Collarbone (Clavicle) Fractures
The collarbone (clavicle) connects the shoulder blade to the chest wall. Clavicular fractures occur with direct contact trauma such as football injuries, bicycle accidents, and motor vehicular accidents. Alternatively, indirect trauma caused by falling on an outstretched hand can compress the clavicle and cause a fracture. Symptoms of a clavicle fracture are characterized as immediate onset of sharp pain and swelling. The patient may notice a prominence or deformity over the mid clavicle directly under the skin. The diagnosis of a clavicular fracture can be made with physical examination by a physician and usually confirmed with an XR.
Recommendations:
- Consult a physician if you think you sustained a clavicle fracture
- Acute treatment starts with reduction of inflammation - RICE regimen (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Stretch before, during, and after an activity, to allow for more joint pliability
- Immobilization of the shoulder take place in an Arm Sling and/or Shoulder Immobilizer or Figure of Eight Splint
- Shoulder pads have been shown to make a tremendous difference in preventing clavicle fractures