Widely displaced fractures that have muscle or soft tissue interposed between the fragments may require surgery, which usually involves a plating technique, with or without a bone graft. Anterior dislocations of the sternoclavicular joint are usually left alone, but posterior dislocations are more problematic and may require a reduction. Posterior dislocations are more serious and can cause vascular injuries, or difficulty swallowing or breathing. The indirect injuries, such as falling on your hand to break a fall, are obviously more difficult to prevent. The prognosis is generally very good for all of these injuries.
Most clavicle fractures heal up quite well on their own.
Even if surgery or grafting is required, the vast majority heal uneventfully. Most dislocations are asymptomatic and don't prevent people from playing sports. Those that are symptomatic can generally be improved through surgery. Calif. In addition to his work with the Coyotes, Dr. Seltzer is also an assistant professor of clinical surgery, division of orthopaedics, at the University of Arizona School of Medicine. The information, including opinions and recommendations, contained in this website is for educational purposes only.