How long does it take to recover from a broken collarbone. What are the symptoms of a clavicle fracture. How is a collarbone fracture treated. When can you return to cycling after breaking your collarbone.

Understanding Collarbone Fractures: Causes and Symptoms

A collarbone fracture, also known as a clavicle fracture, occurs when the bone connecting the sternum to the shoulder blade breaks. This injury is particularly common among cyclists due to the nature of falls during riding. The clavicle’s S-shape makes it prone to breaking when compressed during a fall onto the shoulder or outstretched arm.

Common causes of collarbone fractures include:

• Falls onto the shoulder or outstretched arm
• Direct blows to the shoulder
• Accidents in contact sports like football, hockey, and lacrosse
• Motor vehicle and bicycle accidents

How can you identify a broken collarbone? The symptoms of a clavicle fracture typically include:

• Intense pain at the site of injury
• Swelling and bruising around the collarbone area
• Tenderness when touched
• Difficulty moving the affected arm
• A grinding sensation when attempting to move the shoulder
• Visible deformity or protrusion of the bone (in severe cases)

If you experience these symptoms after a fall or collision, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. An orthopedic surgeon can perform a physical examination and order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the fracture.

Collarbone Fracture Treatment Options: Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Approaches

The treatment for a collarbone fracture depends on the type and severity of the injury. In many cases, non-surgical methods are sufficient for proper healing. However, more severe fractures may require surgical intervention.

Non-Surgical Treatment

For most collarbone fractures, non-surgical treatment is the preferred approach. This typically involves:

• Wearing a sling to immobilize the arm and support the injured area
• Pain management through over-the-counter or prescribed medications
• Rest and limited movement to allow the bone to heal
• Gradual introduction of gentle exercises as healing progresses

Surgical Treatment

In some cases, surgery may be necessary. This is often recommended for:

• Severely displaced fractures
• Open fractures (where the bone protrudes through the skin)
• Fractures that fail to heal properly with non-surgical treatment

Surgical treatment typically involves using metal plates, screws, or pins to stabilize the broken bone and ensure proper alignment during healing.

Collarbone Fracture Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

The recovery time for a collarbone fracture can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the chosen treatment method. However, a general timeline can provide insight into the healing process.

Immediate Post-Injury Phase (0-2 weeks)

During this period, the focus is on pain management and protecting the injured area. Patients typically wear a sling and avoid moving the affected arm.

Early Healing Phase (2-6 weeks)

As pain subsides, gentle range-of-motion exercises may be introduced under the guidance of a healthcare professional. The bone begins to form a callus during this time.

Mid-Healing Phase (6-12 weeks)

Most patients experience significant improvement in this phase. The sling is often discontinued, and more extensive exercises are introduced to improve strength and flexibility.

Late Healing Phase (12+ weeks)

By this point, the bone has typically healed sufficiently for a return to most normal activities. However, full recovery and return to high-impact sports may take several months.

How long does it take for a collarbone to fully heal? While most people recover within 6-8 weeks, complete healing can take up to 12 weeks or longer in some cases. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

Returning to Work and Daily Activities After a Collarbone Fracture

One common concern for those recovering from a collarbone fracture is when they can return to work and resume daily activities. The timeline for this can vary based on the individual’s job requirements and the severity of the injury.

When can you return to work after breaking your collarbone? Most people can return to work within 4-8 weeks after sustaining a collarbone fracture. However, this timeline may be shorter or longer depending on the nature of your work:

• Desk jobs or light duty work: May be possible to return within 2-4 weeks with modifications
• Jobs requiring moderate physical activity: Usually require 6-8 weeks before return
• Heavy labor or jobs involving overhead work: May require 12 weeks or more before full return

It’s crucial to consult with your doctor before returning to work, especially if your job involves physical labor or overhead activities. Your healthcare provider can provide guidance on when it’s safe to resume specific tasks and may recommend a gradual return to full duties.

Collarbone Fracture Recovery for Cyclists: Special Considerations

For cyclists, a collarbone fracture can be particularly frustrating as it directly impacts their ability to ride. Understanding the recovery process and taking appropriate precautions can help ensure a safe return to cycling.

When Can You Return to Cycling After a Collarbone Fracture?

The timeline for returning to cycling after a collarbone fracture varies depending on the severity of the injury and individual healing rates. However, a general guideline is:

• Stationary bike or trainer: May be possible after 4-6 weeks, with doctor’s approval
• Light road cycling: Usually safe after 8-12 weeks, depending on comfort and stability
• Mountain biking or high-intensity cycling: May require 12-16 weeks or more before full return

It’s crucial to listen to your body and not rush the return to cycling. Gradual progression and proper rehabilitation are key to preventing re-injury and ensuring long-term success.

Tips for a Safe Return to Cycling

1. Start with indoor cycling or a stationary bike to gauge your comfort and stability
2. Begin with short, easy rides and gradually increase duration and intensity
3. Pay attention to your posture and handlebar position to avoid unnecessary stress on the healing collarbone
4. Consider using a more upright riding position initially to reduce pressure on the upper body
5. Be cautious on uneven terrain or in traffic until you’ve regained full strength and confidence
6. Wear protective gear, including a well-fitted helmet, to prevent future injuries

Long-Term Effects and Complications of Collarbone Fractures

While most collarbone fractures heal without significant long-term consequences, it’s important to be aware of potential complications that can arise.

Potential Long-Term Effects

• Shortening of the collarbone: Can lead to shoulder asymmetry and potential weakness
• Reduced range of motion: May affect shoulder function and athletic performance
• Chronic pain: In some cases, persistent pain may occur at the fracture site
• Osteoarthritis: Increased risk in the shoulder joint, especially if the fracture extends into the joint

Possible Complications

Although rare, some complications can occur during the healing process:

• Nonunion: Failure of the bone to heal properly
• Malunion: Healing in an incorrect position, potentially affecting function
• Nerve or blood vessel damage: Can occur due to the fracture or during surgery
• Infection: A risk associated with surgical treatment

Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider can help identify and address any potential complications early on.

Preventing Collarbone Fractures: Safety Measures for Cyclists

While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks associated with cycling, there are several steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of sustaining a collarbone fracture:

1. Wear appropriate protective gear, including a properly fitted helmet
2. Improve bike handling skills through practice and training
3. Be aware of road conditions and potential hazards
4. Maintain your bicycle regularly to ensure it’s in good working condition
5. Follow traffic rules and ride defensively
6. Consider using shoulder pads or protective clothing for high-risk cycling activities
7. Practice proper falling techniques to minimize injury in the event of a crash

By implementing these safety measures, cyclists can significantly reduce their risk of collarbone fractures and other injuries.

Rehabilitation Exercises for Collarbone Fracture Recovery

Proper rehabilitation is crucial for regaining strength, flexibility, and function after a collarbone fracture. While it’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s specific recommendations, here are some general exercises that may be included in a rehabilitation program:

Early Stage Exercises (after initial healing period)

• Pendulum swings: Gentle circular motions with the arm hanging down
• Shoulder shrugs: Slowly raising and lowering the shoulders
• Neck rotations: Carefully turning the head from side to side

Mid-Stage Exercises

• Wall slides: Sliding the hand up and down a wall to improve range of motion
• Isometric shoulder exercises: Gently pushing against a wall in various directions
• Shoulder blade squeezes: Drawing the shoulder blades together

Late-Stage Exercises

• Resistance band exercises: Using bands to strengthen shoulder muscles
• Light weightlifting: Gradually introducing weights to build strength
• Sport-specific exercises: Tailored to the individual’s athletic goals

It’s crucial to progress through these exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist or healthcare provider to ensure proper form and prevent re-injury.

By understanding the recovery process, following proper treatment protocols, and taking appropriate precautions, cyclists and other individuals who have experienced a collarbone fracture can optimize their healing and safely return to their activities. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment plans tailored to your specific situation.

About Collarbone (Clavicle) Fractures | Dr. Kyle McClintock

A fracture of the clavicle occurs when this bone is broken or cracked. The most common cause of a collarbone fracture is a fall onto the shoulder or outstretched arm. This type of injury is also common in contact sports such as football, hockey, and lacrosse. Motor vehicle accidents and bike accidents often cause collarbone fractures as well.

Most collarbone fractures occur in the middle third of the bone. This is the area where the clavicle is the thinnest and weakest. The force of a fall or direct blow to the shoulder can cause this section of the bone to break. Collarbone fractures can also occur at the junction of the clavicle and sternum, or at the junction of the clavicle and acromion.

What are the symptoms of a fractured collarbone?

Symptoms of a collarbone fracture include pain at the site of the injury, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. The arm on the affected side may hang down or be held close to the body due to pain. You may also feel a grinding sensation when moving your shoulder. In some cases, the broken ends of the bone may protrude through the skin.

When should I see a doctor?

If you think you might have fractured your collarbone, it is important to see an orthopedic surgeon as quickly as possible. You’ll go through a physical exam as well as imaging of the affected area. The x-ray images will help determine the type and severity of the fracture.

What is the treatment for a collarbone fracture?

Treatment for a collarbone fracture will depend on the type and severity of the injury. In most cases, collarbone fractures can be treated with nonsurgical methods. This includes wearing a sling to immobilize the arm and giving the bone time to heal.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat a collarbone fracture. This is usually the case for severe fractures or those that do not heal properly with nonsurgical treatment. Surgery involves placing metal screws or plates on the bone to hold it in place until it heals.

How long does it take to recover from a collarbone fracture?

Most people make recover from a collarbone fracture within six to eight weeks. However, it may take longer for the bone to fully heal. During this time, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid activities that could put stress on the healing bone.

How long can it take for the collarbone to fully heal?

It can take up to 12 weeks (about 3 months) for the bone to fully heal. However, most people make a full recovery in a shorter time period.

Will I have to take time off work?

Most people are able to return to work within four to eight weeks after sustaining a collarbone fracture. However, this will depend on the type of work you do and the severity of your injury. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe to return to work.

How do I make an appointment?

If you think you may have fractured your collarbone, contact my office to schedule an appointment. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that is right for you.

I look forward to helping you get back to your normal routine as soon as possible.

Clavicle Fracture | Broken Collarbone Treatment and Prevention

If you’ve been riding for a while, you or someone you know has likely incurred a broken collarbone in the course of a crash.

“I love biking and unfortunately, the collarbone is the most frequently broken bone in the body, and it is a frequent injury in bicyclists who fall,” says Jordan Metzl, M.D., a sports medicine physician at the Hospital of Special Surgery in New York City and an avid cyclist—though he’s been lucky enough to have never broken his.

This has to do with the way cyclists tend to fall, explains Brian Cunningham, M.D., a Minnesota-based orthopedic trauma surgeon. “When you fall directly onto your shoulder, your clavicle [or collarbone]—which has an s-shape—compresses and is prone to breaking. ” Metzl agrees and says it happens most often when cyclists fall to the side, like when your wheels slip out from under you.

The big issue with this break is that if it heals right, it won’t impair your long-term function—but that doesn’t always happen, and the repercussions can extend beyond your collarbone. The collarbone acts as a strut connecting your shoulder joint to your sternum in your chest, Metzl says; any kink in that system could mean you’ll have prolonged problems.

“If it heals in a position where there’s shortness [meaning it doesn’t quite reach the shoulder joint], there may be some weakness,” says Cunningham.

Here’s what you need to know about managing a collarbone break, and how to come back stronger.

→ Get Bicycling All Access for the latest cycling and health tips!

Douglas Sacha

Signs You May Have a Broken Collarbone

You’ll know you’ve broken your collarbone almost immediately, says Subir Jossan, M. D., an orthopedic surgeon at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics in Washington D.C. It’s not a subtle injury—moving your arm will be agonizing, and you may hear an audible crack as you hit the ground.

“It looks like the bone is actually shortened or the skin is tenting up,” Metzl says, if you have what’s known as a ‘displaced’ collarbone fracture. “Generally, people know when they have a collarbone fracture because it hurts like crazy right where they touch the collarbone.”

What to Do Just After a Break

If you suspect you’ve broken your clavicle, Jossan and Metzl say you need to head immediately to your local emergency room or urgent care center. It’s not that the bone needs to be reset right at that moment, Jossan says, but that “there are some big, important blood vessels around the clavicle that could have been damaged.”

Related Story

• When to Push Through Pain and When to Pull Back

“Don’t try to keep biking,” Metzl says. “Stop your ride and get it checked out because the risk is a more serious injury, you can’t protect yourself, and you can take a non-displaced fracture and turn it into a displaced fracture.”

How to Treat a Broken Collarbone

There are a few different areas where people can break their collarbone, Metzl says: “At the end, closest to the shoulder; in the middle, which is the most common; or just where the collarbone hooks into the chest in the sternum. You can break it in any of those places, but of those, the collarbone break in the middle is by far the most common.”

You will typically have two options for treatment: an arm sling or surgery. Once X-rays are done, the severity of the fracture will determine the course of treatment. Full recovery generally takes six to eight weeks, according to Metzl.

•A sling: A tiny, hairline fracture is a pretty simple fix. Usually, the doctor will put the arm corresponding to the break in a sling and tell you to come back in six weeks.

•The surgical option: If there’s any sort of displacement—meaning part of the bone has shifted—things get more complicated, and you may need surgery.

“The pendulum has swung from staying away from non-operative treatment to opting for surgery in certain situations,” says Cunningham, adding that several recent studies have shown that those who opt for surgery have better function and quicker recovery times. In fact, patients can use their arms the day after surgery in many cases.

“Any of these [collarbone breaks] that are shortened or displaced generally are treated surgically these days, which is a bit of a difference in times past,” Metzl adds.

Related Story

• The Link Between Wound Healing and Genetics

Collarbone surgery entails placing a small plate over the fracture. In about 10 percent of cases, the plate may have to be taken out later; this is especially common in women who report irritation with purse or bra straps rubbing over the area above the plate. In cases where the cyclist has also sustained some sort of leg damage, the surgery can be helpful, since your shoulders can tolerate crutches the next day.

Still, there are risks to any surgery, such as infection. “If you don’t have surgery, there’s a 0-percent chance you’ll get an infection and a 0-percent chance of needing to have hardware taken out,” Cunningham says.

If you don’t get surgery but the collarbone break isn’t healing properly, you may endure six to eight weeks of mild discomfort only to find out that you have to have surgery anyway. But that doesn’t mean you can opt for surgery in every case. “The surgery route is really reserved for fractures that are displaced,” Metzl says.

Prognosis for Recovery—and Future Riding

In the course of post-break recovery, many cyclists notice a collarbone “bump”—a bit of callus where the bone heals, says Jossan. Whether you end up with one is somewhat determined by random chance, but if you don’t have much in the way of body fat, whatever bump you get will be much more noticeable.

Related Story

• How Chronic Stress Can Lead to Injury

Don’t consider a broken collarbone a death sentence to your riding. Cunningham says that you’ll likely be able to get back to riding quickly. With surgery, you could even be back in the saddle in just a few days. Without it, you may be stuck on a trainer for at least six weeks. “Honestly, this is a really sucky injury for cyclists,” Metzl says, but above all, you absolutely need approval from your doctor before hopping on your bike again.

Preventing Future Collarbone Breaks

Prevention largely has to do with being a good—and smart—rider, Metzl says, though sometimes you just get unlucky. “Preventing this injury is all about good luck, number one, being very careful on the road, and not riding in inclement weather,” he says. For example, don’t ride right after it starts raining, since the roads will be oily and the most slippery then.

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• A Step-by-Step Guide to How to Corner on a Bike

Aside from luck, it’s wise to take this particular cycling injury seriously. “If it doesn’t heal right, some fall may break it again,” says Jossan. And it’s best not to underestimate a collarbone break.

“Many cyclists have had these injuries, and so anytime you have an injury that a lot of people have had, people can minimize it or act like it’s not that big of a deal—but the lungs are right near the collarbone, there are blood vessels near the collarbone,” Metzl points out. Every collarbone is different, too. “Don’t think it’s just a routine injury. It’s a serious one that needs to be checked out by a doctor,” he says.

Still, as long as everything heals properly, a collarbone fracture shouldn’t increase your chances of getting another down the road. “If it heals right, it’s like it never broke,” says Jossan.

Jessica Coulon

Service and News Editor

When she’s not out riding her mountain bike, Jessica is an editor for Popular Mechanics. She was previously an editor for Bicycling magazine. 

Rehabilitation after injuries and fractures in a sanatorium in Kislovodsk

HomeUseful articles Rehabilitation after injuries and fractures in a sanatorium

Restoring the normal functioning of a limb after a fracture can last from several weeks to several months and even years. This is due to a long period of forced immobility of the limb in a cast. As a result, serious circulatory disorders, muscle hypotrophy develop. One of the best options for a quick and complete restoration of limb functioning is rehabilitation after bone fractures in a sanatorium.

The main advantage of sanatorium treatment is an integrated approach to solving health problems, which includes:

• Assessment of the patient’s current condition.
• Monitoring the recovery process of muscles, bones and ligaments.
• Complete nutrition rich in vitamins and minerals.

Treatment of fractures is a long and complex process, during which it is necessary to provide:

• preservation of muscle tone;
• elimination of congestion, edema;
• restoration of limb mobility;
• psychological help.

Indications and contraindications for rehabilitation in a sanatorium.

Rehabilitation courses are indicated for patients during the recovery period after fractures and other injuries of the bones and joints of the extremities, uncomplicated spinal injuries. The list of indications also includes:

1. Sanatorium stage of recovery after operations on the spine and joints.
2. Rehabilitation after arthroplasty (with the possibility of self-care of the patient).
3. Elimination of neurodystrophic syndrome.

The main contraindications include acute infectious diseases, acute periods of heart attacks and strokes. It is important to understand that in the early hospital period after an injury, sanatorium treatment will be ineffective, it is better to start a course of rehabilitation therapy in the late post-traumatic period. That is, after the removal of the plaster and the formation of a sufficiently dense bone callus at the fracture site.

Spa procedures

Treatment of fractures in Kislovodsk includes the following procedures:

• Therapeutic exercise. Experienced instructors select an individual set of exercises depending on the characteristics of the patient. Physical education exercises have a general strengthening effect, strengthen ligaments and muscles, contribute to the speedy restoration of limb mobility in full.
• Therapeutic baths and showers. Natural mineral water helps to improve blood circulation, relieve swelling and improve the overall health of the patient.
• Massage. Stimulates metabolic processes in the area of ​​injury, effectively eliminates the consequences of atrophy of muscle fibers, allows you to gently eliminate the muscle “clamps” that have arisen due to prolonged immobility.
• Physiotherapy. The use of electrophoresis, exposure to magnetic fields and laser radiation allows you to quickly remove inflammation, swelling, and significantly reduce pain.
• Hydrotherapy. Ingestion of mineral water according to an individual schedule allows you to saturate the body with the mineral compounds necessary for the speedy restoration of bone tissue.

All procedures are prescribed individually, depending on the indications and the general health of the patient. Thanks to this, a high efficiency of the course of sanatorium treatment is achieved, the positive effects of which persist for a long time.

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Rehabilitation after fractures Odessa

The most common traumatic injuries are fractures. They happen regardless of a person’s age. Such injuries lead to the fact that the patient loses working capacity and the ability to serve himself independently. Therefore, the best solution would be to contact a rehabilitation center, whose specialists will quickly put you on your feet.

Features of rehabilitation after fractures

Rehabilitation after a broken leg or any other bone requires a set of measures. All actions of specialists are aimed at improving trophism at the fracture sites. Also, first of all, it is necessary to start the recovery processes, eliminate swelling. Also, in order to improve the quality of life of the patient, care must be taken to eliminate pain. But the main task is to restore the functioning of that part of the body that was damaged.

Professional rehabilitation after a fracture includes a complex of various activities that are selected individually for each patient. So, physiotherapy is shown to many, as well as the use of mechanotherapy. Often, physical therapy can achieve positive changes.

If a hip fracture occurs, rehabilitation should begin as soon as possible. Likewise with other damage. Recovery is carried out according to an individual program, which specialists develop directly for each patient. In this case, specialists take into account the location of the injury, the severity, the presence of concomitant diseases and the personal wishes of the patient and his relatives.

Regardless of whether rehabilitation is carried out after an ankle fracture or any other bone, an individual program consists of several main stages that are extremely important to go through for a full recovery. For example, recovery after a fracture of the humerus begins with the prevention of pathological changes in the state of blood vessels, as well as with the elimination of edema, which inevitably occurs when tissue integrity is violated.

Professional rehabilitation after a broken arm also involves increasing muscle tone, which allows you to quickly return to a full life and restore the full functioning of the system. It is important to restore the functioning of the damaged segment, which is the ultimate goal of any rehabilitation.

Also, rehabilitation after a hip fracture involves strengthening and restoring the state of the body.

Benefits of a rehabilitation center

If a fracture of the femur occurs, rehabilitation should be carried out in a specialized institution. Rehabilitation centers have many advantages, which we will discuss next.

Regardless of whether rehabilitation is needed after a displaced fracture or after any other injury, the patient receives a full range of services. After all, the best specialists of the city with many years of experience work in the center. Specialists provide the necessary medical care and round-the-clock care for the patient.

The center can provide rehabilitation of any complexity, including rehabilitation after a hip fracture in the elderly. The specialists have at their disposal the most modern equipment that allows them to carry out the necessary manipulations, making the recovery process even more efficient.

Another advantage is the wide range of services provided in the center. For example, rehabilitation can be carried out here after a fracture of the ankle or any other injury.