Clavicle Fracture Repair
A surgical procedure performed to realign and fixate a broken clavicle (collar bone). An incision is made to expose the broken bone. The bone fragments are then brought into alignment and fit with a metal plate and screws to keep them stable while they heal together.
Contents
Common Questions About Clavicle Fracture Repair
When should a clavicle fracture be treated surgically?
When the fracture is overlapped 2 cm or more or 100 percent displaced surgical treatment is acceptable. Other indications include tenting of the skin, an open fracture, a vascular injury, a special "Z" fracture pattern, a "floating shoulder" when there is also fracture to the scapula, or when the patient needs early shoulder strength to mobilize such as having a fracture to the lower extremity on the same side of the body.
How long does it take for a clavicle fracture to heal?
Fractures take 8 weeks to heal whether or not they are treated with surgery.
Is there a special way to splint a clavicle fracture?
There is no data showing that any special splinting technique will make a clavicle fracture heal better.
What are some complications from clavicle fracture surgery?
The most common complication is prominence of the plate after the surgery. A low profile plate is used to minimize this. About 10 to 15 percent of patients have a second surgery to remove the plate. Other complications include non-healing of the fracture, a numb patch around the incision site, an infection.
What is the rehabilitation after a clavicle fracture surgery?
A sling is worn for 4 weeks followed by physical therapy for 2 to 3 months.
Before and After X-Ray Images
Distal Clavicle Fracture Repair with Buttons
Fracture on the left with the repair on the right.
![Reveal Image Right](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/cgk0qdc0/production/bc1f63b06877b89264d6f6841a46a281a5638081-410x168.png?w=410&h=168&q=100&fit=max&auto=format)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/cgk0qdc0/production/8089168e1abb5dd9ce17445a47d12e4e34856835-410x229.png?w=410&h=229&q=100&fit=max&auto=format)
Distal Clavicle Fracture Repair with Bone Tunnels and Suture
Fracture on the left with the repair on the right.
![Reveal Image Right](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/cgk0qdc0/production/b1571d075a9ea0969eefd0135b6d20f0dd3c19fe-410x229.png?w=410&h=229&q=100&fit=max&auto=format)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/cgk0qdc0/production/0da07ca5d47f0be0d1f6c187bc2ba6ebc5fa4294-410x229.png?w=410&h=229&q=100&fit=max&auto=format)
Distal Clavicle Repair with Tensioned Cerclage Repair with Bone Tunnels
Fracture on the left with the repair on the right.
![Reveal Image Right](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/cgk0qdc0/production/2c3d6890042f375902ea6d33bd5359c0c854deba-410x280.png?w=410&h=280&q=100&fit=max&auto=format)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/cgk0qdc0/production/a4f1bf98788b9b40e021fa7b8e581cc20f7b4ba7-410x280.png?w=410&h=280&q=100&fit=max&auto=format)
Example X-Ray Images
Displaced Clavicle Fracture with Butterfly Fragment
![Displaced Clavicle Fracture with Butterfly Fragment](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/cgk0qdc0/production/4a7ec5ef1fea671eb045250e94cdbf081cd2fd5e-410x280.png?w=410&h=280&q=100&fit=max&auto=format)
Clavicle Fracture Repair with Plate and Screws
![Clavicle Fracture Repair with Plate and Screws](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/cgk0qdc0/production/b5cb80490ebd02c0dd1224d6323b32d1b50b2861-410x280.png?w=410&h=280&q=100&fit=max&auto=format)