The small, tubular-type bone that connects the chest and shoulder blade is called the clavicle. It is located above the upper rib, on both sides of the chest. In fact, it serves as a support for the shoulder girdle and scapula, and forms a certain protection for the vessels located in the axillary area, as well as the nerves located in the thoracic region.
In some cases, the collarbone may protrude greatly. This can be caused by low weight, if one collarbone protrudes, this is a pathology of the spine, incorrect posture, possibly the formation of lumps or a manifestation of injury.
Signs of pathological protrusion of the collarbone
Non-parallel arrangement of the shoulder girdles
To accurately track how the collarbone protrudes on one side, you need to ask the patient to undress to the waist and stand straight. The arms should hang along the body, the legs should be placed together. Clear signs of a protruding collarbone:
- non-parallel arrangement of the shoulder girdles;
- the collarbones are not on the same line;
- nipples do not form an even parallel;
- there is an arrangement of one of the hips higher relative to the other, it seems to go to the side;
Sunken chest - uneven position of the head and neck;
- sunken chest;
- bulging of one clavicular bone as if forward;
- in the “arms pressed to the body” position, different triangles of the waist are observed - different distances from the limbs to the torso;
- curved line of the spine.
When the clavicle is deformed, depending on the cause of the pathology, redness of the skin in this area may be observed. In case of injuries, the patient feels pain at the moment of touching or lifting the arm from the side of the bone or muscle/ligamentous tissue.
results
In 78% of cases, “good” results were obtained (consolidation, equal length of the clavicles or a difference not exceeding 5 mm, no functional limitations), in 18% “unsatisfactory” results (recurrence of clavicle pseudarthrosis). There were no infectious complications in patients of the main group. In 5 out of 27 patients, clavicular pseudoarthrosis re-formed in the postoperative period. In 4 cases, repeated operations were successfully performed: in 3 cases - repeated corticotomy of both fragments with autoplasty of the pseudarthrosis area, fixation with a pin; in 1 case — autoplasty of the pseudarthrosis area, fixation with a pin. The follow-up period in the present study ranged from 12 months to 6 years. In 1 case, due to migration of the fixing Kirschner wire, a repeat operation (replacement of the wire) was required. In all patients, after consolidation of the bone fragments, the full range of motion in the shoulder joint was restored, and the axis of the clavicle was preserved. The length of the shoulder girdle after removal of VLSK in the long-term postoperative period was the same in 15 patients, and in 11 patients the difference in the length of the clavicle did not exceed 5 mm, which did not affect the positive cosmetic and functional results of treatment.
Causes of deformation
More often, clavicle deformation occurs due to bone injuries, fractures, and dislocations. Doctors note various possible causes of asymmetry.
Deforming arthrosis of the clavicular joint
Arthrosis of the clavicular joint
The pathology is chronic. This is a degenerative disease of cartilage tissue, which is expressed in stiffness of hand movement. Sometimes this disease is also called “osteoarthrosis of the shoulder joint” (not to be confused with osteochondrosis). This disease occurs in approximately 7% of the world's population. People who constantly load the joint suffer more often: builders, musicians, computer scientists, athletes. Arthrosis of the clavicle develops in old age. The disease can be treated conservatively or surgically. It all depends on the degree of pathology.
Incomplete fracture (break of bone tissue)
It happens more often with boys or men/guys due to their overly active lifestyle. This is a hard combat sport, mobility at school, on playgrounds. An injury can occur when you fall on your elbow, hit a wall with your shoulder, fail to fit into a doorway, or make a sharp turn. More often than not, with such an injury, an adult or child does not even experience pain. Minimal discomfort is attributed to a bruise.
The fact of an incomplete fracture is detected after 2-3 weeks, when a bone callus forms at the site of the crack. Outwardly, it resembles a swelling in the area of the tubular bone. It is advisable to take pictures and visit a traumatologist. The doctor will assess the extent of the injury and the degree to which the tissues are healing correctly.
Complete fracture
This type of injury is often displaced and the bone can even protrude through the skin, which is called an open fracture. Pathology with displacement occurs due to a direct strong blow to the tubular bone. When the integrity of the bone tissue is damaged, the joint will crackle. The person feels unbearable acute pain. Literally immediately, under the influence of the muscles of the shoulder girdle, the broken collarbone diverges. Its inner part rises up, its outer part goes down. Instant swelling at the site of injury plus a change in the position of the scapula are additional signs of a complete fracture. The ICD-10 code for clavicle injury begins with S43. This includes dislocations, bruises, fractures, etc.
Scoliosis
The most common reason why one collarbone protrudes more than the other in an adult or child is scoliosis. The problem develops gradually, so parents often pay attention to it when it has already taken root. Scoliosis develops from improper sitting, increased stress on the spine, and a weak muscle corset. Initially, you need to pay attention to the weight and type of the student’s backpack, and to the position in which he mostly sits. It is important to pay maximum attention to the student’s mobility and provide him with a full-fledged orthopedic place to sleep.
With scoliosis, the asymmetry of the collarbones is clearly visible and the curved arch of the patient's spine is visible. Any postural disorders in children according to the ICD have code M53.2.
If problems are identified, you should contact an orthopedist. The doctor will assess the severity of the patient’s condition and select the appropriate treatment tactics.
Scoliosis in children is congenital. It occurs due to a birth injury in one of the cervical vertebrae (usually the second or third) or other birth problems. Such conditions are quickly compensated and by the age of 5-6 years, parents no longer observe pathological changes in the baby.
Injury
With strong impacts to the shoulder joint, soft tissue bruises are possible. In this case, they swell. Visually, a person can trace the asymmetry of the collarbones. But with the right help, it goes away quickly. To reassure you, you can visit a traumatologist so that he can track the integrity of the bones and their joints in the pictures.
Oncology
In rare cases, cancer of the lymph nodes leads to a change in the appearance of the collarbone. Lymph is sent to this area when draining from the lungs and chest. With oncology, a person additionally feels the constant presence of a lump in the throat.
Why is this dangerous?
In case of injuries, the danger comes from bone fragmentation; in the absence of timely treatment, serious inflammatory processes occur, suppuration occurs, pain becomes unbearable, serious swelling forms, and against the background of all this, various pathologies can form.
If we are talking about osteochondrosis, then in addition to the bulging of the collarbone, other consequences arise - severe pain, decreased motor function, often pinched nerves and blood vessels , which entails numbness of the limbs, lameness. When discs bulge, inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues occurs, edema forms, other pathologies may occur, and the disease becomes chronic.
Osteochondrosis is considered a fairly common problem due to which the collarbone bulges, since the pathology causes changes in posture; keep in mind that such changes have a negative impact on internal organs, which can also cause the development of diseases of all systems.
For benign formations, lack of treatment can cause them to become malignant and grow rapidly.
Help with collarbone deformities
If the right collarbone protrudes more than the left or vice versa, medical care is provided depending on the cause of the pathology.
Scoliosis
If there are changes in the spine, the orthopedist must prescribe the following measures:
- Therapeutic physical education (physical therapy). Initially, all exercises are carried out under the supervision of an instructor. Later, when the patient masters the principles of gymnastics, it can be done independently at home, but be sure to do it regularly. Properly selected exercises correct grade 1 and 2 scoliotic deformity and strengthen the back and corset muscles.
- Massage of the pelvic girdle and back. Allows you to improve blood flow to the vertebrae, reduces the tone of the back muscles on the curved side and strengthens them on the other. In this way, the spinal column is corrected.
Gymnastics for scoliosis - Physiotherapy. Helps cope with back pain, strengthens muscles, improves blood circulation.
- Manual therapy. Performed only by experienced specialists.
- Sports activities. Preference is given to skiing, skating, and breaststroke. Physical activity allows you to achieve good therapeutic results.
- You can get rid of spinal curvature at home by practicing yoga. But initially, all asanas should be selected by an experienced trainer. Yoga has a beneficial effect on the entire body. As a result of training, the body becomes slim, fit, and beautiful.
When a patient with scoliosis sits for a long time (work, study), the doctor prescribes wearing an orthopedic corset.
For clavicle injuries
Bandage for a clavicle fracture
If a person has suffered a strong blow to the shoulder area on the right or left, there is a suspicion of a fracture or bruise, you should go to the emergency room. Using the image, the doctor will assess the extent of the problem and prescribe treatment:
- Fracture without displacement. A tight bandage is indicated, worn around the clock. Hand movements are prohibited. If there is pain, you can take analgesics. The bandage is worn for 7-14 days, depending on the size of the puncture.
- Displaced fracture (straight). Plaster is applied. If the skin under it in a child or adult is itchy, you can carefully crawl under the plaster with a thin object wrapped in gauze soaked in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Plaster for direct and even complex fractures of the clavicle is worn for 2-3 weeks. This time is enough for the bones to grow together. Only a doctor should remove the cast.
- Injury. When soft tissue is bruised, a swelling forms on top or in front of the clavicle bone. Local therapy is indicated. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointments are applied to the affected area. Immediately after the impact, cold is indicated to prevent severe swelling. If there is severe pain, you can take painkillers. Bones should not stick out when bruised. If swelling or pain increases after assistance, it is better to seek help from a traumatologist. To rule out or confirm a fracture.
Often, traumatologists recommend replenishing calcium loss with vitamin and mineral complexes. At the same time, you can introduce cottage cheese, almonds, legumes and dried fruits into the diet. It is recommended to increase the load on the arm after a soft or bone tissue injury gradually.
Prevention of scoliosis
To ensure that the spine remains straight and all parallel bones/limbs of the body are positioned correctly, preventive measures should be taken from an early age.
- Maintain good posture both when walking and while sitting. Correct it if the slightest violations are noticed in the early stages.
- Avoid carrying excessive weights. Especially in one hand or on one shoulder.
- When sitting for a long time, your legs (knee bend) should form a 90-degree angle. The back remains straight. Every 15-20 minutes you need to get up and stretch.
- It is important to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles. Therefore, daily gymnastics is mandatory.
- You should lead a normal active lifestyle. Hiking, running, swimming, cycling will do excellent service to the spine. Refusal of prolonged sitting, standing, and excessive loads.
- It is advisable to take a general massage course at least once a year.
- Watch your weight. In thick, obese people, the load on the joints and spine increases significantly.
- If you experience prolonged discomfort in your back, you must seek qualified help in a timely manner.
Following these simple rules will keep your spine strong and healthy. At the same time, a girl, a man, a teenager, and a child will always be able to walk beautifully.