Podcast #244: Clavicle Fracture Review

Author: Nick Hatch, M.D.

Educational Pearls

• The force required to break a clavicle is significant, so clavicle fracture may be associated with other injury (pneumothorax, vascular injury).
• Most fractures occur in the middle 1/3 of the clavicle.
• Traditionally, clavicle fractures have been managed without surgery. However, recent studies have shown that surgery may be beneficial in a larger population than previously thought.

References: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/398799-overview