A 30-year-old member asked:
How is a clavicle fracture typically treated?
6 doctor answers • 21 doctors weighed in
Dr. Shivajee Nallamothuanswered
29 years experience
Strap or surgery: If there is minimal displacement then a clavicle strap is enough. If markedly displaced, then surgery would be appropriate. This would include a plate and screws or a small rod that would be placed inside the bone after aligning it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Mark Westonanswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 33 years experience
Sling: Sling pain control surgery rarely indicated.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Rahul Banerjeeanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 24 years experience
Non op or surgery: Clavicle fractures without much displacement or shortening are treated without surgery usually in a sling for comfort for a week or two then early range of motion of the shoulder. Displaced or shortened clavicle fractures may be treated with surgery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. G Jason Huntanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 18 years experience
Depends: The treatment of clavicle fractures widely varies depending on the location of the fracture, the amount of shortening of the clavicle, involvement of surrounding soft tissues, including the overlying skin. Lots of fractures can be treated with a sling and time, certain fractures have superior outcomes with surgical care.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
Dr. Jeffrey Wintanswered
Hand Surgery 37 years experience
Sling or strap: Is the traditional most common treatment
in recent years more open reduction and internal fixation is being done especially for significantly displaced fractures or those associated with poor positioning of the fragments or in so called high performace athletes involved in overhead activity. Surgery brings its own unique risks and benefits too.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
Dr. Bernard Bach Jranswered
Orthopedic Surgery 44 years experience
Non-surgically.: Most clavicle fracture heal uneventfully, with 6-8 weeks of rest. However, there are some fracture patterns that may be better treated surgically. Consult a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon,. who specializes in shoulders.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
Last updated May 2, 2016
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