Can a broken collarbone cause problems later in life?
A Collarbone Fracture is not life threatening but can impact a patient’s quality of life and function. Short Term – to pain, sleep disturbance and disability. Long Term – to malunion or non-union, that can result in ongoing pain and loss of function .
Can a clavicle fracture be life threatening?
While the overwhelming majority of clavicle fractures are benign, there is a possibility of associated, life-threatening intrathoracic injuries. Kendall et al reported a fatality from an isolated clavicle fracture from transection of the subclavian artery, the first such report in the literature.
What happens if collar bone breaks?
Complications, when they occur, might include: Nerve or blood vessel injury. The jagged ends of a broken collarbone may injure nearby nerves and blood vessels. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice numbness or coldness in your arm or hand.
What happens if a broken collar bone goes untreated?
When a bone fracture is untreated, it can result in either a nonunion or a delayed union. In the former case, the bone doesn’t heal at all, which means that it will remain broken. As a result, swelling, tenderness, and pain will continue to worsen over time.
What is Malunion fracture?
After a bone is broken (fractured), the body will start the healing process. If the two ends of the broken bone are not lined up properly, the bone can heal with a deformity called a malunion. A malunion fracture occurs when a large space between the displaced ends of the bone have been filled in by new bone.
Why is the collarbone The most commonly broken bone?
Because of the critical location of the clavicle, any severe force on the shoulder, such as falling directly onto the shoulder or falling on an outstretched arm, transfers force to the clavicle. As a result, the collarbone is one of the most commonly broken bones in the body.
What are the complications of a clavicle fracture?
Displaced or comminuted clavicle fractures are associated with complications such as subclavian vessels injury, hemopneumothorax, brachial plexus paresis, nonunion, malunion, posttraumatic arthritis, refracture, and other complications related to osteosynthesis.
Is it OK to walk with a broken collarbone?
Within a few days of the fracture you should be able to move your fingers, wrist and elbow without too much discomfort. As the pain in the clavicle area improves you should be able to begin moving the shoulder joint a little to prevent the joint from tightening up too much.
Does a broken collarbone need surgery?
Most clavicle fractures don’t need surgery. If the broken parts of the bone are in a good position to heal, healthcare providers may recommend: Arm support: A sling can help you feel more comfortable as you heal. It can also prevent broken parts of bone from moving around.
Can a broken collarbone heal on its own?
Usually a broken collarbone will heal on its own. You just need to give it time. To help speed the healing, you might get: A splint or brace to keep your shoulder from moving.
How long should you wear a sling after breaking your collarbone?
Your treatment plan You will be given a sling to support your arm; this should be used for 2 to 6 weeks whilst the injury heals. Wear the sling during the day but remove it for exercises and personal hygiene. You can wear it at night time if you find it more comfortable but you don’t have to.
Can you fix a malunion collarbone?
Operative treatment. The only way to prevent a malunion in a dislocated midshaft clavicle fracture is an open reduction with internal fixation or a percutaneous procedure. We will discuss the 2 types of fixation that are most commonly used: plate fixation and intramedullary fixation.