Figure 24.1
Radiographs of middle and lateral third clavicle fractures
What to Ask
- 1.
Are there any open wounds or skin that is tented or threatened?
- 2.
Are there any associated injuries?
- 3.
Is the extremity neurovascularly intact?
What to Request
- 1.
Ensure the arm is stabilized and placed into a sling.
- 2.
Dedicated films of the clavicle should be obtained.
When to Escalate
- 1.
Open fractures: should be irrigated in ED and receive antibiotics (will require formal irrigation and debridement in OR)
- 2.
Any change in the neurovascular exam
Imaging
- 1.
Dedicated films of the clavicle: 20° cephalad and 20° caudad films with the patient upright, out of sling (best demonstrates amount of displacement)Related posts:
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