Clavicle Fractures
A clavicle fracture, or broken collarbone, is a common shoulder injury affecting patients of all ages and activity levels. Clavicle fractures often occur due to a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm, which puts pressure on the bone, causing it to snap. Dr. Patel commonly sees this in football and hockey players as well as active weekend warriors who fall from biking injuries. Symptoms can include pain, difficulty moving the arm, and visible deformities over the collarbone.
Dr. Ronak M. Patel brings a specialized approach to treating clavicle fractures, especially for active individuals and athletes eager to return to their routines. By using minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Patel focuses on delivering faster recovery times and reducing discomfort associated with traditional treatments. Many clavicle fractures do not need surgery. He treats a range of clavicle fractures, from simple breaks to complex, displaced fractures, which often require careful surgical intervention.
Dr. Patel’s surgical treatment strategy involves advanced minimally invasive techniques that allow for effective stabilization of fractures with less scarring, faster healing, and minimal need for intrusive hardware. These techniques are particularly beneficial for complex distal clavicle fractures, where he avoids using irritable hardware, ensuring that his patients can return to sports and activities as quickly as possible.
Non-Surgical Treatments
For clavicle fractures where the bone remains well-aligned, Dr. Patel may recommend:
- Arm Support: A sling is used to immobilize the shoulder, allowing it to heal.
- Pain Management: Pain can be managed with medications like acetaminophen and adjuncts such as Laser Therapy to avoid the use of opioids.
- Physical Therapy: To prevent shoulder stiffness, Dr. Patel encourages early motion exercises to maintain shoulder mobility.
- Biologic Support: Dr. Patel will optimize bone health with prescription strength Vitamin D.
Surgical Treatments
In cases where the clavicle bone is displaced or shattered, surgical intervention may be required. Dr. Patel specializes in:
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): This involves repositioning the bone fragments and securing them with metal plates and screws.
- Minimal Hardware Irritation: Dr. Patel often avoids using hardware that can cause discomfort, ensuring a smoother recovery and fewer complications in everyday activities.
After treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical, Dr. Patel emphasizes the importance of physical therapy to restore strength and mobility. He collaborates with each patient on a personalized rehabilitation plan, ensuring a gradual return to regular activities, sports, or exercise once the fracture is fully healed.
Expert, Compassionate Care
With a focus on patient-centered care, Dr. Patel works to ensure each patient is fully informed and comfortable throughout their recovery journey. His dedication to using the latest surgical techniques and conservative treatments allows patients to achieve a quicker, more comfortable recovery with minimal disruption to their lives.
For consultations and more information, contact Dr. Ronak M. Patel’s office and begin your recovery journey with confidence. After your consultation, you will understand why many of Dr. Patel’s peers voted him one of the top Shoulder Surgeons in Illinois and Indiana.
At a Glance
Ronak M. Patel M.D.
- Double Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Past Team Physician to the Cavaliers (NBA), Browns (NFL) and Guardians (MLB)
- Published over 49 publications and 10 book chapters
- Learn more