Claviclefractures, or brokencollarbones, are typically treatedwithout surgery.
There are reasons for either treatment approach.
It will help you to better understand the benefits and risks of your treatment options.
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The clavicle is the bone in the front of the chest on top of the rib cage.
The inner part of the bone, near the sternum (breastbone) is usually broken with direct force.
People can often see a deformity of the bone, especially soon after the injury before swelling has worsened.
Over time, bruising may show up around the fracture site and even into the chest and arm.
When Not to Have Surgery
Most clavicle fractures can be treated without surgery.
Surgery is invasive and may lead to complications.
Surgery can have its advantages, but there are also risks of surgery that should not be ignored.
Studies have found that the risk of nonunion is high when the fracture is poorly aligned.
Surgery may improve healing in these specific cases.
It was once thought that injuries undergoing nonsurgical treatment had a higher chance of healing.
Experts now believe that surgery will lead to more predictable healing with a lower chance of nonunion.
Complications
When contemplating surgery, the possible disadvantages also need to be considered.
Infection
Infection of hardware can cause significant problems.
Because the metal hardware is close to the skin, the chance of infection is not insignificant.
Many people who have clavicle fracture surgery notice a patch of numbness or tingling just under their incision.
Over time, it may become smaller and less noticeable, but it tends to persist.
Summary
Clavicle fractures are common injuries and will often heal without surgery.
Your orthopedic surgeon can help you decide the most appropriate treatment for your fractured collarbone.
Treatment without surgery is typically successful, too.
It’s best to learn about the options and advocate for your own care.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Clavicle fractures.
National Library of Medicine.Clavicle fractures.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Clavicle fracture open reduction and internal fixation.
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