- Treatment for clavicle fracture
- Fracture in the clavicle leaves sequelae?
- Physiotherapy for clavicular fracture
Recovery from fracture of the clavicle requires patience and physiotherapy sessions for wide recovery of shoulder movements, but it is possible to recover completely within 2-3 months.
The fracture of the clavicle causes a lot of pain when trying to move the affected arm, swelling and even deformation at the clavicle site, in some cases. Generally, fracture of the collarbone is more frequent in athletes, especially cyclists, but it can occur at any age due to falls on the shoulder or due to a direct hit on the collarbone, for example.
Treatment for fracture of the clavicle depends on the type of fracture, but it is usually done by immobilizing the arm with a splint to maintain the stability of the clavicle. In addition, fracture in the clavicle is also very common in the baby shortly after birth, however, it does not require special immobilization, as the fracture heals itself. See how to take care of the baby in: How to treat a fracture of the collarbone in the baby.
The types of fractures in the clavicle can be:
- Comminuted: where it breaks into several pieces, requiring surgery; Transverse: easier to consolidate, requiring only immobilization; Oblique: depending on the angle, surgery may be necessary.
According to the region where the fracture occurred, the area can be classified as: medial, middle or lateral third, with the middle third representing more than 70% of clavicular fractures because it is a region where the bone is thinner and remains more unprotected, because it is not so covered with muscles.
In order to know what type of fracture the person had in order to decide which treatment is the most recommended, it is always recommended to perform radiography in 2 different positions, anteroposterior (front) and lateral.
Treatment for clavicle fracture
Treatment for clavicle fracture is usually done by immobilizing the arm with an immobilizing sling, placed at 8, for example, to allow the clavicle to remain in the correct location, accelerating bone healing. Immobilization should be maintained for about 4-5 weeks for adults, or up to 2 months for children.
In the most severe cases, surgery is needed to place small metal stabilizers on the bone to fix the small pieces of bone and allow complete recovery. Some situations that indicate the need for surgery are bone deviation, bone shortening greater than 2 cm between bone fragments, in case of open fracture, as well as the risk of damaging any nerve or artery. Despite the complexity of surgery, recovery is faster from surgery than when using immobilizers.
Although the recovery time may vary from one person to another, it may be necessary to have physiotherapy sessions for 8-12 weeks to recover the normal movements of the affected arm.
Fracture in the clavicle leaves sequelae?
Fracture in the clavicle can leave some sequelae, such as nerve damage, the appearance of a callus on the bone or delayed healing, which can be avoided when the bone is properly immobilized, so some tips for a good recovery include:
- Avoid activities that can move your arm for 4 weeks, such as cycling or running, Do not drive for the first 3 weeks; Always use the arm immobilization recommended by the orthopedist, especially during the day; Sleeping on your back with immobilization, if possible, or sleeping with your arm along your body and supported by pillows; Wear clothes that are wider and easier to wear, as well as shoes with no hearts.
In addition, to reduce pain during recovery, the doctor may prescribe painkillers, such as Paracetamol or Sodium Dipyrone, which should be used when severe pain occurs.
Physiotherapy for clavicular fracture
Rehabilitation varies a lot according to the symptoms that the individual presents, however, the goals of physiotherapeutic treatment include reducing pain, promoting normal shoulder movement without pain, strengthening the muscles until the person is able to perform their activities routine and labor normally.
For this, the physiotherapist must assess if the region is consolidated, if there is pain, what is the movement limitation and the difficulties that the person presents, and then indicate the necessary treatment.
Initially, in the first physiotherapy sessions, the use of ice packs may be indicated to reduce pain and swelling, and equipment such as ultrasound and tension may be used. Exercises are indicated from the beginning of the treatment, and it is more appropriate to start the rehabilitation program with pendulum and rotational movements in this first phase. After about 8-10 weeks, pulley, elastic band, and weights exercises can also be used to strengthen the arm and shoulder muscles.
Normally after 12 weeks more weight exercises, diagonal kabat exercises and proprioceptive training for the shoulder until discharge are recommended. See some shoulder proprioception exercises.
