Fracture of Clavicle: Causes, Clinical feature ( signs & symptoms) Treatment, Complication

 

Fracture of Clavicle:

 

 

Causes of Fracture of Clavicle:

 

1.    Fracture to the middle third (80%). Due to direct violence common in children and young adult.
2.    Fracture to the lateral third (15%). Due to indirect force as in outstretched hand.
3.    Fracture can also occur in inner third (5%) cases.
4.    Green stick fracture may occur in children.

 

 

 

Clinical features of Fracture of Clavicle:

 

A.   symptoms

1.    Pain at the local site.

2.    History of trauma may be present.

3.    Inability to lift weight.

4.    Pain during movement of upper limb.

 

 

B.   Signs

1.    Tenderness.

2.    Obvious angulation of the clavicle at the fracture site.

3.    Deformity of the supra-clavicular fossa.

4.    Crepitus may be felt.

5.    Drooping of the affected shoulder.

6.    X-ray to confirm diagnosis.

 

 

 

Treatment of Fracture of Clavicle:

 

1.    Reduction is unnecessary as it is impossible to hold the reduction.

2.    Coller and calf sling for minimum four weeks.

3.    Early mobilization-Daily for some time.

4.    Open reduction and internal fixation bone grafting is rarely done in non-union cases.

 

 

 

 

Complications of Fracture of Clavicle:

 

1.    Injury to brachial plexus.

2.    Injury to axillaries artery.

3.    Non-union or delayed union.