Press Release

New York, NY ( connect2business.co.uk ) February 24, 2014 - The collarbone, also known as the clavicle, is a long bone situated between the ribcage and the shoulder blades. While the collarbone serves several functions, its main purpose is to connect the arms to the body. Unfortunately, injuries to the clavicle are extremely common.

Dr. Francis X. Mendoza, a renowned orthopedic surgeon based in New York, explains the clavicle fractures are most often the resulting of falling directly on the shoulder, such as one falls off of a bicycle. Dr. Mendoza says that when a patient experiences a clavicle fracture, they will most likely experience an inability to move their shoulders or arms, and swelling and bruising in the collarbone area.

Clavicle fractures are most common in young children and athletes, although they can occur at almost any age. Since the collarbone does not harden until one reaches the age of 20, it is an extremely easy bone for young patients to break, according to Dr. Mendoza. Adults who have a diet low in calcium, and athletes who are active in sports such as snowboarding, bicycling, or rugby, are at an increased risk for a clavicle fracture. Automobile accidents are often a main cause of these injuries.

Dr. Mendoza says that patients who experience any of these symptoms should consult an orthopedic surgeon. The doctor will first evaluate the patient's symptoms and shoulder, discuss the cause of the injury, and thoroughly examine surrounding nerves and blood vessels to make certain there is no damage to those areas. Dr. Mendoza will then order tests, including CT Scans and X-rays, in order to assess the severity of the patient's injury, and to pinpoint the exact location of the fracture.

Clavicle fractures can often be treated with nonsurgical methods, according to Dr. Mendoza. Dr. Mendoza usually recommends pain medications, physical therapy, and ice packs to help numb alleviate a patient's pain. In rare cases, however, surgery is necessary. Surgery will be necessary when the collarbone is completely out of place, since it will reposition the bone back into a normal shape.

Dr. Mendoza says that, even when surgery is not required, it may take several months for a clavicle to heal completely. Rehabilitation exercises will likely be necessary to help strengthen the bone. Most adult patients will be able to return to their normal activities within 3 months of their injury, while children will usually experience a faster healing time. Dr. Mendoza works closely with each of his patients, both before and after their surgery, to ensure they experience the best possible outcome following treatment.

Dr. Mendoza practices in New York, New York. Interested parties are encouraged to find out more at http://www.fxmendozamd.com.

About Dr. Mendoza

Dr. Francis Mendoza graduated from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and completed orthopedic and shoulder training at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. He has served as the Director of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, and is a member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, the Mid-Atlantic Shoulder and Elbow Society, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Using his extensive knowledge in shoulder and elbow orthopedics, Dr. Mendoza also teaches residents and practicing orthopedic surgeons advanced surgical techniques and has been recognized as a top shoulder surgeon by Castle Connolly and by consumer groups. Dr. Mendoza offers expertise and experience in treating various orthopedic injuries and provides patients with top-of-the-line treatment.

Dr. Mendoza can be reached at 212.628.9600 in New York, NY, and interested parties can also visit his website at http://www.fxmendozamd.com.

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Dr. Francis Mendoza graduated from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and completed orthopedic and shoulder training at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. He has served as the Director of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, and is a member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, the Mid-Atlantic Shoulder and Elbow Society, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Organisation Profile:
Dr. Mendoza offers expertise and experience in treating various orthopedic injuries and provides patients with top-of-the-line treatment. Dr. Mendoza can be reached at (212) 628-9600 in New York, NY, and interested parties can also visit his website at http://www.fxmendozamd.com