Clavicle fracture

[BogdanP]

My father broke his collarbone in the middle third 5 weeks ago, by falling from the same level on ice. It was a fracture without displacement and recommended restraint in Dessault bandage. Fragments were almost in contact, I have seen only a fracture line five weeks ago on the X-ray. A week ago, so about 4 weeks after the incident, doctors have made a new X-ray and was a displaced fracture. They said they will heal without problems. I am a doctor myself (medical resident, specialty family medicine). I've seen the X-ray (antero-posterior) incidence and it didn`t look too good. I would attach x-rays but do not know if it's possible on this forum. I'm not convinced that this fracture will heal well, considering that four weeks after, the fracture was displaced and the fragments were rode. I call on your experience and ask for your opinion in this case.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Unfortunately, there really is no reliable way to immobilize a fractured clavicle. In my practice, I simpli use a sling that the patient wears for comfort as needed. Therefore, it is not uncommon to experience som displacement in a fracture that was initially non-displaced.  Fracture healing withe clavicle is dependant upon the degree of displacement, but most fractures heal without the need for significant intervention.  However, surgical treatment of clavical fractures is gaining popularity to eliminate the diability time, which can be considerable, and to give a more reliable result.  

[BogdanP]

I forgot to say that after a week when the bandage was taken down, arm and forearm is swollen and warm skin. He doesn`t move too much the upper arm to speed healing and to not put pressure on the clavicle.He is not in pain.