Clavicle Fracture Surgeon

Are you an athlete who participates in contact sports? If so, you may be at risk of sustaining a clavicle fracture. The clavicle can be injured during sports activities, a fall, or a motor vehicle accident. Clavicle fracture surgeon, Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu, provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Brooklyn, NY who have sustained a clavicle fracture. Contact Dr. Nwachukwu’s team today!

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Clavicle Fracture / Broken Collarbone Specialist in Brooklyn, NY

A clavicle fracture, or a broken collar bone is one of the most common fractures among young athletes ages 18 to 45. In fact, a broken clavicle accounts for 5% of all adult fractures. Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu treats a lot of patients from the Brooklyn New York area who have broken their collarbone. He can diagnose and offer patients the latest and best treatment techniques available, helping them return to sports, work, and daily life.

How does a collarbone injury occur?

Collarbone injuries are considered a shoulder injury and occur frequently in athletes. A hit or tackle during sports, a hard fall on an outstretched arm or an automobile accident can cause a clavicle fracture. In babies, passing through the birth canal can cause a clavicle fracture. Clavicle fractures are considered shoulder injuries and should be treated by a skilled orthopedic shoulder specialist like Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu.

What are the different types of clavicle injuries?

Clavicle fractures or broken collarbones are classified by the location of the fracture. Patients in Brooklyn, NY who see Dr. Nwachukwu for a clavicle injury may have one of the following types of fractures:

  • Midshaft – Most common fracture, occurs in the middle of the bone
  • Lateral or Distal – Occurs near the shoulder, away from the center of the body
  • Medial – Occurs closer to the neck and are very uncommon

What symptoms does Dr. Nwachukwu look for with a broken clavicle?

Dr. Nwachukwu looks for the following symptoms when patients in the Brooklyn NY area have injured their collarbone or clavicle:

  • Pain, sharp and intense at the time of injury
  • Pain when moving the arm
  • Inability to lift the arm
  • Shoulder stiffness
  • A bump or visible deformity over the break
  • Swelling, bruising, tenderness
  • A shoulder that sags downward on the affected side

Does my clavicle injury need surgery?

Clavicle fractures that are small and remain in the correct position without fragments can heal without surgical intervention.  Dr. Nwachukwu will often place Brooklyn, NY patients in a sling to immobilize the shoulder and allow healing. Medication can help alleviate pain and eventually, physical therapy will strengthen the surrounding muscles and help restore range of motion.

If the clavicle injury is severe and the bones are out of alignment, or in pieces, surgery is recommended. Dr. Nwachukwu will realign the broken pieces and then hold them in place with special plates, screws or pins. You can read more here, about Clavicle Fracture Surgery.

Have you sustained a clavicle injury? 

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Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu is a Leading Shoulder Surgeon

Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu treats more than clavicle injuries in patients from Brooklyn, NY. He treats patients at one of the best treatment facilities in New York, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). The 66,000 square foot facility offers everything from diagnostic imaging, surgery and recovery to hydrotherapy, physical therapy and strength training. Dr. Nwachukwu specializes in the following orthopedic shoulder conditions:

How long is the recovery after a clavicle fracture or broken collarbone?

Patients in Brooklyn, NY will heal from a clavicle injury at different rates, depending on their general health and underlying illnesses. Generally, adults age 18-45 take about 6-8 weeks to heal, as the bones take time to “knit” back together. Dr. Nwachukwu will confirm with an x-ray that healing has occurred and will then prescribe physical therapy. It is not unusual for patients to experience arm and shoulder weakness after a clavicle injury, and Dr. Nwachukwu’s specialized protocols will help patients in Brooklyn regain their strength and return to the activities they love quicker.

For the best treatment of a clavicle injury or broken collarbone in Brooklyn, NY and the surrounding New York boroughs, please contact the office of shoulder surgeon Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu.