Fracture of Clavicle

Clavicle Anatomy

• The clavicle is a long bone connecting the scapula to the sternum.
• It is S-shaped and has two ends: the sternal end and the acromial end.
• The clavicle has two surfaces: the lateral surface and the medial surface.
• The clavicle has two borders: the superior border and the inferior border.
• The clavicle has two angles: the lateral angle and the medial angle.
• The clavicle has two processes: the conoid tubercle and the trapezoid line.

Describe Mechanisms of Clavicular Fracture

• A fall on the outstretched hand
• A fall onto the shoulder or upper arm
• A direct blow to the clavicle
• A motor vehicle accident
• A sports injury, such as a football or rugby tackle

Classify Clavicle Fractures

• Types of Clavicle Fractures
  • Midshaft Fracture
    • This is the most common type of clavicle fracture.
    • It occurs in the middle part of the clavicle.
  • Surgical Neck Fracture
    • This type of fracture occurs at the junction of the shaft and the acromial end of the clavicle.
  • Sternal End Fracture
    • This type of fracture occurs at the junction of the shaft and the sternal end of the clavicle.
  • Greenstick Fracture
    • This type of fracture occurs in children and is a partial fracture.
  • Comminuted Fracture
    • This type of fracture occurs when the bone is broken into multiple fragments.
  • Displaced Fracture
    • This type of fracture occurs when the bone fragments are not aligned properly.
  • Non-displaced Fracture
    • This type of fracture occurs when the bone fragments are aligned properly.

Identify Clinical Features

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Deformity
• Limited Range of Motion
• Numbness or Tingling

Assess Complications

• Malunion
• Nonunion
• Infection
• Nerve Damage
• Arthritis
• Shortening of the clavicle

Interpret Radiographs

• AP and lateral views of the clavicle
• Scapular view to assess the acromial end of the clavicle
• Oblique views to assess the medial end of the clavicle

Describe Management

• Conservative Management
  • Immobilization in a sling or cast
  • Pain management with analgesics
  • Early mobilization
• Surgical Management
  • Open reduction and internal fixation
  • Internal fixation with plates or screws
  • Bone grafting to promote healing

Homoeopathic Therapeutic Approach

• ** Arnica** for pain and swelling
• Hypericum for nerve damage
• Symphytum for bone healing
• Calcarea carbonica for malunion or nonunion
• Calcarea phosphorica for bone weakness