Other names: Clavicle

Explanation and Causes:

The collarbone is one of the primary supportive bones for the shoulder. It extends from the top of the sternum to the scapula which makes up part of the shoulder joint. It provides strength, stability, and protection. Ages 14-22 are at the greatest risk due to the high level of activity of those ages. This bone is a commonly broken bone a full recovery is almost always expected.

Causes of breaking the collarbone include:

  • Falling on outstretched arm
  • Direct contact
  • Athletics such as football, ice hockey, and wrestling
  • Babies can fracture this bone coming through the birth canal

Symptoms:

  • Immediate pain and swelling in the shoulder and arm
  • Clicking or rubbing sound in back when you move shoulder
  • Shoulder slants forward and downward
  • A snapping or popping sound at the time of injury
  • Possibly a dome shape look to the bone itself

Diagnosis and Tests:

Most physicians will diagnose this condition by a physical exam or an x-ray

Treatment:

  • Arm in a sling
  • Ice 3-4 times a day for 15-20 min each
  • Over the counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen and Naproxen
  • Avoid any major use for 4 to 6 weeks
  • The point is to keep the bones together while it heals
  • Surgery required if bone is pinching a nerve or a vessel

Prevention:

Forex Training - Work at Home Business Opportunity: Offers forex training - internet home based business opportunity. Work from home job.

ISO 9000 - We provide training and coaching services to help improve both the quality of your product and the effectiveness of your processes.

Share this entry:
 These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Technorati
  • del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • Fark
  • Furl
  • Twitter