Phil Holland Shoulder Consultant
What are the advantages of having my clavicle fracture fixed?
Having an operation to fix a clavicle fracture may reduce the risk of it not healing, provide pain relief and allow you to get back to normal activities quicker.
What are the risks of having my clavicle fracture fixed?
Sometimes the plate can be felt underneath the skin, it can be removed six months after surgery if it is causing irritiation. A numb patch on the front of the shoulder under the scar is common but isn't usually troublesome.
With surgery the clavicle is more likely to heal than without surgery, however, there is still a small risk of it not healing which would require another operation.
Uncommon but serious complications include infections and damage to the blood vessels underneath the clavicle.
Should I have my clavicle fracture fixed?
If your clavicle fracture is displaced or the clavicle is shortened by overlapping like in the X-rays below you should discuss surgery with an orthopaedic consultant.
Having an operation to fix a clavicle fracture may reduce the risk of it not healing, provide pain relief and allow you to get back to normal activities quicker.
What are the risks of having my clavicle fracture fixed?
Sometimes the plate can be felt underneath the skin, it can be removed six months after surgery if it is causing irritiation. A numb patch on the front of the shoulder under the scar is common but isn't usually troublesome.
With surgery the clavicle is more likely to heal than without surgery, however, there is still a small risk of it not healing which would require another operation.
Uncommon but serious complications include infections and damage to the blood vessels underneath the clavicle.
Should I have my clavicle fracture fixed?
If your clavicle fracture is displaced or the clavicle is shortened by overlapping like in the X-rays below you should discuss surgery with an orthopaedic consultant.
Does the clavicle always break in the middle?
Sometimes the clavicle breaks at the end near your shoulder. These are less likely to heal and so if it is displaced surgery should be considered.
When can I return to sport if I have my clavicle fracture fixed?
You can usually start lower limb training as soon as the wound has healed at 10 - 14 days. This must be in a controlled environment such as using as using a turbo trainer. Shoulder movements are usually encouraged from day one and weights start at six weeks.
Did you know?
Up to 3% of babies sustain a clavicle fracture from trauma during birth. These almost always heal with no intervention.
You can usually start lower limb training as soon as the wound has healed at 10 - 14 days. This must be in a controlled environment such as using as using a turbo trainer. Shoulder movements are usually encouraged from day one and weights start at six weeks.
Did you know?
Up to 3% of babies sustain a clavicle fracture from trauma during birth. These almost always heal with no intervention.