A clavicle (collarbone) fracture (see also,fractures of the shoulder area) is a painful injury associated with a traumatic accident, fall, or sports injury. Clavicle fractures are common injuries and account for 2-5% of all adult fractures. More than two-thirds of these injuries occur within the middle third of the clavicle and are more likely to be displaced as compared to medial and lateral third fractures.
It is generally agreed that non or minimally displaced clavicle fractures are best treated non-operatively using a sling or brace.
For more severe fractures, clavicle fracture fixation surgery will be recommended. The primary goal of clavicle fracture treatment is to achieve bony union and restore shoulder girdle function thereby allowing patients to return to their pre-injury activity level. This particular video demonstrates an Intra-Medullary Fixation with a Clavicle Pin: (IMFixationofMidschaftClavFx).
Another technique is explained in a separate video: Plate Fixation with a Clavicle plate — Surgical Technique
For more information on surgeries associated with a broken clavicle, please contact Dr. Peter Millett, orthopedic specialist and sports medicine surgeon at his office in Vail, Colorado.