Clavicle Fracture Specialist

What is a clavicle fracture?

A clavicle fracture is a break in your clavicle, or collarbone. The clavicle is one of the bones that make up your shoulder joint and connects your arm to your sternum.

Clavicle fractures are common and affect people of all ages. In most cases, the fracture occurs in the middle of the bone. However, some people have clavicle fractures where the bone attaches to the arm or sternum. 

The severity of clavicle fractures varies. In some people, the fracture may be limited to a slight crack in the bone; for others, the collarbone may have shattered into many tiny pieces.

What are the symptoms of a clavicle fracture?

Severe pain is the most common symptom of a clavicle fracture. The break in the bone may also affect movement in your arm. Other symptoms of a clavicle fracture include:

• Noticeable deformity or bump
• Shoulder that sags forward or downward
• Grinding sensation when lifting your arm
• Inability to lift your arm due to severe pain
• Bruising, swelling, or tenderness over the collarbone

If you suspect a clavicle fracture, Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez can help. He offers prompt appointments for upper extremity emergencies like a broken collarbone. 

What happens during a clavicle fracture evaluation?

When you visit Eduardo Gonzalez-Hernandez, MD PLLC for a clavicle fracture, Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity of your fracture so he can develop the most effective treatment plan.

During your exam, he asks detailed questions about the injury and your symptoms. He also reviews your medical history. 

Eduardo Gonzalez-Hernandez, MD PLLC is a state-of-the-art orthopaedic practice with in-house advanced diagnostic imaging. The advanced imaging tools allow Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez to fully assess the severity of your fracture during your office visit. 

How is a clavicle fracture treated?

Treatment for your clavicle fracture depends on the severity of the break. Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez offers nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.

In most cases, clavicle fractures heal without the need for surgery. Nonsurgical treatment for your clavicle fracture may include:

• Arm support
• Pain medication
• Activity modification
• Physical therapy

If your clavicle fracture is severe and your bones have shifted out of place, Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez recommends surgical intervention. When surgery is needed, he uses minimally invasive techniques so you get the best cosmetic outcomes.

Clavicle fracture surgery is a complex procedure. Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez is an expert at upper extremity orthopaedic surgery and frequently teaches his surgical techniques to other surgeons.

For expert care of your clavicle fracture from an experienced and skilled orthopaedic surgeon, call the office of Eduardo Gonzalez-Hernandez, MD PLLC or book an appointment online today.