Broken Collarbone Repair
Treatment options for clavicle fractures in Asheville
The clavicle, which is also known as the collarbone, is one of the bones that is fractured most often. The injury may occur as the result of falling directly on the shoulder. People may also fracture their clavicle if they attempt to catch themselves while they are falling.
Breaking the clavicle can be quite painful. The clavicle is located next to the blood vessels, lungs, and important nerves, which can cause arm numbness and shortness of breath. Due to these alarming symptoms, many people will go to the emergency room right after they break their clavicle.
How is a broken collarbone treated?
In many cases, a broken clavicle can be treated without surgery. Under the care of an experienced orthopedic surgeon or sports medicine specialist, clavicle fractures can usually heal on their own. Good attention to your doctor’s instructions for recovery and activity restriction are essential to ensure the bone heals properly.
Severe clavicle fractures, or those that do not heal properly, may require surgery. Surgery typically requires the placement of screws and a plate, which will help the clavicle heal. Clavicle fracture repair surgery can be safely performed in both children and adults, although the techniques may differ significantly to ensure that the shoulder continues to remain healthy as a child grows.
Our Asheville board certified orthopedic surgeons specialize in hand-to-shoulder injuries.
If you or your child has experienced a collarbone injury, contact our office at Carolina Hand & Sports Medicine. Our highly experienced physicians and staff offer compassionate care, advanced therapy options, and expertise you can trust.