Clavicle Fracture Surgery

There are two main types of surgery to treat clavicle fractures: Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF), and Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning.

  1. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): In this procedure, the surgeon repositions (reduces) the fractured bone fragments into their normal alignment, then connects them using special metal hardware, such as plates and screws. This provides stability to the bone, allowing it to heal in the correct position.
  2. Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning: In this less invasive procedure, the surgeon realigns the fractured bones without directly visualising the fracture site (closed reduction), and then secures the bone fragments with pins inserted through the skin (percutaneous pinning).

Abhinav Gulihar operated on my son’s fractured collarbone in March 2021. He was very professional and attentive. His detailed explanations during the consultations before and post-operation were always clear and concise. He always took the time to answer any questions I raised during the consultations. When I emailed Abhinav, he always responded very quickly. I am glad Abhinav was the surgeon for my son. The operation itself went very smoothly and has only left a faint scar which looks clean and tidy. I know my son was rest assured he was in good hands throughout the whole process including the recovery phase.

Doctor Gulihar treated me after a serious bike accident – I broke my collarbone in 4 places. The doctor put in an appointment for the next day after my accident, advised me on the next steps and we agreed to go ahead with a surgery. The surgery occurred in the first available time slot (here it depended on the hospital and I had to wait 6 days, which was much earlier than the NHS). The surgery went smoothly even though my collarbone was in a very bad state with small pieces that needed to be put together. I had a full range of motion 3 DAYS after the surgery (remarkable) and was able to start using my hand within the next few days. I had support throughout the recovery process with regular checkups and X-rays. I was also referred to a good physiotherapist. I felt that the doctor cared about my case and was very supportive. I am very grateful to be treated by such a great professional.

Expected Surgery Outcome

Successful clavicle surgery can significantly reduce pain and restore shoulder function. Most patients regain a full range of motion and can return to their normal activities following surgery and rehabilitation.

Clavicle Fracture surgery Before and After X-Rays

Before Surgery

Clavicle fracture X-Ray Before Surgery Image

After Surgery

Potential surgery complications and risks

Like any surgery, clavicle surgeries carry potential complications, including infection, blood clots, adverse reactions to anaesthesia, nonunion (failure of the fracture to heal), and hardware complications (problems with the plates, screws, or pins used in surgery).

Risks

  • Infection: In rare cases, infections can occur post-surgery, potentially requiring additional surgery for treatment.
  • Blood Clots: Clots can form in the arm veins due to immobility after surgery, posing serious health risks.
  • Nonunion: The fracture may fail to heal properly, leading to ongoing pain and functional limitations.
  • Hardware Complications: The plates, screws, or pins used in surgery may cause discomfort, or in rare cases, break or migrate, necessitating additional procedures.

Recovery after surgery

Post-surgery, patients often start physiotherapy within a few weeks to restore strength and range of motion. Pain management medication is typically prescribed to alleviate post-surgical discomfort. The recovery timeline varies greatly depending on the surgery type and the patient's overall health, but full recovery generally takes anywhere from several months to a year.