Clavicle Fractures

Clavicle Fractures
The mechanism of injury is a fall onto an outstretched arm or shoulder, or a direct blow to the clavicle; it is a common mountain bike and snow board injury. Clavicle and first rib fractures typically cause lung damage and respiratory distress.

Clavicle Fracture S/Sx

• Local pain & tenderness with or without range of motion, bruising, crepitus, or deformity.

Clavicle Fracture Treatment

• In most cases, a simple buddy splint will suffice.

• If the bone ends are clearly overlaying one another—bayonet Fx—additional support may be required: Use a 6-inch cloth roll & figure-8 wrap; finish with a buddy splint. Closely monitor CSM and use pt comfort as a guide; don’t over tighten.bAlternately, pull the patient’s shirt over their head & tie. If necessary, use a stick as a windlass to increase traction or use a 6-inch cloth roll & figure-8 wrap; finish with a buddy splint. Use pt comfort as a guide and don’t over tighten.
  

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• Pain & anti-inflammatory drugs & herbs.
• Begin a non-urgent, level 3 evacuation if the patient does not present or develop respiratory distress. Most clavicle fractures heal without surgery within 4-8 weeks.
• Begin an urgent, level 2 evacuation if respiratory distress is present.
  

Interested in anticipating and preventing potential problems in the outdoors? Want to be able to take  care of your family or friends should something unexpected happen? Take one of our wilderness medicine courses. Guides and expedition leaders should consider taking our Wilderness First Responder course.
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