Final answer:
The treatment for a nondisplaced midshaft clavicular fracture typically involves immobilization, pain management, and possibly physical therapy, without the need for closed reduction or surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatment of a nondisplaced midshaft clavicular fracture generally involves conservative methods, as the clavicle is the most commonly fractured bone usually due to falls onto outstretched arms or strong blows to the lateral shoulder. The midshaft is the location between the medial and lateral portions of the clavicle, making it a common site for fractures.
Conservative treatment typically includes immobilization with a sling or figure-of-eight bandage to allow proper healing. In some cases, closed reduction, which is the manual manipulation of a broken bone to set it into its natural position without surgery, may be necessary if there is significant displacement. However, for nondisplaced fractures, where the bone has maintained its proper alignment, closed reduction is not required. Instead, immobilization and rest, accompanied by pain management and possible physical therapy, are the mainstay treatments.
The function of the clavicle is important as it serves as a strut between the sternum and shoulder, allowing for arm mobility; it also protects neurovascular structures underneath. The surrounding structures, including the coracoclavicular ligament, are vital for the stability of the clavicle and shoulder. Patients are advised to follow up with orthopedic care to monitor the healing process and ensure that there is no significant displacement over time.