Clavicle Fracture Surgery
Overview
You might have fallen, experienced a sports injury, or trauma from a traffic accident recently. Now you’re experiencing pain when you move your shoulder, and you might see swelling around the base of your neck and tops of your shoulders. While clavicle fractures are common, it’s seen in males 70% of the time. On average the patient for a clavicle fracture is 33 years old, but no matter what your age Orlando Hand Surgery Associates can help you with this condition through our Clavicle Fracture Surgery.
How to Prepare for Clavicle Fracture Surgery
Before the surgery, you likely may have already gotten an X-ray of your clavicle. You will need to stop taking all blood thinners two weeks before surgery, and you will be asked not to eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery. You may want to arrange for help since you might not be able to drive for several weeks after surgery. Gather your loose-fitting shirts and button or zip in the front (avoid shirts that need to be pulled overhead). Prepare your home by gathering items frequently stored overhead at counter level and stock up on easy to prepare meals. Depending on your home life, you may also consider getting tools to assist you in the shower. Some patients prefer to get a shower chair or a detachable showerhead.
Procedure
Our clavicle fracture surgery will occur in an operating room and you will receive general anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort throughout the operation. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is the most common surgery used when treating clavicle fractures. First, we will put the bone fragments into their normal alignment. Then the pieces will be held in place with special metal hardware. Finally, we will close the layers of skin and the muscle surrounding your clavicle.
Recovery
Post-surgery we may send you home with an at-home exercise guide or request that you work with a physical therapist. We ask that you begin exercising using no weights, just gentle motions while we will gradually add weight as your fracture heals. Most people can return to all their normal activities within a few months.
Efficacy
(Coming Soon)
Complications
Some rare complications may occur during this surgery like broken screws or plates, infection, damage to an artery or vein, nerve damage, bone misalignment, injury to the lunch, and complications from anesthesia.
Outlook
Only 20-25% of patients complain of a decrease in shoulder and arm strength at their five-year follow-up.