Table of Contents
- 1 Why does a fracture of the clavicle usually occur in the mid region of the bone?
- 2 What is the most common pattern of fracture of the clavicle?
- 3 What major body structure is of most concern with clavicle fractures?
- 4 Is the collarbone the worst bone to break?
- 5 What does a fractured clavicle look like?
- 6 What is the appropriate treatment for a clavicular fracture?
Why does a fracture of the clavicle usually occur in the mid region of the bone?
Clavicle fractures usually occur at the junction (midshaft) between these two curves, most likely because this area lacks ligamentous attachments to adjacent bones and is the bone’s thinnest segment.
What is the most common pattern of fracture of the clavicle?
Mid-shaft clavicle [1, 3] fractures are most common, with an incidence of up to 82\% of all clavicle fractures. Medial and lateral end fractures account for approximately 18 and 2\% respectively [3]. The location and pattern of injury are of considerable importance when formulating a management plan.
Why is a fracture of the clavicle usually more noticeable?
A clavicle fracture is typically associated with extreme pain, and arm movement is difficult. The clavicle bone lies just beneath the skin, so a fracture usually causes an obvious protrusion or bump at the fracture site, along with swelling.
What major body structure is of most concern with clavicle fractures?
Structure and Function The inflexion point – the middle of the S – is the portion of the bone most prone to fracture. The pectoralis major, sternocleidomastoid and deltoid muscles originate from the clavicle and the trapezius inserts on it (Figure 1).
Is the collarbone the worst bone to break?
Any break is a pain, but some hurt more than others. Fragile bones like the collarbone are the most likely to break and sometimes they’re the most painful too. Many bone breaks are extra painful because they take a long time to heal and are a huge inconvenience.
Why is the clavicle at risk to fracture?
The clavicle is easily fractured because of its subcutaneous, relatively anterior location and frequent exposure to transmitted forces. The middle third, or midshaft, is the thinnest, least medullous area of the clavicle, and thus the most easily fractured; the lack of muscular and ligamentous support makes it vulnerable to injury.
What does a fractured clavicle look like?
Symptoms of a fractured collarbone include a pop or click sound and feeling when the collarbone breaks, followed by sharp pain. The area will hurt when the arm is moved. The skin over the break may bulge outward, and there may be bruising.
What is the appropriate treatment for a clavicular fracture?
Most clavicle fractures can be treated without surgery. For the vast majority of clavicle fractures that are not out of place, or only minimally out of place, the safest and most effective treatment is with the use of a sling.