St. Louis Shoulder Injury Lawyers

Clavicle Dislocation

The clavicle, or collarbone, is in a somewhat protected position between the sternum (or chest bone) and the shoulder. When a strong force is applied laterally to the shoulder, the clavicle can become dislocated from the sternum. This commonly occurs in a vehicle accident.

Symptoms of Clavicle Dislocation

Pain, swelling, and bruising between the neck and shoulder are the most common symptoms. Individuals with a clavicle dislocation typically hold the arm in a flexed position across the chest with the head tilted toward the injured side. There may or may not be a large bony lump near the neck, representing the end of the bone that is normally adjacent to the sternum.

If the collar bone dislocates in a posterior direction, it can impinge on the trachea or vocal cords causing difficulty breathing or a hoarse voice. In this situation, it is considered an emergent surgery with prompt relocation indicated followed by surgery if it is not successful.

Treatment

The treatment of a clavicle dislocation is to reduce or relocate the bone back to its proper location; this is often done in the emergency room with pain medication, such as Valium.

The typical prognosis is a full recovery, but there is a high rate of recurrence.

Taking Legal Action for Your Injuries

Our St. Louis personal injury lawyers know that damage to your shoulders often requires costly medical treatment. If someone else’s carelessness causes a severe injury that leaves you permanently impaired, we stand ready to pursue compensation. Our dedicated legal professionals are on your side – call (314) 322-8515 today for a free consultation on what we can do for you.