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Review
. 2021 Apr-Jun;43(2):123-127.
doi: 10.1097/TME.0000000000000347.

Clavicle Fractures

Denise R Ramponi  1 , Mary Jo Cerepani
Affiliations
Review

Clavicle Fractures

Denise R Ramponi et al. Adv Emerg Nurs J. 2021 Apr-Jun.

Abstract

Clavicle fractures are commonly seen in children and young adults. A case of a 30-year-old woman sustaining a clavicle fracture while riding a bike is highlighted. The most common cause is strong fall with the injured arm at one's side, often in contact sports injuries. The clavicle is divided into thirds: medial (proximal), middle (midshaft), and lateral (distal) thirds. Eighty percent of clavicle fractures occur in the middle third of the clavicle, and nearly half of those midshaft fractures are displaced. Goals of initial treatment are to reduce pain and limit motion of the fracture fragments until bone union with either sling or figure-of-eight dressing. Surgical treatment has recently shown reduction of the nonunion rate and decreases the time for fracture union compared with nonsurgical treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

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