Accessibility Tools

Clavicle Fracture

Clavicle Fracture

Anatomy: The clavicle (or collarbone) acts as a strut to hold up the shoulder and connect it to the spine.

Injury: A fall onto the clavicle is the most common mechanism of fracture, often from a bicycle.

Diagnosis: Deformity may be readily apparent. Simple X-ray is diagnostic.

Treatment: For most mildly displaceD fractures only a sling is required and healing occurs at a high rate with generally excellent results. However in mid shaft fractures with marked displacement surgical treatment has been found to increase the healing rate, and probably improve function. I commonly perform surgery in these cases with custom designed plates that follow the contour of the clavicle. We have had uniformly excellent results, including in several NCAA division 1 athletes.

Credibility Logo

  • American Academy Regenerative Medicine
  • American Academy and Board of Regenerative Medicine
  • American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
  • isakos
  • Rush University Medical Center
  • American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery Academy
  • International Cartilage Repair Society