The clavicle connects the upper part of the sternum and the scapula, and forms part of the shoulder joint. Fracture of the clavicle is a relatively common fracture, especially in children and young adults.
Common causes of fracture of the clavicle are falls, sports injuries or injuries following a car accident. Sometimes even newborns experience a fracture of the clavicle during a complex birth.
Fracture of the clavicle requires early attention, usually in the emergency room. Although in many cases conservative treatment is sufficient, surgical fixation of the fracture is sometimes necessary to allow the bone to heal properly.
When should surgery be performed?
The most important component in the bone healing process is fixation, which allows the bone to coalesce. Therefore, in most cases it is necessary to use a sling. The duration of fixation varies depending on the location and severity of the fracture, but it ranges from six weeks to three months, depending on the age and nature of the injury.
If the fracture is an open fracture that involves significant displacement of the bone parts, or a number of fractures have developed as a result of the injury, the doctor may recommend surgical treatment for the fracture, which includes fixation using artificial fixers - plates, pins or screws - designed to maintain the correct bone position during recovery.
The course of the surgery
Surgery usually involves relocating the broken bone parts to their anatomical location and fixing them with metals, in order to prevent them from moving during the weeks of recovery. The most common surgery in this context involves open recurrence and internal fixation of the clavicle.
The operation is performed under general anesthesia and usually lasts about two hours.
Preparation for surgery
Prior to surgery, a thorough examination must be performed by an orthopedic specialist, and the preliminary examinations performed along with medical records must be examined.
In addition, a preliminary evaluation by an anesthesiologist must be performed. It is mandatory to be on a full food fast according to staff instructions.
Recovery and healing
Most fractures heal within a few weeks to three months. However, recovery varies from person to person and symptoms such as discomfort, pain, stiffness in the joint and even swelling, can last a long time.
Rehabilitation and physical therapy are an integral part of the recovery process. According to the recommendation of the attending physician, exercises to strengthen the shoulder should begin as early as the healing of the clavicle begins.
Possible complications
As with any surgery, possible complications such as infection, bleeding, damage to blood vessels or nearby nerves, pain and delay in healing the surgical wound may appear. Sometimes bone healing also takes longer than expected, and in some cases the metals used to fix the bone can cause local irritation and discomfort. In rare cases, a lung injury may occur, due to its proximity to the clavicle.
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