Clavicular fracture in a collegiate football player: a case report of rapid return to play.

OBJECTIVE To present the case of surgical treatment and rehabilitation of a midshaft clavicular fracture in a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football athlete. BACKGROUND While attempting to catch a pass during practice, the athlete jumped up and then landed on the tip of his shoulder. On-the-field evaluation was inconclusive, with a sideline evaluation diagnosis of clavicular fracture. Postinjury radiographs revealed a midshaft clavicular fracture. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS Spiral oblique midshaft clavicular fracture. TREATMENT The sports medicine staff discussed surgical and nonsurgical options. A surgical procedure of internal fixation with an 8-hole plate was performed. UNIQUENESS Surgical treatment for clavicular fractures is becoming increasingly common. This is the first report of an advanced rehabilitation protocol for surgical repair. We suggest that new rehabilitation protocols for clavicular repairs be investigated now that surgical treatment is being pursued more frequently. CONCLUSIONS More aggressive treatment procedures and rehabilitation protocols for clavicular fractures have evolved in recent years. With these medical advancements, athletes are able to return to play much more quickly without compromising their health and safety.