Direct impact injuries and falls | | | | area immediately to reduce swelling, pain and |
| are the most common causes of this type of | | | | inflammation. The shoulder/arm complex should be |
| fracture. Many fractures are simple breaks that | | | | immobilized in a sling type of brace to prevent any |
| require minimal treatment and heal uneventfully. Some | | | | further movement. Appropriate pain medication is |
| however, result in dislocation, requiring more | | | | prescribed to reduce the pain and swelling. |
| aggressive treatment. Surgical intervention may be | | | | Early range of motion and physical therapy is |
| necessary for severely displaced comminuted | | | | recommended to prevent shoulder adhesions and to |
| fractures. | | | | restore normal function. A shoulder brace may be |
| Diagnosis of a clavicle fracture involves history, | | | | utilized after the injury to protect the clavicle area |
| physical examination and palpation. The patient usually | | | | and prevent a reoccurance. |
| relates a history of a fall or a direct impact to the | | | | It is important that you consult with a physician |
| shoulder area, resulting in severe pain and restricted | | | | before attempting any treatment for a Clavicle |
| movement. | | | | fracture. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce |
| Examination usually reveals swelling, tenderness along | | | | the chances of complications that can prolong the |
| the shoulder area, with bruising and patient guarding. | | | | pain and disability from this common fracture. |
| Range of motion of the shoulder is limited with | | | | |