Clavicle Fracture

Clavicle Fracture is a topic covered in the 5-Minute Emergency Consult.

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Basics

Description

  • Clavicular fractures account for 5% of all fractures in all age groups
  • 80% of clavicular fractures involve the middle third
  • 15% occur in the distal third
  • 5% occur in the medial third
  • Classification
  • Group I: Middle third fractures
  • Group II: Distal third fractures:
    • Type I: Coracoclavicular ligaments are intact (nondisplaced)
    • Type II: Severing of the coracoclavicular ligaments (conoid)
    • Type III: Articular surface involvement of the acromioclavicular joint
  • Group III: Medial (proximal) third fractures

Etiology

Mechanism:
  • Direct trauma to the clavicle
  • Fall on the lateral shoulder
  • Fall on the outstretched hand

Pediatric Considerations
  • Most common of all pediatric fractures
  • May occur in newborns secondary to birth trauma


Geriatric Considerations
Geriatric patients who sustain a clavicular fracture may have difficulty performing activities of daily living. The patient's social and living situations should be assessed to determine a safe discharge plan that may require additional assistance at home


Pregnancy Considerations
Clavicular fractures are the result of direct trauma. Patients who are pregnant should be appropriately worked up for other injuries but also should receive fetal monitoring to ensure the health of the fetus. Even minor injuries can result in trauma or harm to the fetus

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Basics

Description

  • Clavicular fractures account for 5% of all fractures in all age groups
  • 80% of clavicular fractures involve the middle third
  • 15% occur in the distal third
  • 5% occur in the medial third
  • Classification
  • Group I: Middle third fractures
  • Group II: Distal third fractures:
    • Type I: Coracoclavicular ligaments are intact (nondisplaced)
    • Type II: Severing of the coracoclavicular ligaments (conoid)
    • Type III: Articular surface involvement of the acromioclavicular joint
  • Group III: Medial (proximal) third fractures

Etiology

Mechanism:
  • Direct trauma to the clavicle
  • Fall on the lateral shoulder
  • Fall on the outstretched hand

Pediatric Considerations
  • Most common of all pediatric fractures
  • May occur in newborns secondary to birth trauma


Geriatric Considerations
Geriatric patients who sustain a clavicular fracture may have difficulty performing activities of daily living. The patient's social and living situations should be assessed to determine a safe discharge plan that may require additional assistance at home


Pregnancy Considerations
Clavicular fractures are the result of direct trauma. Patients who are pregnant should be appropriately worked up for other injuries but also should receive fetal monitoring to ensure the health of the fetus. Even minor injuries can result in trauma or harm to the fetus

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