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Broken collar bone heal. Healing a Broken Collarbone: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery Guide

by alexxlab

How long does it take for a broken collarbone to heal. What factors can affect collarbone fracture recovery. How to manage pain and swelling after a clavicle fracture. When can you resume normal activities after breaking your collarbone.

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Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Types and Causes

A clavicle fracture, commonly known as a broken collarbone, is a relatively common injury that can occur due to various reasons. The clavicle is the bone that connects the shoulder blade to the breastbone, and it plays a crucial role in shoulder movement and stability.

Clavicle fractures are typically classified into three types based on their location:

  • Proximal fractures: Occur near the sternum (breastbone)
  • Midshaft fractures: The most common type, occurring in the middle portion of the clavicle
  • Distal fractures: Occur near the shoulder joint

Common causes of clavicle fractures include:

  1. Falls onto an outstretched arm or directly onto the shoulder
  2. Sports injuries, especially in contact sports like football or hockey
  3. Motor vehicle accidents
  4. Birth trauma in newborns

Diagnosing a Broken Collarbone: Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of a clavicle fracture is crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of a broken collarbone can vary in severity, but typically include:

  • Intense pain in the shoulder area
  • Difficulty moving the arm
  • Swelling and bruising around the collarbone
  • A visible deformity or bump over the fracture site
  • A grinding or crackling sound when attempting to move the shoulder

Is immediate medical attention necessary for a suspected clavicle fracture? Yes, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. A healthcare professional will perform a physical examination and may order imaging tests such as X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury.

Treatment Options for Clavicle Fractures: Conservative vs. Surgical Approaches

The treatment for a broken collarbone depends on several factors, including the type and severity of the fracture, the patient’s age, and overall health. Treatment options generally fall into two categories: conservative (non-surgical) and surgical.

Conservative Treatment

For most simple clavicle fractures, conservative treatment is the preferred approach. This typically involves:

  • Immobilization using a sling or figure-eight brace
  • Pain management with over-the-counter or prescription medications
  • Ice therapy to reduce swelling and discomfort
  • Gradual rehabilitation exercises as healing progresses

Surgical Treatment

In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Surgical intervention is typically considered for:

  • Severely displaced fractures
  • Open fractures (where the bone has pierced the skin)
  • Fractures with multiple fragments
  • Cases where conservative treatment has failed

Surgical options may include internal fixation with plates and screws or intramedullary nailing.

The Healing Process: Timeline and Expectations

Understanding the healing timeline for a clavicle fracture can help patients manage their expectations and adhere to their treatment plan. How long does it typically take for a broken collarbone to heal?

The healing process for a clavicle fracture generally takes between 6 to 12 weeks. However, it’s important to note that this timeline can vary depending on several factors:

  • Age: Younger patients often heal faster than older adults
  • Overall health: Certain medical conditions can affect healing time
  • Severity of the fracture: More complex fractures may take longer to heal
  • Adherence to treatment plan: Following medical advice can optimize healing

During the healing process, patients may experience:

  1. Initial pain and discomfort (0-3 weeks)
  2. Gradual reduction in pain and increased mobility (3-6 weeks)
  3. Continued improvement and return to light activities (6-12 weeks)
  4. Full recovery and return to normal activities (12+ weeks)

Managing Pain and Swelling: Effective Strategies for Recovery

Proper management of pain and swelling is crucial for a comfortable recovery and optimal healing. How can patients effectively manage these symptoms?

Pain Management

To alleviate pain associated with a clavicle fracture:

  • Use over-the-counter pain medications as recommended by a healthcare provider
  • Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day
  • Maintain proper posture and arm positioning to minimize strain
  • Consider alternative pain relief methods such as relaxation techniques or gentle massage

Swelling Reduction

To help reduce swelling:

  • Elevate the affected arm when resting
  • Perform gentle hand and wrist exercises to promote circulation
  • Use compression garments if recommended by a healthcare professional
  • Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support the body’s healing processes

Can self-massage help reduce swelling? Yes, gentle self-massage can be beneficial. Using your fingertips, gently push fluid towards your shoulder to help reduce swelling in the affected area.

Rehabilitation and Exercise: Regaining Strength and Mobility

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovering from a clavicle fracture. A well-structured exercise program can help patients regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected shoulder. When should patients begin rehabilitation exercises?

The timeline for starting rehabilitation exercises typically follows this pattern:

  1. 0-3 weeks: Focus on gentle range of motion exercises for the elbow, wrist, and hand
  2. 3-6 weeks: Begin shoulder pendulum exercises and gradual introduction of light activities
  3. 6-12 weeks: Progress to more advanced shoulder exercises and increased range of motion
  4. 12+ weeks: Focus on strengthening exercises and return to normal activities

It’s essential to follow a healthcare professional’s guidance when starting and progressing through rehabilitation exercises. Common exercises may include:

  • Pendulum exercises
  • Isometric shoulder strengthening
  • Wall walks for improved range of motion
  • Rotator cuff strengthening exercises
  • Scapular stabilization exercises

Returning to Normal Activities: Guidelines and Precautions

As the clavicle heals, patients naturally want to return to their normal activities. However, it’s crucial to do so gradually and safely. When can patients resume various activities after a clavicle fracture?

Daily Activities

Most patients can gradually return to light daily activities within 6-12 weeks, depending on their progress and healthcare provider’s recommendations. This may include:

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

Driving

Can patients drive after a clavicle fracture? Patients should consult their healthcare provider and insurance company before resuming driving. Generally, driving may be possible when:

  • The sling is no longer needed
  • The patient can safely perform an emergency stop or maneuver
  • Pain levels are manageable and don’t interfere with driving ability

Sports and Physical Activities

Returning to sports and more strenuous physical activities requires careful consideration:

  • Non-contact sports: May be resumed around 12 weeks, depending on individual recovery
  • Contact sports: Should be avoided for at least 12 weeks, with clearance from a healthcare provider
  • Weight training: Can be gradually reintroduced under professional guidance, typically after 12 weeks

It’s crucial to listen to your body and not push too hard too soon. If pain or discomfort increases during any activity, it’s important to stop and consult with a healthcare professional.

Long-Term Outlook and Potential Complications

While most clavicle fractures heal well with proper treatment, it’s important to be aware of potential long-term effects and complications. What should patients know about the long-term outlook after a clavicle fracture?

Common Long-Term Effects

  • A visible bump at the fracture site: This is normal and often permanent
  • Mild shoulder stiffness: Can usually be improved with ongoing exercises
  • Occasional discomfort: Some patients report mild pain during weather changes

Potential Complications

While rare, some complications can occur:

  • Nonunion: Failure of the bone to heal properly
  • Malunion: Healing in an incorrect position
  • Nerve or blood vessel damage: More common in severe fractures
  • Shoulder impingement: Can occur due to changes in shoulder mechanics

Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers can help monitor healing progress and address any potential complications early.

In conclusion, while a clavicle fracture can be a painful and disruptive injury, with proper treatment and rehabilitation, most patients can expect a full recovery. By understanding the healing process, following medical advice, and gradually returning to activities, individuals can optimize their recovery and regain full shoulder function.

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