Complications of a Broken Collarbone

One of the most prevalent bone fractures is a broken collarbone. The clavicle, also known as the collarbone, is one of the thinnest bones in the body. It runs from the neck to the shoulder and helps to facilitate movements of the arm. Unfortunately, because of its size, it is also easy to fracture. People of all ages are prone to fracturing their collarbone. A few of the many mechanisms of a broken collarbone include:

Normal trauma from the birthing process can lead to a fractured clavicle in a newborn baby.
Toddlers who roll around during sleep could fall out of bed and break their collarbone.
Children can fracture their clavicle if they fall while playing sports.
Anyone involved in a motor vehicle collision could impact the door or window with their shoulder, leading to a broken collarbone.
A slip and fall injury on a wet floor or icy sidewalk could lead to a broken collarbone.

Regardless of the mechanism, it is essential for everyone to make sure that they are diagnosed quickly. A broken collarbone, even though it usually heals without any issues, could also lead to some major complications.

The Diagnosis of a Broken Collarbone

If people sustain an impact on their back, chest, or shoulder in an auto accident, they might have suffered a broken collarbone. Some of the symptoms include:

Intense pain in the shoulder that gets worse with movement.
A palpable bulge in the region of the body between the neck and the shoulder.
A severely restricted range of motion in the affected arm.

If an individual presents with these symptoms, combined with a traumatic event, the doctor may suspect a broken collarbone. To confirm the diagnosis, the physician will probably order an x-ray. This image is also important for determining whether or not the fracture could lead to complications.

Possible Complications of a Fractured Clavicle

Several complications could result from a broken collarbone. Some of the most serious include:

A puncture of the lung which could lead to a collapse of the lung called a pneumothorax.
Damage to the blood vessels that run through the neck and shoulder area.
Tearing of the nerves that supply the chest, back, and arm, which could lead to motor or sensory issues.

The chances of a complication occurring will depend on the location of the fracture in the clavicle. Different types of broken collarbones have higher risks of complications than others.

Watch YouTube Video: Clavicle Fractures. The animated video below provides an overview of clavicle fractures including risk factors and treatment.

Meeting with an Injury Lawyer

Even though many people who break their collarbone will heal without any issues, others could end up with serious complications. Some of these complications could lead to emergency surgery and other lifelong problems. During this time, it is critical to meet with a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. A few of the ways that an injury lawyer can help include:

Assisting families in seeking damages related to the motor vehicle collision and any of its injuries.
Reconstructing the mechanism of the accident with the help of professionals.
Transitioning a case from the negotiating table to the courtroom when required.

Families should know that support is always available following a serious accident, particularly one that leads to injuries. Reach out to a Sacramento personal injury lawyer today. You might be owed a financial award.

Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers

I’m Ed Smith, a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento. A broken collarbone is one of the most common types of bone fractures; however, it can also lead to significant complications. If your loved one has broken his or her collarbone and subsequently developed severe complications, please give me a call at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.

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Complications of a Broken Collarbone