Clavicle: follow the bright line

Question 1Where are most clavicle fractures?

1. aThe sternal end
2. bThey are evenly spread
3. cThe acromial end
4. dThe middle third

Question 2Why can the clavicle look broken when it is not?

1. aUltrasound cannot see bone
2. bThe bone curves, so the probe drifts off the line
3. cThe skin is too thick
4. dThe clavicle has no cortex

Question 3A fracture tents the skin over the clavicle. What next?

1. aRepeat the scan next week
2. bIgnore it
3. cUrgent orthopaedic review
4. dSling and discharge

Question 4A patient has pain at the sternal end of the clavicle and difficulty swallowing after an injury. What do you suspect?

1. aAn acromioclavicular sprain
2. bNormal anatomy
3. cA simple midshaft fracture
4. dA posterior sternoclavicular dislocation, which needs CT and urgent review

Question 5What else should you check in a clavicle fracture?

1. aThe optic nerve
2. bThe gallbladder
3. cThe skin, the nerves and the circulation of the arm
4. dThe ureteric jets