Clavicle Fracture Fixation Surgeon
Are you an athlete who participates in contact sports? If so, you may be at risk of sustaining a clavicle fracture. The clavicle can be injured during sports activities, a fall, or a motor vehicle accident. Clavicle fracture surgeon, Dr. Jeff Padalecki provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Austin who have sustained a clavicle fracture. Contact Dr. Padalecki’s team today!
What is Clavicle Fracture Surgery?
The collarbone (clavicle) of the shoulder can become fractured from a direct hit or a fall onto the shoulder. This is a common injury for athletes and frequently occurs in football players. Clavicle fractures can occur anywhere along the bone and in numerous configurations. They also can result in multiple bone fragments which is a scenario referred to as “comminution”. Most clavicle fractures can heal over time with use of a sling, avoidance of activities for 6 to 10 weeks and other conservative clavicle fracture treatments. In comminuted fractures, or fractures in which the bones do not line up well, clavicle fracture surgery is often recommended by Dr. Jeff Padalecki, shoulder surgeon, serving patients in Austin, Round Rock, and Cedar Park, Texas communities, in order to restore the normal alignment and length of the bone.
How is Clavicle Fracture Surgery Performed?
Clavicle fracture surgery usually involves an incision over the top of the shoulder and placement of a plate and screws along the top of the clavicle. The goal of surgery is to stabilize the clavicle so that it can heal in the appropriate position. Surgery does not speed up the healing process but rather ensures that the bone heals correctly. Certain types of clavicle fractures can also be fixed with the use of a long pin placed within the bone (intramedullary nailing). Patients are usually allowed to go home the same day as their surgery.
Recovery from clavicle fracture surgery often takes a few months and involves sling use and guided physical therapy. This included range of motion training and strengthening. Some patients request to have their hardware removed from the collarbone but this is not allowed until after the fracture has fully healed.
For additional information on clavicle fracture surgery, or to learn more about conservative clavicle fracture treatment, please contact Dr. Jeff Padalecki, orthopedic shoulder surgeon in Austin, Texas.