What is a clavicle (collar bone) fracture?
A fracture or break in a bone generally occurs secondary to trauma from a fall, commonly during sports such as cycling, and following a direct impact to the shoulder. These fractures can be simple two-part fractures, but in some instances, the bone can fracture in multiple places.
What are the symptoms of a clavicle fracture?
Patients develop immediate pain and swelling and there can be a visible deformity or prominence of the fracture end under the skin. There can be associated grazing of the skin over the clavicle. The patient will have limited use of the arm in the acute phase and continued pain and potentially poor function until the fracture heals.
How is it diagnosed?
It is diagnosed by taking a careful history and performing a detailed examination. There can also be other associated injuries of the shoulder, including scapula fractures, which can occur with trauma in this area, and the clinician will carefully exclude.
Shoulder X-ray and CT imaging in selected cases can be useful to exclude other potential injuries and to further assess the fracture, particularly in cases where surgical management is required. The investigations will help to inform the clinician regarding treatment plans.
How is it treated?
Treatment begins with symptomatic management using pain killers, and a sling for support and immobilization of the fracture.
The position of the fracture, and the degree of trauma associated, help to guide the patient and clinician with regards to the need for surgery. The demands of the patient both for their occupation and for sporting activities are a key component of making this decision. Surgery can provide the patient with a more predictable and earlier return to work and sporting activities and leads to a healing rate of around 99% of fractures at one year.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury or is experiencing pain in their shoulder or difficulty with moving the shoulder, arm or elbow and would like a consultant-led review, please contact us. Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of ACJ injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
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Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of should & elbow -related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
SHOULDER & ELBOW CONDITIONS
If you would like to learn about other shoulder & elbow conditions click the button below to find out more
SHOULDER & ELBOW TREATMENTS
If you would like to learn about other shoulder & elbow treatments click the button below to find out more
our specialist shoulder and elbow consultants
Shoulder and Elbow care at Grosvenor Orthopaedics is led by our consultant surgeons Mr W James White and Mr David Butt, both graduates of London medical colleges. They bring extensive experience to Grosvenor Orthopaedics having worked across Guys NHS Trust and the world renowned Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.
Our team have broad experience in the successful treatment of a range of shoulder and elbow problems, addressing both young and sports related injuries as well as those relating to trauma, disease process and genetics.
Patients who choose Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners for their treatment will receive some of the best care available in the UK. Our team are leading consultants across London’s shoulder and elbow clinics and offer specialist care to our private patients through King Edward’s Hospital, HCA Lister and other major private hospitals in central London.
Our team are well placed to manage and treat a diverse range of shoulder and elbow problems utilising cutting edge diagnostic technology and treatment approaches, both surgical and conservative. Below is an overview of some of the conditions we treat but for a more thorough understanding please contact our team here
MR W JAMES WHITE
Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon
MR DAVID BUTT
Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon
What some of our patients say
Miss NN
Thank you and please accept my gratitude for a successful knee surgery and overall a very positive experience. This gold medal is for you!