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Mayo Clinic Housecall
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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffA broken collarbone often happens in an unplanned, unexpected instant. It's usually impossible to foresee or prevent that instant, but these basic tips may offer some protection.
- Build bone strength. Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, can help build strong bones. In general, a regular diet with the recommended calcium intake is best, even after a fracture. For women, the recommended amount of calcium increases with age and with menopause. Talk to your doctor about how much calcium you need.
- Prevent falls. Falling onto your shoulder is the leading cause of a broken collarbone. To help prevent falls, wear sensible shoes. Remove home hazards. Light up your living space. Install grab bars in your bathroom and hand rails on your stairways, if necessary.
- Use protective gear. Wear appropriate safety gear when participating in football and other contact sports.
References
- Hatch RL, et al. Clavicle fractures. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 14, 2010.
- Srinivasan RC, et al. Orthopedic surgery. In: Doherty GM. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Surgery. 13th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5314010. Accessed April 14, 2010.
- Questions and answers about shoulder problems. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Shoulder_Problems/default.asp. Accessed April 14, 2010.
- Broken collarbone. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00072. Accessed April 14, 2010.
- Hopkins-Mann C, et al. Musculoskeletal disorders in children. In: Tintinalli JE, et al. Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2004. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=598143. Accessed April 14, 2010.
- Nikovits DA, et al. Common upper and lower extremity fractures. In: South-Paul JE, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Family Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3034687. Accessed April 14, 2010.
- Broken collarbone. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00394. Accessed April 14, 2010.
- Osteoporosis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/default.asp. Accessed April 28, 2010.
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