Shoulders

When is clavicle surgery necessary?

Dr. Karas often recommends clavicle surgery for injured athletes or active people who have a desire to return to sports and fully active lifestyles as soon as they possibly can. The clavicle (or collarbone) connects the arm to the body and is one of the most commonly fractured bones. The clavicle is located directly under the skin and does not have a lot of surrounding fat tissue so, when the collarbone is fractured, the snapped bone causes the skin to tent. Not only is the fracture visibly apparent under the skin, it is also quite painful for the patient.

x-ray of a broken clavicle | clavicle surgery

Clavicle fractures occur most commonly:

  • After a fall that directly impacts the patient’s shoulder, causing the collarbone to snap
  • After a patient falls directly onto an outstretched arm, causing the collarbone to snap
  • In children, cyclists, and people who participate in contact sports

Dr. Karas is an internationally recognized shoulder surgeon. He has given numerous national presentations and lectures on the subject of clavicle fractures and clavicle surgery solutions. With 25+ years of specialized expertise in orthopedic sports medicine and as a full member of the prestigious American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES), Dr. Karas is equipped with the knowledge and skill necessary to provide you with relief from your painful shoulder injury.

Clavicle surgery

  • During surgery, Dr. Karas uses a titanium plate to mend the fracture site and to stabilize the fragments of the clavicle
  • It should be noted that proper positioning of the titanium plate by a skilled and experienced surgeon is critical to ensure post-op comfort and return to sports and everyday activities
  • The surgery is performed under a local anesthetic block, which also serves to manage post-op pain for the patient
  • This surgery results in restored length, less deformity, and faster rehabilitation time