What is a clavicle fracture?
The clavicle, also known as the collarbone, is an important long bone that connects the chest and shoulder bones. This bone is commonly fractured by active individuals, especially those who engage in sports such as gymnastics, football, basketball, skiing, mountain biking, and other sporting activities. The most common way a collar bone is fractured is when someone falls onto their outstretched arm or shoulder, or other direct trauma to the bone. Clavicle fractures can occur in a large variety of ways and are commonly treated through clavicle fracture fixation surgery. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic shoulder specialist, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who have experienced a clavicle fracture.
Do I have to have surgery to fix a clavicle fracture?
In the past, most clavicle fractures were treated without the use of surgery. This may still be an option for patients with a clavicle fracture that retains its normal positioning within the body or is minimally displaced. However, clavicle fracture fixation surgery is typically recommended for patients with severe clavicle fractures where the bone is significantly displaced, if the ends of the fracture overlap or have a large space in-between, or if there is a concern of nerve involvement such as numbness in the arm. In these cases, surgery may be necessary to return the collar bone to normal anatomic positioning to allow it to heal properly and result in the best outcome for the patient.
How is a clavicle fracture fixation done?
A clavicle fracture fixation is typically performed using an incision over the collarbone. It is sometimes referred to as an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure. During this treatment, Dr. Lamplot will first realign (reduce) the clavicle into its normal anatomical position. He will then secure the bones into place using metal hardware which includes a plate and screws. The specific hardware necessary to perform a clavicle fracture fixation will vary based on the type of fracture the patient has. Dr. Lamplot will select the hardware that will best secure the patient’s injury and best allow the bones to heal. The hardware works to hold the bone segments in place and allow them to fuse together. Occasionally, Dr. Lamplot will be able to remove the metal hardware after the clavicle is completely healed at the patient’s request if it results in any prolonged discomfort, although this is not usually required.
What is the recovery like after a clavicle fracture fixation?
Dr. Lamplot will provide each patient with specific recovery times and instructions based on the complexity of their initial injury and the surgery that was performed. Immediately following clavicle fracture fixation surgery, patients will feel more stability in the region of their clavicle. A sling will need to be worn for approximately 3 weeks following surgery to allow the bones to heal properly. Patients with more complex fractures may be required to wear a sling for a longer period of time. Most patients will begin an individually tailored physical therapy program after this time to increase the strength and range of motion of the shoulder joint. Full recovery and return to normal activities including weight-bearing exercise are expected to be achieved after approximately 3 months.
Clavicle Fracture Repair Surgeon
Do you participate in contact sports like hockey, football, rugby or soccer? These types of athletic activities can cause a fracture to the collarbone or clavicle. A displaced clavicle fracture, where the bones are no longer aligned, requires surgery to help it heal properly. Clavicle fracture fixation surgeon, Doctor Joseph D. Lamplot, provides diagnosis as well as surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL who have broken their clavicle or collarbone. Contact Dr. Lamplot’s team today!
