Fracture of the Clavicle

Classification
Group I : Fracture of the middle third (80%)
Group II : Fracture of the distal third (15%)
Group III : Fracture of the proximal third (5%)
Mechanism of Injury
Fall on shoulder
Direct blow
Fall on outstretched hand
Examination
Localised swelling and tenderness over clavicular fracture site
Check for laceration of subclavian vessels and brachial plexus injury (rare)
Check for tenting of skin caused by sharp fracture ends. (KIV admit)
Exclude upper ribs fracture and pneumothorax
X-rays : AP and oblique views of clavicle
Management
Triangular arm sling
Analgesics
TCU Ortho SOC within 2 weeks
Fractures involving the lateral third of the clavicle may require surgery.