Shoulder Injury : Clavicle Fracture
The clavicle is one of the most frequently injured bones in the body and it is the most common birth-related fracture. The CLAVICLE, or "collar bone", is a relatively straight bone connecting the STERNUM (breast bone) and SCAPULA (shoulder blade). A review of shoulder injury: (general), is recommended.
The clavicle can be fractured through a direct blow to the area or, more commonly, by a fall onto the shoulder tip. In children, the clavicle may be fractured by a fall onto an extended arm.
Common symptoms include pain and swelling on the chest, mid-position between the neck and the shoulder. Signs of a clavicle fracture include; point tenderness, crepitation (feeling the bones grinding together), and swelling at the fracture site (usually mid-clavicle in children and closer to the shoulder in adults). Patients usually have pain while in a state of rest that intensifies with any movement of the shoulder joint.
Evaluation will include a physical examination for tenderness to palpation or crepitation at the fracture site. Nerve and blood vessel integrity will be checked to exclude any extended damage to these structures (this is rare with this fracture). Bone x-rays will show the fracture location, and any unwanted displacement of the fracture fragments.
Treatment involves ice packs to the affected area, and rest. The clavicle fracture is stabilized with a figure 8 dressing, clavicle strap, or a shoulder sling dressing. Total bone healing requires 6 weeks. Acetaminophen, aspirin, or anti-inflammatories can reduce pain. Stronger pain killers are required in most cases. Follow-up with an Orthopaedic Surgeon is necessary.
Hope this article will provide you information about shoulder Injury.
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