When Do You Need Surgery?
There are some severe cases of clavicle fractures that will require surgery, examples include:
- If the nerves or blood vessels sustain damage.
- Skin-piercing fractures occur.
- Collarbone fragments are not in a good place to repair.
Open reduction and internal fixation surgery is used to treat clavicle fractures. Broken collarbone fragments are reduced (placed back in their proper place) through surgery. Then, it fixes the components in position using metal devices. The surgery could be carried out by an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in bone and muscle injuries by using:
- Plate and screws: the exterior surfaces of the bone are secured with plates and screws. If the hardware causes pain (which typically occurs a year or more after the surgery), it will typically not be removed once the bone has healed.
- Screws or pins inserted into the bone: Once the fracture has healed, they are often removed.
Preventing Clavicle Fracture
Clavicle fractures occur due to an accident, making it difficult to avoid. However, the following can help you keep your bones safer.
- Drive carefully and buckle up whenever you are in a car.
- Consume a diet that is well-balanced and high in calcium to maintain strong bones.
- Use proper technique and body placement when engaging in any sport or activity (such as biking).
- When engaging in hobbies or sports, wear protective equipment.