- Mt Elizabeth (Orchard) #06-05
- (65) 9088 4555
- Mt Elizabeth (Orchard) #06-05
- (65) 9088 4555
A clavicle fracture is a break in the collarbone, one of the main bones in the shoulder, and is a relatively common injury. It is a type of shoulder fracture that typically occurs from falls onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm, which puts sufficient pressure on the clavicle to cause it to snap or break. This injury is often painful, frequently restricting arm movement.
Clavicle fractures can be categorised into different types based on the location of the break and the nature of the fracture. The main types include:
Clavicle fractures are most often caused by a direct blow to the shoulder, which can occur during a fall onto the shoulder or in an accident, such as a car collision. Additionally, a fall onto an outstretched arm from cycling or soccer injury can also result in a clavicle fracture.
In most cases, a clavicle fracture is painful and limits arm movement. Some of the symptoms include:
As mentioned above, clavicle fractures are often accompanied by pain, similar to other types of broken bones. Nonetheless, the level of pain can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the fracture, the specific location on the clavicle, and the individual’s pain threshold.
Patients will be asked how their injury occurred, and a physical examination is conducted to check for visible bumps, discolouration, tenderness, or open wounds. This is typically followed by an imaging test such as an X-ray to accurately locate and assess the severity of the fracture.
Clavicle fractures typically result from trauma and may not always be preventable. However, certain factors increase the risk:
If a clavicle fracture is due to a traumatic event, it’s important to consider the possibility of accompanying injuries. Sometimes, individuals with a broken collarbone may also experience laboured breathing, indicating a potential lung injury associated with the fracture. Moreover, open fractures, significant deformity or displacement of the clavicle are further signs that specialist care is warranted
In such situations, patients are advised to seek immediate medical attention from an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore for prompt evaluation and treatment, which are essential to ensure proper healing.
If left untreated, a clavicle fracture can lead to complications such as:
Seeking prompt evaluation and treatment is essential to prevent these issues and promote optimal recovery.
Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment options for clavicle fractures may range from conservative treatments to surgical interventions. Some of the conservative, non-surgical treatment options are:
However, more complicated fractures, where the bone fragments are significantly displaced, may require surgical intervention to realign and stabilise the collarbone. In more severe situations, a surgery called Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) may be required. This procedure is employed to treat clavicle fractures by realigning the broken bones to their correct position and securing them in place with internal fixation devices like metal plates, screws, or pins. These devices are surgically inserted into the bone to stabilise it during the healing process. Depending on the situation, the fixation devices may either remain in place permanently or necessitate follow-up surgery for removal.
It is important to note that Individuals with a clavicle fracture often experience loss of shoulder and arm strength. As the bone heals, pain diminishes, and gentle shoulder exercises may be recommended to prevent stiffness and weakness. More intense exercises are gradually introduced as the fracture fully heals.
A clavicle fracture, or broken collarbone, is a common injury often caused by trauma events such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the arm. Treatment can involve using a sling, pain medication, and physical therapy. In severe cases, orthopaedic surgery may be necessary to realign and stabilise the bone. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.
In the case of experiencing significant trauma to your clavicles and noticing signs of a fracture, book an appointment with orthopaedic specialist Dr Jerry Chen, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Alps Orthopaedic Centre, for prompt medical assessment and specialised care.
As most collarbone fractures occur suddenly and unexpectedly due to accidents, preventing them entirely can be challenging. However, individuals engaged in high-impact activities are advised to take appropriate safety measures, such as using protective gear, to reduce the risk of severe injuries.
In many cases, individuals with clavicle fractures can regain their full range of motion and lead normal lives after proper treatment and rehabilitation.
Once a clavicle fracture has fully healed and the bone has regained its strength, it is unlikely to recur spontaneously. However, in some cases, particularly if there were complications during healing, there may be a slightly increased risk of re-injury to the same area. Hence, it is crucial for individuals to seek the appropriate treatment from a qualified professional such as an orthopaedic specialist.
The recovery time for clavicle fractures varies depending on severity, typically ranging from weeks to months. Consulting with a specialist helps understand each individual’s specific recovery timeline.
MBBS (S’pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)
Fellowship-trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director
At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we specialise in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Performed as a Day Surgery, the ERAS Direct Anterior Approach in Total Hip Replacement (THR) technique as well as ERAS Total Knee Replacement (TKR), reduces the average hospitalisation stay, utilising techniques which enable the patient to suffer from less pain and recover faster. We are an Orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, which specialises in ERAS and do our utmost to enable patients to return to everyday activities as early as possible.
Our Orthopaedic clinic provides specialised diagnosis and effective treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially Day Surgery / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) For Hip and Knee Surgery, Sports Injuries and Trauma Fractures. If you are considering hip or knee surgery or minimally invasive treatments, book an appointment with our experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.
Our aim is to boost patient well-being, optimising every aspect of the surgical journey. By minimising the recovery period, patients are able to go back to activities that they love. The Alps team offers comprehensive financial counselling sessions to ensure our patients understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plans.
MBBS (S’pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)
Fellowship-trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director
At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we specialise in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Performed as a Day Surgery, the ERAS Direct Anterior Approach in Total Hip Replacement (THR) technique as well as ERAS Total Knee Replacement (TKR), reduces the average hospitalisation stay, utilising techniques which enable the patient to suffer from less pain and recover faster. We are an Orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, which specialises in ERAS and do our utmost to enable patients to return to everyday activities as early as possible.
Our Orthopaedic clinic provides specialised diagnosis and effective treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially Day Surgery / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) For Hip and Knee Surgery, Sports Injuries and Trauma Fractures. If you are considering hip or knee surgery or minimally invasive treatments, book an appointment with our experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.
Our aim is to boost patient well-being, optimising every aspect of the surgical journey. By minimising the recovery period, patients are able to go back to activities that they love. The Alps team offers comprehensive financial counselling sessions to ensure our patients understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plans.
MBBS (S’pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)
Fellowship-trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director
At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we specialise in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Performed as a Day Surgery, the ERAS Direct Anterior Approach in Total Hip Replacement (THR) technique as well as ERAS Total Knee Replacement (TKR), reduces the average hospitalisation stay, utilising techniques which enable the patient to suffer from less pain and recover faster. We are an Orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, which specialises in ERAS and do our utmost to enable patients to return to everyday activities as early as possible.
Our Orthopaedic clinic provides specialised diagnosis and effective treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially Day Surgery / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) For Hip and Knee Surgery, Sports Injuries and Trauma Fractures. If you are considering hip or knee surgery or minimally invasive treatments, book an appointment with our experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.
Our aim is to boost patient well-being, optimising every aspect of the surgical journey. By minimising the recovery period, patients are able to go back to activities that they love. The Alps team offers comprehensive financial counselling sessions to ensure our patients understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plans.
