Clavicle Fracture, Rib Fractures and Haemothorax

Clavicle fracture, rib fractures and haemothorax. In a motorcycle accident, the patient injured his right flank and shoulder. Symptoms included dyspnoea and hypotension. Plain chest x-ray shows a fracture in the middle part of the right clavicle with a dislocation by about a half of the bone thickness and a small loose fragment. The AC joint is congruent. Also the 2^nd rib is fractured with a dislocation by a half of the bone thickness and the 3^rd rib has a smaller fracture concealed by the clavicle. Fractures also in the 5^th and 6^th rib, and a suspected fracture in the 4^th rib. Large contusions in the right lung and subcutaneous emphysema in the right side. The heart and pulmonary vasculary markings are otherwise normal. Right diaphragmatic dome elevated. Treatment consisted of analgesics, oxygen mask and close monitoring.

Picture: Medimage / University of Turku. By courtesy of the Finnish Ministry of Education.