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Recent Clavicle Case

Image 1: Clavicle fracture after fall from bike

55 year old gentleman fell off his bike in October training for the Sydney to Wollongong bike race. He landed heavily on the left side of his body fracturing 4 to 5 ribs, he also fractured his clavicle in 6 pieces and suffered a pneumothorax in his left lung. He was managed at a major hospital to stabilize his chest injuries and sent home in a sling for his clavicle fracture. He presented to myself, 4 weeks after the injury still in severe pain with his fractured clavicle. The clavicle was obviously shortened and prominent under the skin (Image 1).

He underwent surgery the next day to stabilize his clavicle and restore it to its original position (Image 2).

Image 2: Clavicle fracture fixed with 10 hole plate and screws.

The patient noticed a difference immediately as his shoulder felt like it was in the normal position again. Within 24 hours he had stopped his analgesics and he was able to come slowly out of a sling.

At his latest review at 6 weeks the fracture had healed and he had an excellent range of motion (Image 3).

The scar as demonstrated below was minimal and much smaller than the plate (Image 4). The patient was allowed to return to bike riding at 6 weeks and obviously pleased with the outcome.

Image 3: Excellent function 6 weeks after surgery

Image 4: These fractures can be fixed with a small cosmetic incision.