How Does a Clavicle Fracture Occur?
A clavicle fracture can occur after a fall on the shoulder. Common causes of injury include high-impact sports such as skiing, mountain biking, martial arts, and motorsports. Men are therefore more frequently affected than women. In cases of severely displaced fractures, clavicle fracture surgery is necessary.
In a clavicle fracture, the bone usually breaks in the middle third. Besides severe pain, a deformation of the shoulder girdle can be observed externally.
Diagnosis
A clavicle fracture is diagnosed using X-rays. Further examinations are only necessary in exceptional cases.
Clavicle fractures are classified as follows:
- Intermediate fractures => centrally located => most common
- Lateral fractures => externally located => second most common
- Medial fractures => very internally located => rare
Clavicle Fracture Conservative Treatment
Hairline cracks or only minimally displaced fractures can be treated with an arm sling and do not require surgery.
Clavicle Fracture Surgery
Surgery is necessary for a massively displaced or shortened fracture. The further apart the bone fragments are, the higher the risk that the bones will not unite properly without surgery.
During clavicle fracture surgery, after reduction of the fracture, fixation is performed using a titanium plate or titanium nail.
If inadequate therapy leads to malunion, a pseudarthrosis, persistent pain and impaired function result.
As a result, you cannot use your arm or shoulder without pain. A clavicle pseudarthrosis requires surgical therapy. In this procedure, the malunited area is removed and replaced with a bone graft. Finally, a metal plate stabilizes the clavicle. The special anatomically pre-formed plates are individually adjusted to ensure optimal implant fit.
Clavicle Fracture Surgery Aftercare
An arm sling relieves the arm after surgery. This reduces pain and allows the wound to heal undisturbed. Physiotherapy and shoulder movement should begin immediately after clavicle fracture surgery, as the shoulder is stabilized by the plate. The sooner you start therapy, the sooner you will regain pain-free mobility.
Are you looking for an experienced shoulder specialist in Vienna? Do not hesitate to contact me. My practice in the Wiener Privatklinik is centrally located in the 9th district of Vienna.
Dr. Mark Schurz
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