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Home / Specialties / Clavicle Surgery: ORIF of the Clavicle to Repair Severe Fractures

Clavicle Surgery: ORIF of the Clavicle to Repair Severe Fractures

To help you discuss treatment options for clavicle fractures with your orthopedic surgeon, here’s a breakdown of ORIF.

What Is a Clavicle Fracture?

A clavicle fracture is a common injury that occurs when the collarbone breaks.The clavicle/collarbone is a bone situated horizontally, connecting the sternum (breastbone) to the humerus or bone of the upper arm, on either side of the body.

 Most clavicle fractures occur in the shaft or middle portion of the bone. 

Signs and symptoms of a clavicle fracture may include:

  • Swelling, tenderness, and/or bruising over the break
  • Inability to lift the arm because of pain
  • A bump or deformity over the break
  • A sensation of grinding when you try to lift the arm
  • Sagging of the shoulder forward and downward

What Are the Treatment Options for Clavicle Fractures? 

The choice of treatment for a clavicle fracture depends on the type,location, and severity of the fracture.

Non-surgical treatment for clavicle fractures involve placing the arm in a sling for up to six weeks to allow for healing, followed by physical therapy to prevent stiffness and weakness of the shoulder, restore range of motion, and strengthen muscles.

The most common surgical treatment option for clavicle fractures is ORIF, which stands for open reduction and internal fixation. 

What Is the Procedure for ORIF of the Clavicle Surgery?

The orthopedic surgeon performs ORIF of the clavicle surgery according to the following procedure:

  • The surgeon sterilizes the infected area and makes small incisions around the clavicle muscles. 
  • The surgeon locates the fracture by carefully sliding in between the muscles of the clavicle, allowing them to see the fracture without cutting directly through the muscles. 
  • The surgeon uses special instruments to reposition (reduce) the bone fragments into their normal alignment. 
  • The bone fragments are held in place with metal hardware such as metal wires, plates, pins, or screws. 
  • The surgeon secures the bone, closes the incisions, and applies sterile dressing. 

What Happens After ORIF of the Clavicle Surgery? 

Following ORIF of the clavicle surgery, the patient may be able to go home the same day.The patient will need to keep their arm immobile for several weeks by wearing a sling. The surgeon will provide instructions on caring for the incision and managing pain using ice packs and pain medications.

Once the patient is out of the sling, the surgeon will order physical therapy and exercise regimen to prevent shoulder stiffness, strengthen muscles, and restore range of motion. 

What Are the Risks and Complications of ORIF of the Clavicle Surgery?

As with any surgery, there are some risks and complications of an ORIF procedure, including bleeding, infection, pain, blood clots, shoulder stiffness, hardware irritation, healing failure, or damage to blood vessels, nerves, and surrounding tissues. 

Clavicle fractures may be common, but receiving surgical care of the highest quality is critical. See if ORIF of the clavicle may be the solution for you.