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Broken collar bone heal. Clavicle Fracture: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery Timeline

by alexxlab

How long does a broken collarbone take to heal. What are the stages of recovery for a clavicle fracture. How can you manage pain and swelling after breaking your collarbone. When can you return to normal activities after a clavicle fracture.

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Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Causes and Symptoms

A clavicle fracture, commonly known as a broken collarbone, is a frequent injury that can occur due to various reasons. These fractures often result from direct impacts to the shoulder, falls onto an outstretched arm, or sports-related accidents. The clavicle, being a relatively thin bone connecting the shoulder blade to the breastbone, is particularly vulnerable to such forces.

Symptoms of a clavicle fracture typically include:

  • Severe pain in the shoulder area
  • Difficulty moving the affected arm
  • Swelling and bruising around the collarbone
  • A visible deformity or bump at the fracture site
  • A grinding sensation when attempting to raise the arm

Is a clavicle fracture always obvious? While many clavicle fractures are readily apparent due to pain and visible deformity, some may be less evident. In cases of doubt, medical evaluation and imaging are crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis and Initial Treatment of Clavicle Fractures

When a clavicle fracture is suspected, healthcare professionals typically follow a systematic approach to diagnosis and treatment:

  1. Physical examination: The doctor will assess the affected area for signs of fracture.
  2. Imaging: X-rays are usually sufficient to confirm the diagnosis and determine the fracture’s severity.
  3. Pain management: Immediate pain relief may be provided through medication.
  4. Immobilization: The affected arm is typically placed in a sling to restrict movement and promote healing.

How is the severity of a clavicle fracture determined? The severity is assessed based on factors such as the fracture’s location, whether the bone has pierced the skin (open fracture), and the degree of displacement between bone fragments.

The Healing Process: Timeline and Expectations

The healing process for a clavicle fracture can vary, but generally follows a predictable timeline:

0 to 3 Weeks Post-Injury

During this initial phase, the focus is on pain management and protecting the fracture site. Patients are advised to:

  • Wear a sling during the day, except for exercises and personal hygiene
  • Begin gentle shoulder exercises as recommended by a healthcare provider
  • Avoid lifting the elbow above shoulder height

3 to 6 Weeks Post-Injury

As healing progresses, patients are encouraged to:

  • Gradually reduce sling usage
  • Engage in light activities with the affected arm
  • Increase range of motion exercises
  • Continue to avoid heavy lifting

6 to 12 Weeks Post-Injury

By this stage, most clavicle fractures have healed significantly. Patients can typically:

  • Resume normal daily activities, guided by pain levels
  • Begin overhead arm movements
  • Gradually return to more strenuous activities

Does the healing time vary for different individuals? Yes, factors such as age, overall health, smoking status, and the severity of the fracture can influence healing time. Some patients may require up to 12 weeks or more for complete healing.

Managing Pain and Swelling During Recovery

Effective pain and swelling management are crucial for a comfortable recovery and optimal healing. Here are some strategies to manage these symptoms:

Pain Management

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by a healthcare provider
  • Application of ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time
  • Proper arm positioning to minimize strain on the fracture site

Swelling Reduction

  • Elevation of the affected arm when resting
  • Gentle massage to promote fluid drainage
  • Compression garments if recommended by a healthcare provider

Can swelling persist long after the fracture has healed? It’s not uncommon for some degree of swelling to persist for several months after the initial injury. However, if swelling is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

Rehabilitation and Exercises for Clavicle Fractures

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in restoring function and strength after a clavicle fracture. The rehabilitation process typically includes:

Early Stage Exercises (0-3 weeks)

  • Gentle pendulum exercises to maintain shoulder mobility
  • Wrist and hand exercises to prevent stiffness
  • Isometric shoulder blade squeezes

Intermediate Stage Exercises (3-6 weeks)

  • Progressive range of motion exercises for the shoulder
  • Light resistance exercises using elastic bands
  • Postural exercises to maintain proper alignment

Advanced Stage Exercises (6+ weeks)

  • Strengthening exercises for the shoulder and upper arm
  • Sport-specific or occupation-specific rehabilitation exercises
  • Gradual return to normal activities and exercise routines

How important is professional guidance in rehabilitation? Professional guidance from a physical therapist or occupational therapist is crucial for ensuring safe and effective rehabilitation. These experts can tailor exercises to individual needs and monitor progress to prevent complications.

Potential Complications and Long-Term Outlook

While most clavicle fractures heal without significant complications, it’s important to be aware of potential issues that may arise:

Possible Complications

  • Delayed union or nonunion of the fracture
  • Malunion, where the bone heals in an incorrect position
  • Shoulder stiffness or reduced range of motion
  • Persistent pain or discomfort
  • Nerve or blood vessel damage (rare)

Long-Term Outlook

The majority of patients with clavicle fractures achieve full recovery and return to their pre-injury level of function. However, some factors can influence the long-term outlook:

  • Age and overall health status
  • Severity and location of the fracture
  • Adherence to treatment and rehabilitation protocols
  • Presence of any complications during healing

Do all clavicle fractures result in a visible bump after healing? Many patients will notice a small bump at the fracture site even after complete healing. This is typically harmless and does not affect function, but in some cases, it may be more pronounced.

Returning to Normal Activities and Sports

The timeline for returning to normal activities and sports can vary depending on the individual and the specific activity. Here are some general guidelines:

Daily Activities

Most patients can gradually return to light daily activities within 6-8 weeks of the injury. This includes:

  • Light household chores
  • Desk work or similar non-strenuous occupations
  • Gentle recreational activities

Driving

Returning to driving typically occurs when:

  • The sling is no longer needed
  • Full range of motion is restored
  • The patient can perform emergency maneuvers safely

It’s important to check with your insurance provider, as your policy may have specific requirements regarding driving after an injury.

Sports and High-Impact Activities

Return to sports and high-impact activities usually occurs later in the recovery process:

  • Non-contact sports: Usually safe to resume around 8-12 weeks post-injury
  • Contact sports: Often restricted until at least 12 weeks post-injury, with clearance from a healthcare provider
  • High-impact activities: May require 3-6 months or more before safe resumption

Is there a risk of re-injury when returning to sports? While the healed clavicle is often as strong as it was pre-injury, there is always a small risk of re-injury, especially in contact sports. Proper conditioning, gradual return to activity, and use of protective gear when appropriate can help minimize this risk.

Lifestyle Considerations for Optimal Healing

Several lifestyle factors can significantly impact the healing process of a clavicle fracture:

Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in nutrients supports bone healing. Key nutrients include:

  • Calcium and Vitamin D for bone strength
  • Protein for tissue repair
  • Vitamin C for collagen production
  • Zinc and copper for enzyme function in bone formation

Smoking Cessation

Smoking has been shown to significantly impair bone healing. Quitting smoking, even temporarily, can improve healing outcomes. Benefits of quitting include:

  • Improved blood flow to the fracture site
  • Enhanced bone cell function
  • Reduced risk of complications

Sleep and Rest

Adequate sleep and rest are crucial for the body’s healing processes. Tips for better sleep with a clavicle fracture include:

  • Using extra pillows for support
  • Sleeping in a reclined position if comfortable
  • Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule

Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively impact healing. Stress management techniques that may be helpful include:

  • Mindfulness meditation
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Gentle yoga (with healthcare provider approval)
  • Engaging in enjoyable, low-impact activities

How does overall health affect clavicle fracture healing? General health plays a significant role in the healing process. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing chronic conditions effectively, and following medical advice can all contribute to optimal healing outcomes.

When to Seek Additional Medical Care

While most clavicle fractures heal without complications, it’s important to be aware of signs that may indicate a need for additional medical attention:

Signs of Infection

  • Increased pain, redness, or swelling at the fracture site
  • Fever or chills
  • Discharge from the skin near the fracture

Signs of Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage

  • Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
  • Unusual coldness or color changes in the affected limb
  • Severe or increasing pain not relieved by prescribed pain management

Signs of Delayed Healing

  • Persistent pain or instability beyond the expected healing time
  • Inability to progress with rehabilitation exercises as expected
  • Visible deformity that worsens over time

Should you seek immediate care for any new symptoms after a clavicle fracture? While some discomfort is normal during the healing process, any sudden changes in symptoms, especially those suggesting infection or nerve/blood vessel issues, warrant prompt medical evaluation.

In conclusion, understanding the healing process, adhering to treatment protocols, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key factors in recovering from a clavicle fracture. While the journey to full recovery may take several weeks to months, most patients can expect to regain full function with proper care and patience. Always consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice and to address any concerns that arise during the healing process.

Clavicle (collar bone) fracture | NHS inform

Your injury may be referred to as a fracture, break or crack. These terms all mean the same thing.

When you have a fracture, it’s not just the bone that’s affected. You’ll also have injured some of the soft tissues around it. Soft tissues include the:

  • muscles
  • ligaments
  • tendons
  • nerves


A clavicle (collar bone) fracture.


Recovery times

A clavicle fracture can take between 6 to 12 weeks to heal.

It’s normal to have aches and discomfort beyond this. It’s also common for the area to be more sensitive for several months afterwards.

What can affect your recovery?

There are some things that might affect your recovery.

Smoking

Smoking affects all your tissues and slows facture healing times. In some people, it can stop healing altogether.

Stopping smoking as your fracture heals will help to ensure the best recovery.

Get help to stop smoking.

General health

Some medical conditions, like diabetes, may slow down the healing process.

Eating a healthy diet and keeping yourself active will help your recovery.

Medication

Some medications can slow down fracture healing. If you have concerns about your medication talk to a healthcare professional.

Anti-inflammatory medication, like Ibuprofen or Naproxen, have been shown to delay healing.

What to expect after a clavicle fracture

It’s common for a lump to form around the injured area at your collar bone as the healing takes place. In many cases this will remain after your clavicle has healed. You don’t need to seek help for this unless there is a change to the lump.

Following your X-ray and diagnosis, your fracture will be managed in a Poly Sling.


How to fit a Poly Sling
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZFnoKjw_Zs)

Rehabilitation plan

There are things you can do to help your recovery after a clavicle fracture.

0 to 3 weeks after your injury

Just after your injury, you should:

  • wear sling during the day except for exercises and personal hygiene
  • choose whether to wear your sling at night
  • start some exercises for your shoulder
  • avoid lifting your elbow above shoulder height as this may be painful

3 to 6 weeks after your injury

Between 3 to 6 weeks after your injury, you should:

  • try not to use your sling
  • begin normal light activities with your arm and shoulder
  • increase movement
  • avoid heavy lifting

6 to 12 weeks after your injury

The injury should be healed between 6 to 12 weeks but heavy tasks may cause discomfort.

You should aim to:

  • resume normal day to day activities but be guided by any pain that you experience – stop if movements become painful
  • start to lift your arm overhead
  • avoid contact sport until at least 12 weeks after the injury

Help and support

If your collar bone hasn’t improved within 6 weeks of following this advice, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.

Swelling

It’s normal to have swelling near the fracture site. It often spreads down your arm.

Swelling can sometimes last for months. The amount of swelling can also change depending on:

  • your position
  • your activity
  • the time of day

It’s important that swelling is managed well to help your recovery.

How to reduce swelling

To help reduce the swelling you should:

  • keep the other joints in your arm moving normally
  • find a balance between rest and activity
  • Use self massage to reduce swelling – gently use your fingertips to push the fluid towards your shoulder

Bruising

It’s normal to have bruising after a fracture.

Bruising can be widespread and may appear a long way from your fracture. It can be very purple to start with and may change colour as you recover.

Pain after a fracture

It’s normal to have some discomfort in the areas around your fracture. The areas affected can be:

  • other soft tissues
  • nearby joints
  • areas that have been immobilised

Pain can change from day to day and it doesn’t always depend on what you’re doing. It’s common to have pain at rest.

It’s normal to have some pain even when your fracture has healed. Some people also experience discomfort in the fracture site during colder weather.

Your local pharmacy can give you advice on managing pain after a fracture.


Find your local pharmacy

Use Scotland’s Service Directory to find your local pharmacy.


Pharmacies

Getting back to normal activities

There are some things you should consider when trying to get back to your normal activities.

Driving

You should contact your insurance provider before driving. Your injury may affect your insurance.

Once you’re out of your sling, you must be able to safely perform an emergency stop or manoeuvre.

You should always be in full control of your vehicle.

Work

Your return to work will depend on the type of work you do and your employer. It may be possible to discuss a phased return to work or changed duties.

You don’t need to see a healthcare professional to return to work.

Daily activities

Keep doing any activities you’re able to, and as your pain allows. Gradually increase what you do.

Reduced flexibility and strength may make things more difficult to start with. This will get better as you slowly build up to all your usual activities.

Mood

Frustration or low mood after an injury is normal. As you get back to normal life this should get better.

Falls

Loss of confidence is common after a fracture.

Get advice about preventing falls.

Bone scanning

You may be sent a letter inviting you for a scan of your bone density after a fracture.

It’s routine to be assessed for any further risk of fracture, especially if you:

  • are over the age of 50
  • have increased risk factors for fracture

Exercises for your shoulder

You can practice exercises for your injured shoulder.

You should aim to do these exercises 4 to 5 times a day.

Stop these movements if they make your symptoms worse, or cause new pain.


Source:
MSK Expert Panel – Opens in new browser window


Last updated:


16 December 2022


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Let a Broken Collarbone Heal Naturally, or Not? | University of Utah Health

Dr. Miller: You have a broken collarbone or a fractured clavicle? Do you need to have the treated surgically or can it heal naturally?

Announcer: Access to our experts with in-depth information about the biggest health issues facing you today. “The Specialists” with Dr. Tom Miller is on the Scope.

Dr. Miller: I’m here Dr. Bruce Thomas. He is an orthopedic surgeon here at the University of Utah in the Department of Orthopedics. Bruce, tell us a little bit about fractured clavicles.

Dr. Thomas: Fractured clavicles are a common sports injury, men more than women, and the treatment of it has evolved over the years. Traditionally, many of them were treated without surgery and the rate of non-healing was about 3%.

Dr. Miller: Before we get into that, how does one fracture a clavicle or bust the collarbone as they say on the athletic field?

Dr. Thomas: Usually, it’s a fall to the shoulder.

Dr. Miller: Outstretched hand, that sort of thing?

Dr. Thomas: Mostly, not outstretched. More to the point of the shoulder and occasionally from blunt trauma. But usually, it’s a fall to the shoulder or a side impact.

Dr. Miller: Mostly seen in contact sports like football?

Dr. Thomas: Contact sports, you see it in soccer and skiing as well. The contact with the ground is usually the contact. Most of the collarbone fractures occur in the shaft and in the mid portion of it and the smaller percentage will occur way out towards the end of the clavicle near the shoulder. Those require treatment almost uniformly. The ones in the shaft, less, less uniform require treatment.

Dr. Miller: So does it matter what type of an athlete you are? Might you consider surgery to get back into the playing field sooner in some cases?

Dr. Thomas: They’re finding it definitely affects the biomechanics. Traditionally, you would accept 2.5 centimeters of shortening before you would consider surgery and now, the number is about 1 centimeter. And keeping that strut at the right length helps in the position of your shoulder and the movement of your shoulder blade.

Dr. Miller: So if it doesn’t heal appropriately or if the distance between the fracture is, you know, there is a gap I guess, then you could lose function or sacrifice some function in the shoulder?

Dr. Thomas: You could. Without a nice, strong strut there as you load the shoulder, you’ll feel weakness. But interestingly, the older literature shows that half of the patients that have a non-union don’t have a lot of symptoms. But that could be depending on what their activity is.

Dr. Miller: What their activity level is. So kind of who you are matters in terms of whether you might consider surgery. So I guess it’s a bit of a personal decision and you as the orthopedic surgeon explain that to the patient.

Dr. Thomas: That’s true. And what your demands are make a big difference on whether you need surgery or not.

Dr. Miller: And so how do you repair the clavicle? Do you put a plate in or do you just . . . I mean, it’s kind of hard to put a cast on the shoulder, obviously.

Dr. Thomas: That’s true. And so, the hardware serves as an internal cast and supports the bone and keeps it aligned while it heals. And most commonly is used a plate, either on the top of the collarbone or on the front of the collarbone.

Dr. Miller: And you leave that in after the period of healing?

Dr. Thomas: On the top, eventually the bone heals, the swelling goes away. And on top, there’s not much tissue between the collarbone and the skin. And those are kind of prominent and people will feel them with their seatbelts or backpacks. And so if the plate is on top, it’s more likely to be removed later.

Dr. Miller: So would you say that anyone who has a clavicular fracture should probably see an orthopedic surgeon and discuss the reason for her need for surgery or healing?

Dr. Thomas: I think that’s a great rule and especially if you’re in high demand sports or heavy activities, making sure that your strut is the right length and ensuring healing is important.

Dr. Miller: Once you fracture a clavicle, whether it’s plated or not, how long is the period of healing, generally?

Dr. Thomas: It varies, obviously. In young children, it will very quickly, four to six weeks. Adults, six to eight weeks, usually, and a small number up to 12 weeks.

Dr. Miller: And so physical therapy, is that any part of the rehabilitation of the shoulder or clavicle, rather?

Dr. Thomas: It certainly is. People tend to get stiff when you immobilize them or after a surgery. And as the fracture becomes more stable, early motion helps reduce the amount of stiffness and aids people getting back to their activities quicker.

Dr. Miller: So generally, somebody who’s been injured in a sports-related activity or at work, they would know if they had a fracture. I mean it’s painful, it’s prominent. You can see the changes because the bone is so close to the skin.

Dr. Thomas: That’s true. Most of the time, they know instantly and pretty quickly, everyone around them can tell as well.

Dr. Miller: So bottom line, then, for our listeners would be that if you have a clavicle fracture, called the collarbone in everyday usage, but if you have a fracture, you should probably see an orthopedic surgeon and have that evaluated because surgery might assist you in healing. And a certain percentage of patients will go on to surgery and have a good result.

Dr. Thomas: That’s true.

Announcer: Have a question about a medical procedure? Want to learn more about a health condition? With over 2,000 interviews with our physicians and specialists, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find what you want to know. Check it out at TheScopeRadio.com.

updated: October 26, 2018
originally published: January 15, 2017

Do they take to the army with a broken collarbone? — AppealNo

Time to read the article: ≈ 3 minute(s)

Clavicle fracture accounts for 15% of the total number of fractures. The number of conscripts with a history of this injury is large, so it is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of whether they take to the army with a broken collarbone. If the rehabilitation period is not over, the young man is entitled to a delay. But after the complete fusion of the bone, the question of serving in the army will depend on how exactly the treatment was completed. If the treatment was carried out with the help of a metal structure, and it is not removed, in Russia the young man will be released from military service. We will talk about other grounds for assigning a non-conscription category with this injury in our article.

Clavicle fracture and the army

If the fracture happened recently and the young man is undergoing treatment or rehabilitation , then he is granted deferment for health reasons in the current call. The timing of bone fusion and further recovery of upper limb function depends on many factors, such as age, general health, degree of injury, and method of treatment.

Full recovery from a broken collarbone usually takes 6 to 12 weeks. The maximum period for granting a deferral for health reasons is 12 months.

If the fracture has healed, and the function of the injured limb has not been disturbed in any way, the conscript is recognized as fit for military service.

There are situations when the fracture of the clavicle is very complex or there is displacement of fragments. For such an injury, conservative treatment is not enough, so doctors use a surgical method: install a metal plate to heal better and faster.

After the end of such treatment, if the plate does not cause discomfort to the patient, it is not removed. According to article 81 of the Schedule of Diseases, the presence of an unremoved metal structure on the collarbone is the basis for determining the category of validity “B” (limited validity) .

What if the collarbone fracture did not result in an exemption?

If it is initially clear that the fracture will not be grounds for exemption from military service, it is actively to check your health during the period of deferment for rehabilitation and treatment.

EXPERT EXPERIENCE

“Unfortunately, no one is immune from fractures. The presence of an unremoved metal structure on the collarbone suggests exemption from military service. Do not forget that it is important to record all visits to doctors and keep medical records. It is on this information that specialist doctors will be based on the medical examination .

Vladislav Neklyudov , lawyer-expert at PryzivaNet.

Q&A

What can not be done with a broken collarbone?

The most important thing not to do with any fracture is to try to treat it yourself. Incorrect bone union will lead to dysfunction of the limb, and further intervention will be required, so you should immediately consult a doctor.

During treatment, it is necessary to exclude physical activity on the injured limb and follow all the doctor’s recommendations . You can not remove the immobilizing dressings, loosen them yourself or make them tighter, as this can lead to complications, and the treatment of the fracture will be delayed.

Why does the collarbone break easily?

This is due to its anatomical features: this small, thin bone is the only link between the upper limb and the trunk, and is therefore subject to high loads and risks of injury.

How many walk with a broken collarbone?

The healing time of a clavicle fracture depends on the age and general health of the patient. Usually, people return to normal activities 6-8 weeks after the fracture, but full recovery takes several months. During this period, regular visits to the doctor, physical therapy, and other activities may be required to speed up healing and recovery.

If you have any questions about the draft, fill out the form on the website. Our experts will call you back and conduct a free consultation.

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81 article Schedules of diseases Consequences of fractures of the spine, bones of the trunk, upper and lower extremities (fractures of the pelvis, scapula, collarbone …) Expiration category (1st column):
4

c) with minor impairment B
d) in the presence of objective data without dysfunction B-3