What is a fractured clavicle?
The Clavicle, commonly referred to as the Collar bone, is a smaller bone running horizontally between the top of the sternum on your chest to the acromion at the top of your shoulder blade. It is a slender bone and is prone to fracture if exposed to excessive forces, typically around the middle of the shaft. A fracture is any break in continuity of the bone and can range in severity from a small crack to a complete break.
What causes a fractured clavicle?
It is possible to fracture the clavicle in a number of ways involving high impact forces applied directly to the shoulder. The two most biomechanically simple ways to cause a fracture is either a fall laterally, directly onto the acromion, referring the impact force into the clavicle. Or, falling forwards onto an outstretched arm, which again refers the ground force up through the shoulder to the clavicle. These types of impact are most commonly seen during contact sports where there are frequent collisions and falls.
Above: Gentle upper body strengthening and range of motion exercises are advised following a fractures clavivle in order to regain strength.
What are the symptoms of a fractured clavicle?
There are a number of symptoms that indicate a fracture of the clavicle. However, as a clavicle fracture is usually very painful and the bone shape clearly visible under the skins surface, it is usually obvious when a fracture has occurred. Although, partial micro fractures may not be as clear and will share some symptoms with severe sprains.
- Clavicle fracture symptoms may include;
- Sharp onset of pain at the time of injury or when the shoulder is moved.
- Obvious deformity in the normal direction and shape of the bone.
- Swelling of the soft tissues around the clavicle and shoulder.
- Redness or discolouration that can deepen to bruising over the site of injury.
- Stiffness that can spread through the shoulder and neck.
- Tenderness when pressing the soft tissues over the site of injury.
- Palpable break as the bone is close to surface skin.
-
Limited shoulder joint mobility, due to pain.
How is a fractured clavicle diagnosed?
If you are experiencing some of the above symptoms and suspect you may have a clavicle fracture you should seek medical attention immediately. A doctor will confirm a diagnosis of clavicle fracture, usually with the support of an x-ray to confirm the severity of damage.
Above: Assessment of the clavicle following a recent fracture.
For more information on how Physiotherapy can help treat a fractured clavicle, or to book yourself an appointment, please email us at
office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk
or ring us on
0151 558 0077.
What would a physiotherapy assessment for frozen shoulder involve?
If you book in for an appointment, the first session would be spent doing a comprehensive assessment before deciding on an appropriate treatment plan. Our physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio will divide this into two parts:
Subjective
A discussion between you and our Physiotherapist to find out where in your shoulder the pain is, how long it has been there, what activities aggravate and ease your symptoms and how your injury is affecting you and your lifestyle.
Objective
An assessment of your pain, range of movement, muscle strength and a series of special tests to rule out other possible conditions.
What would Physiotherapy Treatment for a fractured clavicle involve?
Following a diagnosis of fractured clavicle the bone will need to be immobilised in the correct position to allow healing to begin. If the fracture was complete and the bones displaced you may require minor surgery to realign and pin the bone in place, your doctor will decide if this is necessary. The clavicle fracture will need to remain immobilised for a period of 4 to 6 weeks after the initial injury. The shoulder will be supported during this period with the use of a traditional or figure 8 sling.
During this early phase of treatment your physiotherapist will give you gentle shoulder mobility exercises to stop the joints becoming stiff and weak. After the initial 6 weeks of bone healing, a personalised and gently progressive rehabilitation programme will be applied by the physiotherapist to regain strength, flexibility and functionality. Your treatments may include;
- Heat treatments, including ice, to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
- Ultrasound to promote healing in the affected tissues and disperse swelling.
- Mobilisation exercises, both active and passive, to maintain and improve available range of movement in shoulder joint.
- Soft tissue massage around the affected area to relieve stiffness and disperse swelling.
- Advice on activity modification to prevent re-injury during recovery and in the future.
- Stretching exercises to regain connective tissue and muscle length and relieve stiffness.
- Progressive strengthening exercises to stabilise the joint and restore lost function.
- Targeted functional exercise programme to allow a safe and confident return to work or sports participation.
The experienced physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio will apply treatments to reduce pain and swelling. Allowing you to engage with a structured, personalised rehabilitation exercise plan that will provide the fullest possible recovery in the shortest possible time.
For more information about physiotherapy for a fractured collar bone, or to book an appointment, email
office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk
or ring us on
0151 558 0077.
How can I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for a fractured clavicle?
If you are experiencing pain, aching, swelling or stiffness around your shoulder, and feel unable to continue with your normal daily activities, you would benefit from an assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio. If your doctor has already diagnosed a fracture of the clavicle we can then work with you to develop a rehabilitation programme that will achieve your recovery goals.
You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment and we can advise you what further treatment is recommended. To arrange an appointment please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 007I .
Summary
A fractured clavicle can be extremely painful and inhibit all functional movement at the shoulder. It is a common injury amongst people engaging in contact sports, but could happen to anyone. Treatment requires a period of rest for at least four to six weeks and returning to activity too soon can significantly delay full recovery. Whatever stage of healing your fracture has reached, the experienced physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio will ensure you get the best treatment for your condition. Using pain relief techniques, mobilisations, strengthening exercises and functional activity exercises to help you achieve the best possible recovery.
For more information on how Physiotherapy can help treat a fractured clavicle, or to book yourself an appointment, please email us at office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on 0151 558 0077.
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