What is a Clavicle Fracture?

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Aaron Rodgers injury in the Minnesota VS. Green Bay game was a clavicle fracture. What exactly is a clavicle fracture? The quick answer is that the clavicle or collar bone is bone in shoulder joint. 

Fractured or Broken Collar Bone

The clavicle bone connects the sternum (breast bone) to the shoulder joint.  The clavicle articulates with the shoulder joint at the AC or acromio-clavicular joint. A clavicle fracture is common in contact sports such as ice hockey and football. The mechanism of injury is usually some type of contact which causes the player to fall on an outstretched arm into the ground. A clavicle fracture can also be caused by direct contact to the clavicle in instances such as tackling another player in football or checking a player in a hockey game.Illustration highlighting the Clavicle.

Clavicle Fracture Types

There are various types of clavicle fractures and each is treated differently. A simple fracture without displacement is treated conservatively by putting the arm in a sling or brace for immobilization. Some physicians may use a figure 8 brace to immobilize the shoulder.

Displaced fractures of the collar bone are more complicated. The amount of the displacement determines the treatment parameters. Some displaced fractures need surgical intervention like Aaron Rodgers to stabilize the clavicle. Some other reasons that surgery may be indicated are:

  • There are more than one fracture to the clavicle or the bone is shattered.
  • The fracture is an open fracture (through the skin).
  • Other structures are involved (nerves or blood vessels).
  • The fracture may affect the normal movement of the Acromio-clavicular joint. 

The physician may use a screw or plate in surgery to allow the bone to heal properly.  The post-operative care involves a period of immobilization and then physical therapy to return normal range of motion and strength.

Clavicle fractures have been an increasingly common injury in recent years in the NFL. There have been several NFL Quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers that have had clavicle fracture injuries. Tony Romo was sidelined in 2010 for the remainder of his season after sustaining this injury. In 2012, prior to beginning his career in the NFL with the Eagles, Matt Barkley sustained this injury at USC.

Aaron Rodger’s Broken Clavicle

Most recently Aaron Rodgers sustained a clavicle fracture and his return may be several months.  How long Rodgers will be out will be determined by the severity of his fracture. 

If you want to learn more about a fracture vs a break, follow this link: Fracture.

JOI and JOI Rehab

JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.

You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.

To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.

By: Matt Paulus, MS, ATC

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