Introduction:
A long, doubly curved bone that connects the arm to the body's trunk is known as the collarbone. An individual can freely hang the component because this bone is placed directly above the first rib, which acts as a strut and keeps the scapula in place. It divides into three parts: medial end, lateral end, and shaft. The rounded medial end of the clavicle articulates with the manubrium of the sternum at the sternoclavicular joint. And it communicates with acromion at its flattened lateral end through the scapula (shoulder blade) at the acromioclavicular joint.
A collar bone connecting to a part of the shoulder bone (scapula) through a cartilage is called the acromion. And this connection is called the acromioclavicular joint. At the sternoclavicular joint, the other end of the collarbone connects to the sternum. Sudden pain in the collarbone may occur as a result of an accident, sports injury, or other trauma. During this time, a person should go to an emergency room. If someone notices a duller discomfort growing in one of their clavicle bones, they should see a doctor.
How Does Collar Bone Fracture Occur in an Individual?
When the collarbone receives forces or pressure, then it leads to collarbone fracture. And a few common causes of this fracture include:
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Injuries in Sports: When a direct blow to the shoulder on the field, court, or rink causes damage to the clavicle.
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Falls: A fracture can occur when a person falls onto a shoulder or an outstretched arm.
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Birth Injury or Accidents: It happens at times during vaginal birth. While going down the delivery canal, the newborn may break his or her collarbone or sustain an injury.
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Accidents During Traffic: Car, bike, or motorcycle accidents also cause collarbone fractures.
How to Diagnose a Collarbone Fracture, and What Are Its Symptoms?
Diagnosis of Collarbone Fracture:
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If a person suspects they have a collarbone fracture, they should seek emergency medical help. The doctor or health care professional then asks the individual the following questions:
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People will be able to tell the details of how they sustained their injuries.
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The doctor then thoroughly examines the region.
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An x-ray will be requested to confirm the broken bone at the affected spot. Knowing where the fracture is and how severe it is aids in determining whether there are any further broken bones nearby.
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If a joint or artery is damaged, the individual's healthcare professional can perform additional tests.
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CT Scans: Detailed photos of fractures can be obtained fast. The CT scan utilized for this is more advanced than the X-rays.
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Ultrasound: This employs sound waves to create images of the inside of the body.
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Arteriography or Arteriogram: With the method of using X-rays and dyes, the inside part of the bone is visible.
Symptoms of Collarbone Fracture:
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People report intense discomfort in that location, which worsens when they move it.
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There will be a grinding or snapping sound when the bone breaks.
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Because there is no longer any extended bone support, the shoulder will protrude or sag down.
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Individuals have difficulty moving or lifting their arms, and they may experience a grinding sensation.
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The bulge can be seen through the skin at the site of the injury.
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There may also be bruising, swelling, or pain in the region of the injury.
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When the bone pokes the extent of the damage, there is very little bleeding.
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People may also suffer numbness or tingling at the location of the damage on a less frequent basis.
What Steps Does the Individual Need to Follow During the Management and Treatment of Collarbone Fractures?
Immediately individuals should follow these steps when they break their collarbone.
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To stop the movement of the injured bone, individuals must put their arms in a sling. One can easily create the sling with a cloth like a towel or a shirt.
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Individuals should apply ice to the injured part to reduce pain and swelling.
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The individual should take pain medicines to counter the pain in the injured part like non-steroidal inflammatory drugs. For example, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, or Naproxen, and it does not interfere with other medication of an individual.
A Healthcare Provider Gives Guidelines to Treat Fracture Collarbone:
Usually, people will not undergo surgery for clavicle or collarbone fractures. Healthcare providers provide specific guidelines to heal the broken part of the bone, which is in already good position are:
The Support to the Arm:
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A sling helps the user feel more comfortable during the healing process, and it also helps to prevent damaged bone components during movement.
Usage of Medicine:
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As the bone heals, the counter medicine helps to relieve pain.
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Fewer healthcare providers prescribe more strong medicines, such as opiates, for a limited time. People should only use it if required, even if they are at risk of drug addiction.
Physical Therapy:
A physical therapist can teach specific exercises that can assist in strengthening the shoulder and avoid stiffness, as well as enhance the motion of the individual's arm.
Exercises will be performed in the physical therapist's office, at home, or both.
When an Individual With a Collarbone Fracture Needs Surgery?
To treat broken collarbones, sometimes people need surgery. Like when:
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There are apparent bone fractures through the skin.
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When the healing process is not favorable for the broken collarbone.
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Blood vessels and nerves are damaged.
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Open reduction and internal fixation are only performed during the surgical procedure to treat the fractured collar bone.
Collar Bone Pain:
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Through a reduction process, the operation puts the collarbone back where it belongs.
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Metal devices are used through fixation by keeping these bones in place.
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An orthopedic surgeon may perform the procedure.
Usage of Plates and Screws:
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The outer surface of the bone is attached to plates and screws.
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After the bone heals also, the hardware is usually not removed after the bone heals (it usually happens a year or more after the surgery).
Usage of Pins and Screws:
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These pins or screws are present through the bone.
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Usually, they remove it once the fracture has healed.
Conclusion:
Typically, muscle or bone discomfort causes collarbone pain, which might be caused by an accident or a specific sleeping posture. Even if it is a symptom of underlying illnesses such as osteoarthritis or osteomyelitis, collarbone discomfort can often migrate to the shoulder area, causing pain in both the collarbone and the shoulder. It frequently happens as a result of an injury, such as a fall. Along with breathing, one may note that collarbone pain worsens from time to time. It happens because when a person takes a big breath, the chest expands, causing the collarbone to move. Individuals should see a doctor if the pain is unbearable and lasts for more than one or two days, indicating that it requires medical attention.
