Clavicle

The clavicle is the point of origin or insertion for numerous muscles, including:

• Deltoid - inferolateral aspect
• Pectoralis major - inferomedial
• Subclavius - inferolateral
• Sternohyoid - inferomedial
• Trapezius - superolateral
• Sternocleidomastoid - superomedial

After a clavicular fracture, the medial fragment is pulled superiorly and posteriorly by the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Similarly, the weight of the arm and the pectoralis major pull the lateral fragment inferiorly and anteriorly.

For the noncontact athlete with a clavicle fracture, a gradual return to usual activities may be allowed in approximately 4 to 6 weeks after injury. That is when the patient has (1) painless, full, active, range of motion, (2) near-normal strength, and (3) evidence of bridging callus.

N.B. figure 8 slings are no longer popular; simple arm sling can help same way