Clay Shoveler's Fracture is a type of avulsion fracture that is usually stable. It is most commonly seen in laborers that lift weight rapidly with their arms extended, like shoveling or pulling roots. During this excessive hyperflexion the trapezius and rhomboid muscles pull on the spine at the base of the neck, and it actually tears off the bone. The most common area for this is at C6, C7 and T1.
If you are unlucky enough to be on the receiving end of this fracture, then you will feel a burning knife like pain between your shoulder blades. After X-rays determine that you have this fracture, then expect to be in a hard collar for at least 10 days until you once again have good flexion and extension of your neck and a strong callus present.
It can take days or weeks to heal. Even after most of the pain is gone, it is still common to have pain when your arms are outstretched for long periods of time. If your pain seems to last longer, then surgery can be performed to remove the tip. Otherwise, pain medicine, physical therapy, and massage is used for pain relief.
If you are unlucky enough to be on the receiving end of this fracture, then you will feel a burning knife like pain between your shoulder blades. After X-rays determine that you have this fracture, then expect to be in a hard collar for at least 10 days until you once again have good flexion and extension of your neck and a strong callus present.
It can take days or weeks to heal. Even after most of the pain is gone, it is still common to have pain when your arms are outstretched for long periods of time. If your pain seems to last longer, then surgery can be performed to remove the tip. Otherwise, pain medicine, physical therapy, and massage is used for pain relief.
No comments:
Post a Comment