The collarbone, or clavicle, does not completely solidify until a young adult turns approximately 20 years old, making this bone a common site of fracture in athletes and young children, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A fractured clavicle typically heals without surgical intervention. Clavicle surgery may be necessary in the event of a severe clavicle fracture that protrudes through a patient's skin. A doctor should discuss clavicle surgery risks with any patient planning to have this procedure performed.
Infection
Patients who have clavicle surgery are at an increased risk of developing an infection. Despite this elevated risk, less than one percent of treated patients develop an infection, The Stone Clinic reports. Patients who have had clavicle surgery should contact a doctor if they develop infection symptoms such as increased pain or swelling, incision site drainage, fever or chills. Affected patients may require additional antibiotic treatment to resolve infection complications.
Scarring and Joint Stiffness
Scarring and joint stiffness can develop as risks of clavicle surgery. After surgery, patients can develop scar tissue around the fractured bone, which can affect the way in which the shoulder joint moves. Scar tissue is typically tighter and tougher than normal tissue and can limit a patient's ability to extend the shoulder joint. A patient can also develop skin scarring at the site of incision. The affected region can appear red, swollen or raised. Once the incision sites heal, patients can exhibit extensive scarring across the shoulder, Children's Memorial Hospital warns.
Poor Incision or Bone Healing
The surgical incision site or fractured clavicle bone can have difficulty healing after surgery. This can increase a patient's susceptibility to infection. Incomplete bone healing may require affected patients to undergo additional surgery to repair the clavicle fracture, the Cleveland Clinic reports.
Blood Vessel or Nerve Injury
The blood vessels and nerves that surround the clavicle bone can be injured during surgery. These risks of clavicle surgery can result in swelling, bruising, numbness or tingling across the shoulder. Depending upon the extent of injury, affected patients can experience uncomfortable sensations that radiate down the treated arm and into the hand. Such affects are temporary and typically resolve completely once the surgical site fully heals.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Broke Collarbone
- Children's Memorial Hospital: Orthopaedic Surgery - Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collar Bone)
- Cleveland Clinic: Clavicle Fracture - What are the Risks of Surgery?
- The Stone Clinic: Clavicle Fracture Repair - Surgical Treatment - Con's
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Clavicle Collarbone Fracture
