Clavicle fracture

A clavicle fracture is a bone fracture in the clavicle, or collarbone.

Frequency

Clavicle fractures involve approximately 5% of all fractures in seen in ED. Children and infants are particularly prone to it. Clavicle fractures can be present in the newborn period, especially following a difficult delivery.

Treatment

Treatment frequently involves resting affected extremity. Often a sling is used. In rare cases surgery may be required when skin is broken or if the fracture is extremely displaced. For adults, healing time is longer than in children.

Symptoms

• Patient often reports a fall onto an outstretched upper extremity, a fall onto a shoulder, or direct clavicular trauma.
• Pain, particularly with upper extremity movement
• Swelling
• Often, after the swelling has subsided the fracture can be felt through the skin.

External links

• About.com:Clavicle Fractures
• Emedicine:Clavicle Fractures