Minerva: Press-ups. An alternative treatment for a fractured Clavicle?

A 23 year old right handed postman presented to our department after falling from his bicycle and sustaining an injury to his left shoulder. The initial radiograph showed an angulated fracture of his left clavicle. Follow up was arranged at 14 days in our fracture clinic. He came back six days later when, after pushing himself up from a prone position, he heard a loud crack and experienced acute pain in his left shoulder. The radiograph showed perfect relocation of his previously angulated fracture. He made a full recovery without further intervention.

John S Thomson, senior house officer, Jamie G Cooper, senior house officer accident and emergency department, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN