Fracture Clavicle, Bone, Accident, Shoulder, Joint

Fractured clavicle is a common injury, but it usually does not cause serious harm or complications, except for when the bone heals abnormally and protrudes, which makes it not smooth like normal.

Fractured clavicles often occur when a person falls and lands on their hands or feet during an accident or is directly hit in the clavicle area. Symptoms of a fractured clavicle include pain, especially when moving the shoulder, moving the arm, or breathing deeply. There may also be swelling, tenderness, or clicking sounds when moving the fractured bone.

            There are various methods for treating a fractured clavicle, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Doctors will recommend a suitable treatment for each patient, so it is important to consult with and ask for details from the treating physician about the pros and cons of each treatment option. If choosing another method of treatment, patients should also consider the potential consequences. Ultimately, the decision on which treatment method to choose must be made by the patient themselves.

Treatment guidelines for a broken bone:

1. Non-surgical methods:

• Most patients with a broken bone do not need surgery and can be treated with medication to reduce pain and inflammation, and muscle relaxants.
• Shoulder supports such as triangular bandages or figure-eight shoulder straps can be used to reduce bone movement and alleviate pain. The aim of using these supports is to reduce pain, not to try to make the bone heal perfectly. Therefore, after the treatment is complete, the bone may be slightly misaligned, but this usually does not affect its function.
• The shoulder supports are usually worn for about 4-6 weeks. However, they can be removed intermittently, such as during bathing or sleeping, but there may be some pain when moving the shoulder.

2. Surgical methods: There are two types of surgical methods that can be used to treat a broken bone:

2.1. Surgery to clean the wound without inserting any metal, followed by the use of shoulder support.

2.2. Surgery that involves inserting metal to hold the bone in place. There are various types of metal used, such as wires, metal plates, or metal rods.

Indications that should be treated by surgery:

• • Multiple broken bones or fractures that involve joints
  • Significant movement of the broken bone
  • Open wound that exposes the broken bone
  • Bone not properly aligned and causing pain when moving the shoulder

Abnormal symptoms that require urgent medical attention:

1. Swollen hand, numbness in the fingers, or weakness in the arm
2. Severe shoulder or arm pain that does not improve with painkillers
3. High fever, swelling or pus in the wound, and severe pain

Source: Thaiclinic.com