Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collar Bone)
Description
The clavicle (collar bone) connects the shoulder to the chest bone. A fracture is a broken bone. The clavicle is frequently broken when a patient falls landing on the outside of the shoulder. The clavicle can also be fractured from a direct blow. Severe fractures can cause damage to the nerve or blood vessels of he arm.
Symptoms
Shoulder pain, deformity of the collar bone, shoulder pain with movement, arm numbness, arm weakness, bruising over collar bone, tenderness of collar bone.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be done. An xray will confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Most clavicle fractures can be treated by placing the arm in a sling or shoulder immobilizer. Severe fractures may require surgery. Fractures with the bone protruding through the skin will require surgery to clean out the wound. Pain medications will be prescribed.
Related Videos
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Clavicle fracture (Broken collar bone)?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.