Have you also broken your collarbone? (Clavicle Fracture) Don't be afraid, let's be aware of this!

Did you fall while playing? Or did you have a minor accident? Do you feel a sharp pain in your shoulder and can't even move your arm? Then you may have broken your collarbone. Don't panic when you hear this. This is not as dangerous as you think, and it is a common accident that is seen frequently in our country and around the world, especially among young people and athletes. Let's find out more about this.

What is a clavicle fracture?

Simply put, the clavicle is the bone that connects our shoulder to the breastbone in the middle of our chest. You can feel this bone with your hand. When this bone breaks or breaks, we call it a ``Clavicle Fracture``.

These breaks can occur in a variety of ways. Your doctor may use words like these when describing your condition.

Classification by nature of breakage

• Single fracture or multiple fractures: Sometimes the collarbone can break in just one place. But in some severe injuries, the bone can break into multiple pieces, like a biscuit. This is called a ``Comminuted fracture''.
• Are the broken pieces displaced or not: Imagine that when a stick is broken, the two pieces do not move around and remain in one place. Such a fracture is called a ``Nondisplaced fracture``. However, if the two broken pieces are far apart and have moved up and down, it is called a ``Displaced fracture``.

A doctor uses these classifications to determine exactly what treatment is best for you.

What are the symptoms when this breaks?

There are several common symptoms of a broken ankle. See if you have one or more of these.

What are the main reasons why a tree breaks?

Most often, a broken wrist is caused by a traumatic injury. Here are some examples:

• Falls: The most common cause of this is a fall on the shoulder or an outstretched arm. This is common when falling off a bicycle or while playing sports.
• Collisions: This can happen when you bump into someone shoulder-to-shoulder while playing sports, such as rugby or football. These types of collisions can also happen when young children are playing.
• Vehicle accidents: These types of accidents can occur when a vehicle is involved in an accident, such as hitting the dashboard or getting caught in the airbag.
• Accidents during birth: Sometimes, when babies are born, the shoulder can become trapped in the birth canal and the collarbone can break.

How does a doctor recognize this?

If you have even the slightest suspicion that you have a broken collarbone, you should immediately go to the emergency room (ETU) of the nearest hospital. There, the doctor will do the following:

1. Asks how the accident happened: Asks you about the incident and gets a rough idea of ​​the situation.

2. Examine the injured area: Carefully check for pain, swelling, and other symptoms.

3. Get an X-ray: It is essential to get an X-ray to know for sure if there is a fracture. An X-ray can clearly show the location of the fracture and its nature (the types mentioned above). In some complex fractures, a ``(CT scan)`` may also be done.

How is it treated? Is surgery necessary?

The treatments usually given are:

• Immobilization: To help the broken bone stay in place and heal properly, you may be given a sling or shoulder immobilizer. This should be worn for several weeks.
• Painkillers: For severe pain during the first two weeks, you will need to take painkillers prescribed by your doctor. After that, you can use regular painkillers (e.g. Paracetamol, Ibuprofen). But take the medication only as directed by your doctor.
• Medical follow-up: You will be asked to see the doctor again on a date. At that time, an X-ray will be taken to see if the bone is healing properly.
• Physical therapy: The shoulder joint and muscles may become stiff after weeks of wearing a sling. Once the bone has healed somewhat, a physical therapist will teach you simple exercises to help you regain shoulder mobility and strengthen your muscles.
• Surgery: Surgery is only needed if the broken bone is severely displaced, if the bone has broken through the skin, or if it has damaged nearby blood vessels or nerves. In this case, an orthopedic surgeon will realign the broken pieces and use pins or plates and screws to hold them together.

How long does it take to heal?

The healing time will vary depending on your age and the nature of the fracture. Typically, it may take something like this:

• For adults: 8 to 12 weeks
• For young children: 6 to 8 weeks
• For children under 8 years old: 3 to 6 weeks
• For newborn babies: about 2 weeks

Your doctor will tell you when you can resume normal activities (such as sports, weight lifting).

Things you should and shouldn't do during recovery

To properly heal during this time, it is very important to follow these instructions.

A broken arm can happen in an instant and change your daily life for weeks. It can be difficult to drive, reach for something, and ask for help from others. But remember, your family and friends want to help you. If you try to force yourself to get better quickly, it will only lead to complications and delay your recovery. The best thing to do is to be patient and follow your doctor's instructions.

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