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Broken
Collar Bone
Introduction
The
clavicle is
a bone on either
side of your
chest. Commonly
referred to
as the collarbone,
it connects
your sternum
or breastbone
to your shoulder.
Doctors use
the terms fracture
and broken bone
to mean the
same thing.
Most people
think of a fracture
as being a broken
bone where the
ends still line
up; whereas,
a true break
occurs when
the 2 ends do
not line up.
Even if doctors
use different
terms to describe
this condition,
if you are told
you have a fracture,
it means you
have a broken
bone.
A broken clavicle
is a common
rugby injury
as it can occur
if a player
falls onto an
outstretched
hand or a hard
tackle directed
towards the
clavicle can
cause a broken
collar bone.
Broken
Collar Bone
Signs &
Symptoms
The
player will
complain of
excruciating
pain and bruising
may be evident.
There may be
protruding fracture
fragments and
the immediate
reaction of
the player will
be to hold the
arm in pain.
Broken
Collar Bone
Treatment
Most
broken collar
bones heal on
there own, and
surgery is rarely
needed. The
player will
use a sling
to keep the
arm and shoulder
from moving
while the bone
heals. An adult
rugby player
may wear a sling
for a few days
or up to a week;
a younger rugby
player may need
one for 3 to
4 weeks. A figure-8
strap may also
be used, especially
in young rugby
players. The
strap may need
to be adjusted
occasionally
to keep the
shoulder in
the correct
position.
You can begin
simple exercises
immediately
and move on
to strengthening
exercises if
they don't cause
pain. Ask a
physiotherapist
when it is safe
to begin to
exercise. If
you start too
soon, the broken
collar bone
may not heal
well. It is
not recommended
that you only
start playing
rugby again
when you can
move the shoulder
easily and it
feels strong.
Shoulder strengthening
should be done
using resistance
bands to regain
full function
To help relieve
pain your doctor
may prescribe
a non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory
drug, such as
ibuprofen
Occasionally,
surgery may
be recommended
for severe breaks.
The orthopedic
consultant may
choose to repair
the fracture
surgically using
screws. However,
this situation
is rare as the
Clavicle has
a very good
capacity to
heal.
Many people
find that a
neoprene shoulder
support is helpful
following a
Collar bone
fracture.
What
you can do
- Consult
a expert
- Do exercises
to maintain
range of movement
- Use resistance
bands for
shoulder strengthening
exercises
- Wear a neoprene
shoulder support
for reassurance
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