Dr. Millett is an expert in treating clavicle fractures (see also: fractures of the shoulder area). A clavicle fracture is essentially a break in the collarbone. This can be caused from a sports injury or a traumatic injury or an accident associated with the collarbone area. It is generally agreed that minimally displaced clavicle fractures are best treated non-surgically using a sling or brace.
The majority of clavicle injuries occur within the middle third of the clavicle and are more likely to be displaced as compared to medial and lateral third fractures. There are several techniques to surgically treat clavicle fractures should surgery (clavicle fracture fixation) be the recommended course of action.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 video demonstrates plate fixation surgery for midshaft clavicle fractures:
A separate clavicle fracture surgery technique is also further explained in Dr. Millett’s video: Intra-Medullary Fixation with a Clavicle Pin: (IMFixationofMidschaftClavFx).
For more information on clavical fractures and the surgery techniques that are available, please contact Dr. Peter Millett, orthopedic specialist and sports medicine surgeon at his office in Vail, Colorado.