Surgery

Surgery is offered to patients with fractures that are out of place by more than the width of the bone. Either a plate (figure) or screws on the surface of the bone or a metal rod in the middle of the bone can be used. The scar is sometimes unsightly. The implanted metal might be bothersome, but should not be removed until the fracture is solidly healed. Some people have bothersome numbness on their chest below the scar.

Figure: surgery with a plate.