Clavicle Fracture in Northampton & Corby
Your Local Experts in Shoulder Pain
Are you struggling with Shoulder PAIN and looking for effective, professional treatment? At Team Rehab UK Ltd, our dedicated clinics in Brixworth and Corby offer premium physiotherapy services to help you regain your mobility and live pain-free. With a minimum of 24 years of experience each, our highly skilled chartered physiotherapists are committed to providing personalised care tailored to your specific needs.
Understanding Clavicle Fractures
A clavicle fracture, commonly known as a broken collarbone, is a prevalent injury that significantly impacts the shoulder's function. The clavicle, or collarbone, connects the shoulder blade (scapula) to the ribcage, providing critical support to the shoulder joint and protecting important nerves and blood vessels that run behind it.
Understanding the shoulder Joint
Introduction to Clavical Fractures
The shoulder is one of the largest joints in the body, formed by the articulation of the scapula and the bone of the upper arm (humerus). The clavicle plays a vital role in maintaining shoulder stability and allowing a wide range of movements. Given its prominent position and role, the clavicle is susceptible to fractures, especially during high-impact activities.
Causes of Clavicle Fractures
Clavicle fractures typically result from high-energy traumatic impacts that exert significant stress on the bone. Here are some common causes:
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Car Collisions:
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Impact Stress: During a car accident, the forceful impact can transmit a substantial amount of stress to the clavicle, leading to a fracture. This is especially common in scenarios where the shoulder hits the steering wheel or dashboard.
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Seat Belt Force: The shoulder strap of a seat belt, while protecting you, can also exert pressure on the clavicle during sudden deceleration, contributing to fractures.
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Falls:
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Direct Impact: Falling directly onto the shoulder can concentrate the force on the clavicle, causing it to fracture.
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Outstretched Arm: Falling on an outstretched arm transmits the impact up to the shoulder and clavicle, often resulting in a break.
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Sports Injuries:
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Contact Sports: Activities like football, rugby, and hockey involve high levels of physical contact and collisions, which can lead to clavicle fractures.
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High-Impact Sports: Sports that involve falls or high-speed impacts, such as cycling, skiing, and skateboarding, can also cause clavicle fractures when accidents occur.
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These fractures commonly occur in the middle of the bone but can also happen where the clavicle attaches to the shoulder blade (scapula) or ribcage. Middle clavicle fractures are most frequent due to the bone's natural curvature and exposure.
Symptoms of a Clavicle Fracture
A clavicle fracture is a painful condition that significantly affects arm movement. Key symptoms include:
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Severe Pain:
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Immediate and Intense: The pain is often sharp and severe right at the moment of injury, localised at the fracture site.
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Swelling and Bruising:
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Visible Symptoms: Swelling and bruising around the collarbone area appear quickly after the injury, indicating inflammation and bleeding beneath the skin.
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Difficulty Moving the Arm:
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Limited Mobility: The ability to lift or move the shoulder and arm is severely restricted, as any movement exacerbates the pain.
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Deformity:
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Visible Bump or Deformity: The broken clavicle may cause a visible bump or unevenness at the fracture site, due to the displacement of the bone fragments.
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Ensuring Optimal Treatment Outcomes
At Team Rehab UK, we are Northampton based physiotherapists we emphasise that treatments which are not effective should not continue beyond accepted clinical timescales without further in-depth investigations. We prefer these additional assessments to be conducted by consultant specialists outside our company’s financial interests. This approach ensures we receive an unbiased second opinion, guaranteeing that the care you receive is the most clinically appropriate.
Diagnosing a Clavical Fracture
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. The diagnostic process typically involves:
Medical History and Physical Examination
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Initial Consultation:
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Your specialist in Northampton will begin by reviewing your symptoms and medical history to understand the circumstances of the injury.
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Physical Examination:
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A thorough physical exam will be conducted to assess the potential clavicle fracture. This includes palpating the area to pinpoint tenderness and deformity and evaluating the range of motion and stability of the shoulder.
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Imaging Tests
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X-rays:
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Confirmation and Assessment: X-rays are commonly used to confirm the presence of a fracture, determine its severity, and locate the exact site of the break. They reveal the alignment of the bone fragments and any displacement.
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CT Scan:
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Detailed Imaging: In more complex cases, a CT scan might be ordered to provide detailed images of the bone and surrounding structures, offering a comprehensive view of the fracture.
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Treatment Options
Treatment of clavicle fractures depends on the severity and type of fracture. Options include conservative methods and surgical intervention.
Conservative Treatment
For less severe fractures, conservative, non-operative methods may be recommended:
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Sling or Brace:
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Immobilisation: Immobilising the shoulder with a sling or brace allows the bone to heal naturally by keeping it in place and reducing movement.
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Pain Management:
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Medications: Using pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications helps manage discomfort and reduce swelling.
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Physical Therapy:
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Rehabilitation: Gradual exercises are introduced to restore shoulder motion and strength. This includes gentle range-of-motion exercises initially, progressing to strengthening exercises as healing advances.
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Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be necessary when:
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Displacement:
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The broken ends of the bone are significantly displaced, requiring surgical realignment and stabilisation.
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Open Fracture:
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The bone has broken through the skin, increasing the risk of infection and necessitating surgical intervention.
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Multiple Fractures:
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The clavicle is fractured in several places, making non-surgical alignment difficult.
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Injury to Blood Vessels or Nerves:
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Associated damage to blood vessels or nerves needs immediate surgical attention.
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Non-Union or Malunion:
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The bone does not heal properly or heals in the wrong position, requiring surgical correction.
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Associated Fracture:
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There is an associated shoulder blade fracture that complicates the healing process.
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Post Surgical Care
Surgical Procedure
Clavicle fracture repair is performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure involves:
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Incision: An incision is made in line with or perpendicular to the clavicle to access the fracture site.
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Fracture Alignment: The fractured bone is carefully repositioned to its normal alignment to ensure proper healing.
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Fixation: A metal plate is placed along the clavicle and secured with screws. Pins may also be used for additional stability if necessary.
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Fluoroscopy: Live X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) ensures accurate placement of screws and pins, minimising the risk of damaging surrounding tissues.
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Closure: The incision is sutured, and a dressing is applied to protect the surgical site and promote healing.
Post-Operative Care
Proper post-operative care is essential for recovery:
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Numbness: You may experience numbness below the incision, which typically resolves over time as nerves recover.
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Physiotherapy:
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Gentle Motion Exercises: Initially, exercises focus on restoring gentle motion to prevent stiffness.
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Strengthening Exercises: As healing progresses, exercises will aim to strengthen the shoulder and restore full function.
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Gradual Resumption of Activities: You can generally resume regular activities after about three months, but your physiotherapist will advise when your shoulder is fully healed. Avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting is crucial until complete healing is confirmed.
Risks and Complications
While most patients experience no complications, potential risks include:
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Infection: Risk of infection at the surgical site, which can be minimised with proper postoperative care and hygiene.
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Nerve Damage: Potential for nerve injury during the surgical procedure, which may lead to temporary or permanent loss of function.
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Re-rupture of the Tendon: Risk of the tendon re-rupturing, especially if postoperative care and rehabilitation protocols are not followed.
Patient Education Video - Clavicle Fracture
At Team Rehab UK, we are dedicated to helping our patients understand the causes of their symptoms, empowering them to effectively manage their condition both during and after their treatment.
Please note that some of our video content may have been developed with at American market in mind and as such, may contain different medical terminology, or approaches, compared to those we use in the UK. The content however remains highly informative and beneficial. You should seek advice from your UK based specialist before acting on, or implementing any advice contained, or inferred in the video, to ensure it complies with UK best practice standards.
Summary
Clavicle fractures can be left to heal naturally, or repaired using plates and screws. Each in the right situation typically provides good results, restoring stability and normal range of motion to the shoulder joint. If you're experiencing symptoms of a clavicle fracture, you should attend a local A/E for x-rays, following which, you can consult with a physiotherapist in Northampton for a thorough evaluation and personalised treatment plan thereafter..
At our clinic, we offer comprehensive physiotherapy in Northampton, including sports massage in Northampton, to help you recover effectively. We are recognised providers for Bupa Northampton and Axa Northampton, ensuring quality care for our patients. Don't let shoulder pain hold you back—reach out to our shoulder specialists in Northampton for expert care and support.
Book your appointment at Team Rehab uk in Northampton (Brixworth) or Corby, and take the first step towards a pain-free life. Share this information with friends or family who might benefit from our services, and let's help everyone get back to their best selves.
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We believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain a healthy spine. Our physiotherapists provide ongoing support and education, helping you prevent future injuries and manage your condition effectively.
Convenient Locations in Brixworth and Corby
Brixworth Clinic
Our main rehabilitation centre in Northampton (Brixworth) was purpose built with the sole aim of providing the best opportunities for our expert team to provide you with the best recovery potential. Open in April 2024, the clinic is conveniently located and easily accessible, offering a welcoming environment where you can receive the highest standard of care. We are committed to making your visit as comfortable and effective as possible.
Corby Clinic
The Corby clinic is a much smaller set up within the Lakeside medical centre but we strive to deliver the same exceptional physiotherapy services, within the confines of the setting, ensuring that high-quality physiotherapy is available to the wider community. Our dedicated team is ready to help you overcome back pain and improve your quality of life.
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