Clavicle Fracture Treatment, Symptom, Complications

Clavicle Fracture Treatment/Clavicle fracture is one of the most common injuries around the shoulder girdle [rx]. It has been reported that fractures of the clavicle account for approximately 2.6% of all fractures [rx]. Incidence in males is usually highest in the second and third decade which decreases thereafter as per age [rx]. In females, it is usually bimodal, with a peak incidence in young and elderly [rx]. Allman classified clavicle fractures into three groups based on their location along the bone. The middle-third fractures are most common and account for approximately 80–85% all clavicular fractures [rx].

Fractures of the clavicle are common injuries accounting for between 2.6 and 4% of adult fractures and 35% of injuries to the shoulder girdle [rx–rx]. Early reports of clavicle fractures date back to Hippocrates [rx], who noted that “when a fractured clavicle is fairly broken across it is more easily treated, but when broken obliquely it is more difficult to manage”.

Anatomy

The clavicle is the first bone in the human body to begin intramembranous ossification directly from mesenchyme during the fifth week of fetal life. Similar to all long bones, the clavicle has both a medial and lateral epiphysis. The growth plates of the medial and lateral clavicular epiphyses do not fuse until the age of 25 years [rx].

Peculiar among long bones is the clavicle’s S-shaped double curve, which is convex medially and concaves laterally. This contouring allows the clavicle to serve as a strut for the upper extremity, while also protecting and allowing the passage of the axillary vessels and brachial plexus medially. The cross-sectional geometry also changes along its course. It progresses from more tubular medially to flat laterally. This change of contour, which is most acute at the junction of the middle and outer thirds, may explain the frequency of fractures seen in this area [rx].

The lateral clavicle is anchored to the coracoid process by the coracoclavicular ligament, composed of the lateral trapezoid and medial conoid parts. The static joint stabilizers are the AC ligaments, controlling the horizontal stabilizer
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 The CC ligament controlling the vertical stability. The dynamic stabilizers are the deltoid and trapezius muscles. The trapezius muscle attaches at the dorsal aspect of the acromion, part of the anterior deltoid muscle inserts on the clavicle medial to the AC joint. Their force vectors prevent excessive superior migration of the distal clavicle after disruption of the AC and CC ligaments alone [rx].

The deltoid, trapezius and pectoralis major muscles have important attachments to the clavicle. The deltoid muscle inserts onto the anterior surface of the lateral third of the clavicle, and the trapezius muscle onto the posterior aspect. The pectoralis major muscle inserts onto the anterior surface of the medial two thirds.

Mechanism of Injury of Clavicle Fracture

With the exception of the rare pathologic fracture due to metastatic or metabolic disease, clavicle fractures are typically due to trauma [rx]. Younger individuals often sustain these injuries by way of moderate to high-energy mechanisms such as motor vehicle accidents or sports injuries, whereas elderly individuals are more likely to sustain injuries because of the sequela of a low-energy fall [rx]. Although a fall onto an outstretched hand was traditionally considered the common mechanism, it has been found that the clavicle most often fails in direct compression from the force applied directly to the shoulder. In a study of 122 consecutive patients, 87% clavicle injuries resulted from a fall onto the shoulder, 7% resulted from a direct blow, and 6% resulted from a fall onto an outstretched hand [rx].

Types of Beauty Bone Fracture

Classification

GROUP I – Middle third fractures (80%)

GROUP II – Distal third fractures (15%)

• Type I – Minimally displaced / inter ligamentous
• Type II – Displaced fractures, fracture medial to the coracoclavicular ligaments
  • IIA – Both ligaments (conoid and trapezoid) attached to the distal fragment
  • IIB – Conoid tore, trapezoid attached to the distal fragment
• Type III – Fractures involving articular surface
• Type IV – intact coracoclavicular ligaments attached to periosteal sleeve plus proximal fragment displaced
• Type V – Comminuted

GROUP III – Fracture of the proximal third (5%)

• Type I – Minimally displacement
• Type II – Displaced
• Type III – Intra-articular
• Type IV – Epiphyseal separation
• Type V – Comminuted

Classification by Robinson (Edinburgh classification)

ED managementthirdFollow-upMiddle

Causes of Clavicle Fracture

• Clavicle fractures  – are most often caused by a direct blow to the shoulder. This can happen during a fall onto the shoulder or a car collision. A fall onto an outstretched arm can also cause a clavicle fracture. In a baby, a clavicle fracture can occur during the passage through the birth canal.
• Sudden forceful  fall down
• Road traffic accident
• Falls – Falling onto an outstretched hand is one of the most common causes of a broken clavicle.
• Sports injuries – Many wrist fractures occur during contact sports or sports in which you might fall onto an outstretched hand — such as in-line skating or snowboarding.
• Motor vehicle crashes – Motor vehicle crashes can cause wrist bones to break, sometimes into many pieces, and often require surgical repair.
• Have osteoporosis – a disease that weakens your bones
• Eave low muscle mass or poor muscle strength – or lack agility and have poor balance (these conditions make you more likely to fall)
• Walk or do other activities in snow or on the ice – or do activities that require a lot of forwarding momenta, such as in-line skating and skiing
• Wave an inadequate – intake of calcium or vitamin D
• Football or soccer – especially on artificial turf
• Rugby
• Horseback riding
• Hockey
• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• In-line skating
• Jumping on a trampoline

Symptoms of Clavicle Fracture

• Pain – particularly with arm movement or on the front part of the upper chest
• Often – after the swelling has subsided, the fracture can be felt through the skin.
• Sharp pain – when any movement is made
• Referred pain – dull to extreme ache in and around clavicle area, including surrounding muscles
• Possible nausea – dizziness, and/or spotty vision due to extreme pain
• Bruising –  swelling, or bulging over your collarbone
• Decreased feeling – or a tingling feeling in your arm or fingers
• Swelling – ecchymosis, and tenderness may be noted over the clavicle
• Abrasion – over the clavicle may be noted, suggesting that the fracture was from a direct mechanism
• Crepitus from – the fracture ends rubbing against each other may be noted with gentle manipulation
• Difficulty breathing – or diminished breath sounds on the affected side may indicate a pulmonary injury, such as a pneumothorax
• Palpation of the scapula – and ribs may reveal a concomitant injury
• Tenting and blanching of the skin – at the fracture site may indicate an impending open fracture, which most often requires surgical stabilization
• The shoulder may appear shortened – relative to the opposite side and may droop
• Non-use – of the arm on the affected side is a neonatal presentation
• Associated distal nerve dysfunction indicates a brachial plexus injury
• Decreased pulses may indicate a subclavian artery injury
• Venous stasis discoloration and swelling indicate a subclavian venous injury.
• Pain where the broken bone is
• Having a hard time moving your shoulder or arm, and pain when you do move them
• A shoulder that seems to be sagging
• A cracking or grinding noise when you raise your arm
• The bone that is pushing against or through the skin
• The patient may cradle the injured extremity with the uninjured arm

Diagnosis of Clavicle Fracture

Physical Examination

• In a clavicle fracture, there is usually an obvious deformity, or “bump,” at the fracture site. Gentle pressure over the break will bring about pain. Although it is rare for a bone fragment to break through the skin, it may push the skin into a “tent” formation.
• During the physical examination, a dropped shoulder on the affected side, swelling, and hematoma at the middle third of the clavicle are usually observed. Often the fracture elements are palpable. Assessment of possible skin compromise and neurovascular status is important. In addition to the physical assessment, radiological assessment is part of the diagnostic workup.
• The basic method to check for a clavicle fracture is by an X-ray of the clavicle to determine the fracture type and extent of the injury. In former times, X-rays were taken of both clavicle bones for comparison purposes. Due to the curved shape in a tilted plane X-rays are typically oriented with ~15° upwards facing tilt from the front.^[rx]

Differential Diagnosis/ Associated Injuries

• Scapholunate ligament tear
• Median nerve injury
• TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) injury, up to 50% when ulnar styloid fx also present
• Carpal ligament injury – Scapholunate Instability(most common), lunotriquetral ligament
• Tendon injury, attritional EPL rupture, usually treated with EIP tendon transfer
• Compartment syndrome
• DRUJ (Distal Radial Ulnar Joint) Instability
• Galeazzi Fracture: highly associated with distal 1/3 radial shaft fractures^[rx]

Plain radiographs

• Radiographic imaging is important in diagnosis, classification, treatment and follow-up assessment of these fractures. The routine minimal evaluation for distal radius fractures must include two views-a postero-anterior (PA) view and lateral view.[rx]
• The PA view should be obtained with the humerus abducted 90 degrees from the chest wall, so that the elbow is at the same level as the shoulder and flexed 90 degrees.[rx] The palm is maintained flat against the cassette

Computed Tomography

• CT may be useful and can give significant information in comparison with that obtained with conventional radiography in the evaluation of complex or occult fractures, distal radial articular surface, distal radio-ulnar joint, ventromedial fracture fragment (as described by Melone),[rx] assessments of fracture healing as well as post-surgical evaluation.[rx]
• CT may be indicated for the confirmation of occult fractures suspected on the basis of physical examination when plain films are normal.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• Although this modality is not the first choice in evaluating acute distal radius fractures, it is a powerful diagnostic tool to assess bony, ligamentous and soft tissue abnormalities associated with these fractures.
• MRI has proved to be a very important diagnostic tool for delineating perforation of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC),[rx] perforation of interosseous ligaments of the proximal carpal row, evaluating occult fractures, post-traumatic or avascular necrosis of carpal bones.

Clavicle Fracture Treatment

Treatment available can be broadly

Medications

Medication can be prescribed to ease the pain. 

• Antibiotic – Cefuroxime or Azithromycin, or  Flucloxacillin or any others cephalosporin/quinolone antibiotic must be used to prevent infection or clotted blood remove to prevent furthers swelling and edema. Antibiotics and tetanus vaccination may be used if the bone breaks through the skin creating an open fracture.^[rx]
• Analgesics – Prescription-strength drugs that relieve pain but not inflammation.
•  Antidepressants – A Drugs that block pain messages from your brain and boost the effects of endorphins (your body’s natural painkillers).
• Corticosteroids – Also known as oral steroids, these medications reduce inflammation.
• Muscle Relaxants –  These medications provide relief from associated muscle spasms.
• Neuropathic Agents – Drugs(pregabalin & gabapentin) that address neuropathic—or nerve-related—pain. This includes burning, numbness, and tingling.
• Opioids – Also known as narcotics, these medications are intense pain relievers that should only be used under a doctor’s careful supervision.
• Topical Medications – These prescription-strength creams, gels, ointments, patches, and sprays help relieve pain and inflammation through the skin.
• NSAIDs – Prescription-strength drugs that reduce both pain and inflammation. Pain medicines and anti-inflammatory drugs help to relieve pain and stiffness, allowing for increased mobility and exercise. There are many common over-the-counter medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They include  and Ketorolac, Aceclofenac, naproxen
• Calcium & vitamin D3 – to improve bones health and healing fracture.
• Glucosamine & Diacerein, Chondroitin sulfate – can be used to tightening the loose tension, cartilage, ligament, and cartilage, ligament regenerate cartilage or inhabit the further degeneration of cartilage, ligament
• Corticosteroid- to healing the nerve inflammation and clotted blood in the joints.
• Dietary supplement -to remove general weakness & improved health.
• Cough Medication – Specially Cough expectorant syrup to elevate breathing problem or remove the lung congestion.

Surgery

The evidence for different types of surgery for breaks of the middle part of the clavicle is poor as of 2015.^[10]

Surgery is considered when one or more of the following conditions present.

• Comminution with separation (bone is broken into multiple pieces)
• Significant foreshortening of the clavicle (indicated by shoulder forward)
• Skin penetration (open fracture)
• Associated nervous and vascular trauma (brachial plexus or supraclavicular nerves)
• Nonunion after several months (3–6 months, typically)
• Displaced distal third fractures (high risk of nonunion)

Open reduction and internal fixation. This is the procedure most often used to treat clavicle fractures. During the procedure, the bone fragments are first repositioned (reduced) into their normal alignment. The pieces of bone are then held in place with special metal hardware.

Common methods of internal fixation include:

• Plates and screws – After being repositioned into their normal alignment, the bone fragments are held in place with special screws and metal plates attached to the outer surface of the bone. After surgery, you may notice a small patch of numb skin below the incision. This numbness will become less noticeable with time. Because the clavicle lies directly under the skin, you may be able to feel the plate through your skin.
• Pins or screws –  Pins or screws can also be used to hold the fracture in good position after the bone ends have been put back in place. The incisions for pin or screw placement are usually smaller than those used for plates.
  Pins or screws often irritate the skin where they have been inserted and are usually removed once the fracture has healed.
• Precontoured locking plates
• Hook plate
• Distal radius plates
• Coracoclavicular screws
• Flexible coracoclavicular fixation
• Arthroscopic treatment
• Intra-medullary fixation
• Tension band fixation

Complications

There are risks associated with any type of surgery. These include:

• Nonunion (1-5%)
• Infection (~4.8%)
• Pneumothorax
• Adhesive capsulitis
• 4% in the surgical group develop adhesive capsulitis requiring surgical intervention
• Bleeding
• Problems with wound healing
• Blood clots
• Damage to blood vessels or nerves
• Reaction to anesthesia
• Hardware prominence
• Malunion with cosmetic deformity
• Restriction of ROM
• The difficulty with bone healing
• Lung injury
• Hardware irritation
• Fracture comminution (Z deformity)
• Fracture displacement
• Increased fatigue with overhead activities
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Dissatisfaction with appearance
• The difficulty with shoulder straps, backpacks and the like
• ~30% of patient request plate removal
• Superior plates associated with increased irritation
• Superior plates associated with increased risk of subclavian artery or vein penetration
• Subclavian thrombosis

Rehabilitation of Beauty Bone Fracture

• A rehabilitation protocol was started after removal of the bandage in group 1 and immediately after plate fixation in group 2. Gentle pendulum exercises of the shoulder in the sling/arm pouch were allowed as per pain tolerance immediately after surgery in the surgically treated group and after 3 weeks in the conservative group.
• At 3 weeks, gentle active range of motion of the shoulder was allowed with abduction limiting to 90°. Subsequently, the active range of motion exercises that are to be performed at home is advised. At four to 6 weeks, active to an active assisted range of motion in all planes were allowed.
• When fracture union (defined as radiographic union with no pain or motion with manual stressing of the fracture) was evident, muscle strengthening exercises were also allowed. At eight to 12 weeks, isometric and isotonic exercises were prescribed to the shoulder girdle muscles with a return to full activities (including sports) at 3 months.
• Regular follow-up was done every fortnight for the initial 6 weeks, then at 06 weeks, 03 and 06 months using the patient’s subjective evaluation, functional outcome, and radiographic assessment. Patients’ subjective evaluation was investigated by direct interview at the follow-up visits. Functional outcome was graded on the standardized clinical evaluation and completion of the Constant and Murley score [rx].

References

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