Clavicle Fractures and Dissociations



Figure 24.1
Radiographs of middle and lateral third clavicle fractures





What to Ask





  1. 1.


    Are there any open wounds or skin that is tented or threatened?

     

  2. 2.


    Are there any associated injuries?

     

  3. 3.


    Is the extremity neurovascularly intact?

     


What to Request





  1. 1.


    Ensure the arm is stabilized and placed into a sling.

     

  2. 2.


    Dedicated films of the clavicle should be obtained.

     


When to Escalate





  1. 1.


    Open fractures: should be irrigated in ED and receive antibiotics (will require formal irrigation and debridement in OR)

     

  2. 2.


    Any change in the neurovascular exam

     


Imaging





  1. 1.


    Dedicated films of the clavicle: 20° cephalad and 20° caudad films with the patient upright, out of sling (best demonstrates amount of displacement)

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Aug 4, 2017 | Posted by in MUSCULOSKELETAL MEDICINE | Comments Off on Clavicle Fractures and Dissociations

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