Clavicle fracture
A clavicle fracture, also known as a broken collarbone, is a bone fracture of the clavicle. Symptoms typically include pain at the site of the break and a decreased ability to move the affected arm. Complications can include a collection of air in the pleural space surrounding the lung (pneumothorax), injury to the nerves or blood vessels in the area, and an unpleasant appearance.
| Clavicle fracture | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Broken collarbone |
| X-ray of a left clavicle fracture | |
| Specialty | Emergency medicine |
| Symptoms | Pain, decreased ability to move the affected arm |
| Complications | Pneumothorax, injury to the nerves or blood vessels in the area, unpleasant appearance |
| Usual onset | Sudden |
| Types | Type I (middle 3rd), Type II (lateral 3rd), Type III (medial third) |
| Causes | Fall onto a shoulder, outstretched arm, or direct trauma |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, confirmed with X-rays |
| Treatment | Pain medication, sling, surgery |
| Prognosis | Up to five months for complete healing |
| Frequency | 5% of adult fractures, 13% of children's fractures |
It is often caused by a fall onto a shoulder, outstretched arm, or direct trauma. The fracture can also occur in a baby during childbirth. The middle section of the clavicle is most often involved. Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms and confirmed with X-rays.
Clavicle fractures are typically treated by putting the arm in a sling for one or two weeks. Pain medication such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) may be useful. It can take up to five months for the strength of the bone to return to normal. Reasons for surgical repair include an open fracture, involvement of the nerves or blood vessels, or shortening of the clavicle by more than 1.5 cm in a young person.
Clavicle fractures most commonly occur in people under the age of 25 and those over the age of 70. Among the younger group males are more often affected than females. In adults they make up about 5% of all fractures while in children they represent about 13% of fractures.