injuries poisoning
Clavicle Fractures
Treatment of Clavicle Fractures
Sling If the coracoclavicular ligament is ruptured, usually surgical repair Many fractures are minimally displaced and can be treated with a sling for comfort for 4 to 6 weeks. Figure-of-eight braces are not recommended anymore; clinical outcomes have not been shown to be better than when using a simple sling ( Treatment reference ), and a simple sling is often more comfortable. Usually, reduction is not necessary, even for greatly angulated fractures. However, if the skin is significantly tented (usually in class A fractures), immediate consultation with an orthopedic specialist may be needed. Usually, such fractures are still successfully managed with a sling, but if they are not treated promptly, the bone may pierce the skin, causing an open fracture. In class B type II fractures, the ruptured coracoclavicular ligament usually requires surgical repair by an orthopedic surgeon. For example, if patients have a distal clavicle fracture with superior displacement of the proximal fragment, they should be referred to an orthopedic surgeon for consideration of surgical repair of the coracoclavicular ligament. For class B type III fractures, early mobilization may help decrease the risk of osteoarthritis. Refer patients who have a distal clavicle fracture with superior displacement of the proximal fragment to an orthopedic surgeon for consideration of surgical repair of the coracoclavicular ligament. Displaced class C fractures require reduction by an orthopedic surgeon. 1.Culver A, Messick B, Burroughs K: Is a figure of eight bandage better than a simple sling for midshaft clavicle fractures in adults?Evidence-Based Practice24(9): 41–42. doi: 10.1097/EBP.0000000000001213 