What are the common causes of a broken collarbone. How long does it typically take for a fractured collarbone to heal. What are the symptoms of a mild versus severe collarbone fracture. How is a broken collarbone treated, and what can patients do to manage pain and promote healing.

Understanding Collarbone Fractures: Causes and Risk Factors

A fractured collarbone, also known as a clavicle fracture, is a common injury that can occur due to various reasons. Understanding the causes and risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures and recognize when they might have sustained this type of injury.

Common Causes of Collarbone Fractures

Collarbone fractures often result from:

• Falling directly onto the shoulder
• Stopping a fall with an outstretched arm
• Vehicle accidents involving cars, motorcycles, or bicycles

These incidents apply sudden, significant force to the clavicle, potentially causing it to break.

Who is at Risk?

While anyone can suffer a broken collarbone, certain groups are at higher risk:

• Young children and teenagers: Their collarbones are not fully hardened until adulthood, making them more susceptible to fractures.
• Athletes participating in contact sports or activities with a high risk of falling
• Individuals with osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken bones

Understanding these risk factors can help individuals and healthcare providers take appropriate precautions and respond quickly when a collarbone fracture is suspected.

Recognizing the Symptoms: Mild vs. Severe Collarbone Fractures

Identifying the severity of a collarbone fracture is crucial for determining the appropriate course of treatment. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and visible deformity.

Symptoms of a Mild Collarbone Fracture

Mild fractures may present with the following symptoms:

• Pain localized to the site of the broken bone
• Difficulty moving the shoulder or arm, accompanied by pain during movement
• A sagging appearance of the affected shoulder
• Cracking or grinding noises when raising the arm
• Bruising, swelling, or a visible bulge over the collarbone area

These symptoms, while uncomfortable, generally indicate a less severe fracture that may heal with conservative treatment.

Signs of a More Serious Collarbone Fracture

More severe collarbone fractures may exhibit additional symptoms:

• Decreased sensation or tingling in the arm or fingers
• Visible deformity, with the bone potentially pushing against or protruding through the skin
• Intense pain that is not alleviated by over-the-counter pain medications
• Inability to move the affected arm at all

If any of these more serious symptoms are present, immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Collarbone Fractures

Proper diagnosis and treatment of a collarbone fracture are essential for optimal recovery and prevention of long-term complications. The approach to treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture.

Diagnostic Process

When a collarbone fracture is suspected, healthcare providers typically:

1. Conduct a physical examination to assess pain, swelling, and deformity
2. Order X-rays to confirm the fracture and determine its exact location and severity
3. May request additional imaging such as CT scans for more complex fractures

This comprehensive evaluation helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment Options Based on Fracture Type

The treatment approach varies depending on the nature of the fracture:

• Aligned fractures: When the broken ends of the bone meet, treatment typically involves wearing a sling and managing symptoms. Casts are not commonly used for collarbone fractures.
• Non-aligned or displaced fractures: If the broken ends do not meet, surgery may be necessary to realign and stabilize the bone.
• Significantly shortened or misaligned fractures: These cases often require surgical intervention to restore proper bone length and alignment.

Regardless of the initial treatment, follow-up with an orthopedic specialist is crucial for monitoring healing progress and adjusting the treatment plan as needed.

Recovery Timeline: What to Expect During Collarbone Healing

The healing process for a collarbone fracture can vary significantly depending on several factors. Understanding the typical timeline and influencing factors can help patients set realistic expectations and adhere to their treatment plans.

Factors Affecting Healing Time

Several key factors influence the duration of collarbone healing:

• Location of the break: Fractures in the middle of the bone may heal differently than those near the ends.
• Bone alignment: Properly aligned fractures typically heal faster than those requiring surgical realignment.
• Age of the patient: Children often heal more quickly, potentially within 3 to 6 weeks, while adults may require up to 12 weeks for complete healing.
• Overall health and nutrition: General health status and proper nutrition can significantly impact healing speed.

These factors combine to create a unique healing timeline for each individual.

Typical Recovery Milestones

While recovery times vary, patients can generally expect the following milestones:

1. Weeks 1-2: Focus on pain management and protecting the fracture site
2. Weeks 3-6: Gradual increase in gentle movement as pain subsides
3. Weeks 6-12: Progressive return to normal activities, with continued avoidance of heavy lifting or contact sports
4. 3-6 months: Full return to all activities, including sports, with doctor’s approval

Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers ensure that healing progresses as expected and allow for timely adjustments to the treatment plan if needed.

Pain Management and Symptom Relief for Collarbone Fractures

Effective pain management is crucial for patient comfort and facilitating the healing process after a collarbone fracture. Various strategies can be employed to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.

Ice Therapy for Pain Relief

Applying ice is a simple yet effective method for reducing pain and swelling:

• Create an ice pack by wrapping ice in a cloth or using a commercial cold pack
• Apply the ice pack for 20 minutes every hour on the first day of injury
• After the first day, apply ice for 20 minutes every 3-4 hours
• Continue ice therapy for at least 2 days or as long as it provides relief

It’s important to never apply ice directly to the skin to prevent ice burns.

Medication Options for Pain Management

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help manage pain:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce pain and inflammation
• Acetaminophen is an alternative for pain relief without anti-inflammatory effects
• Prescription pain medications may be provided for severe pain in the initial stages of recovery

Patients should consult their healthcare provider before taking any medications, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Rehabilitation and Return to Activity After Collarbone Fracture

Proper rehabilitation is essential for regaining full function and strength after a collarbone fracture. The process should be gradual and supervised by healthcare professionals to ensure optimal recovery.

Initial Immobilization and Gradual Movement

The first phase of recovery involves:

• Wearing a sling or brace to immobilize the affected arm and promote proper bone healing
• Gradually reducing sling use as pain subsides and healing progresses
• Beginning gentle exercises under medical supervision to improve range of motion

This phase typically lasts several weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture and individual healing rates.

Progressive Return to Activities

As healing advances, patients can gradually increase their activity levels:

1. Start with light daily activities that don’t cause pain
2. Slowly incorporate more demanding tasks, always stopping if pain occurs
3. Begin a structured physical therapy program to rebuild strength and flexibility
4. Avoid contact sports and heavy lifting for several months after the initial healing period

The timeline for returning to specific activities, especially sports, should be determined in consultation with healthcare providers to prevent re-injury.

Long-Term Considerations and Potential Complications of Collarbone Fractures

While most collarbone fractures heal well with proper treatment, it’s important to be aware of potential long-term considerations and complications that may arise.

Possible Long-Term Effects

Some patients may experience lasting effects after a collarbone fracture:

• Slight bump or protrusion at the fracture site, which is usually cosmetic and doesn’t affect function
• Mild limitation in range of motion, particularly in overhead movements
• Increased risk of re-fracture in the same location, especially if returning to high-impact activities too soon

Regular follow-ups and adherence to rehabilitation programs can help minimize these long-term effects.

Recognizing and Addressing Complications

While rare, certain complications may occur:

• Nonunion: Failure of the bone to heal properly, which may require surgical intervention
• Malunion: Improper alignment of the healed bone, potentially causing functional limitations
• Nerve or blood vessel damage: In severe cases, particularly those involving compound fractures

Prompt recognition and treatment of these complications are crucial for preventing long-term disability. Patients should report any persistent pain, weakness, or deformity to their healthcare provider for evaluation.

Understanding the recovery process, potential complications, and long-term considerations of collarbone fractures empowers patients to actively participate in their healing journey. By following medical advice, engaging in appropriate rehabilitation, and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers, individuals can optimize their recovery and return to their normal activities with confidence.

Broken collarbone – aftercare Information | Mount Sinai

Collarbone fracture – aftercare; Clavicle fracture – aftercare; Clavicular fracture

Where is the Collarbone?

A broken or fractured collarbone often occurs from:

• Falling and landing on your shoulder
• Stopping a fall with your outstretched arm
• Car, motorcycle, or bicycle accident

More About Your Injury

A broken collarbone is a common injury in young children and teenagers. This is because these bones do not become hard until adulthood.

Symptoms of a mild broken collarbone include:

• Pain where the broken bone is
• Having a hard time moving your shoulder or arm, and pain when you do move them
• A shoulder that seems to be sagging
• A cracking or grinding noise when you raise your arm
• Bruising, swelling, or bulging over your collarbone

Signs of a more serious break are:

• Decreased feeling or a tingling feeling in your arm or fingers
• Bone that is pushing against or through the skin

What to Expect

The type of break you have will determine your treatment. If the bones are:

• Aligned (meaning that the broken ends meet), the treatment is to wear a sling and relieve your symptoms. Casts are not used for broken collarbones.
• Not aligned or displaced (meaning the broken ends do not meet), you may need surgery.
• Shortened quite a bit or out of position and not aligned, you will likely need surgery.

If you have a broken collarbone, you should follow up with an orthopedist (bone doctor).

Healing of your collarbone depends on:

• Where the break in the bone is (in middle or at the end of the bone).
• If the bones are aligned.
• Your age. Children may heal in 3 to 6 weeks. Adults may need up to 12 weeks.

Symptom Relief

Applying an ice pack can help relieve your pain. Make an ice pack by putting ice in a zip lock plastic bag and wrapping a cloth around it. Do not put the bag of ice directly on your skin. This could injure your skin.

On the first day of your injury, apply the ice for 20 minutes of every hour while awake. After the first day, ice the area every 3 to 4 hours for 20 minutes each time. Do this for 2 days or longer.

For pain, you can use ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or acetaminophen (Tylenol). You can buy these pain medicines at the store.

• Talk with your provider before using these medicines if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or have had stomach ulcers or internal bleeding in the past.
• Do not take more than the amount recommended on the bottle or by your provider.
• Do not take these medicines for the first 24 hours after your injury. They can cause bleeding.
• Do not give aspirin to children.

Your provider may prescribe a stronger medicine if you need it.

Activity

At first you need to wear a sling or brace as the bone heals. This will keep:

• Your collarbone in the right position to heal
• You from moving your arm, which would be painful

Once you can move your arm without pain, you can start gentle exercises if your provider says it’s OK. These will increase the strength and movement in your arm. At this point, you will be able to wear your sling or brace less.

When you restart an activity after a broken collarbone, build up slowly. If your arm, shoulder, or collarbone begins to hurt, stop and rest.

Most people are advised to avoid contact sports for a few months after their collarbones have healed.

Do not place rings on your fingers until your provider tells you it is safe to do so.

When to Call the Doctor

Contact your provider or orthopedist if you have questions or concerns about the healing of your collarbone.

Get care right away or go to the emergency room if:

• Your arm is numb or has a pins and needles feeling.
• You have pain that does not go away with pain medicine.
• Your fingers look pale, blue, black, or white.
• It is hard to move the fingers of your affected arm.
• Your shoulder looks deformed and the bone is coming out of the skin.
• Redness around the collarbone.

Andermahr J, Ring D, Jupiter JB. Fractures and dislocations of clavicle. In: Browner BD, Jupiter JB, Krettek C, Anderson PA, eds. Skeletal Trauma: Basic Science, Management, and Reconstruction. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 48.

Naples RM, Ufberg JW. Management of common dislocations. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts & Hedges’ Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 49.

Last reviewed on: 6/8/2022

Reviewed by: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Paediatric fracture of the clavicle (collar bone) – Advice regarding healing and recovery

• Reference Number: HEY1081/2022
• Departments: Orthopaedics, Paediatrics
• Last Updated: 1 May 2022

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Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your child’s injury. We understand you may not have seen a clinician face to face in fracture clinic however, most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet.  If after reading it, you have any concerns or require further explanation, please do not hesitate to contact the fracture clinic team. Contact details are available at the end of this leaflet

What is a clavicle fracture?

A clavicle fracture is a break in the collarbone and is very common in children. It often occurs after a falling onto an outstretched arm but can also occur after a direct blow to the chest or shoulder or from falling on to the shoulder.

How should it be treated?

This type of fracture heals well. Once the examination and x-ray have been carried out in the emergency department most children will be placed in a sling. Rarely does this type of fracture require an operation.

If your child seems to be in pain, they should be given simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Additionally in the first 72 hours, using ice packs on your child’s collarbone may help with pain. It can be applied for 10 – 15 minutes every 2- 3 hours. This will also help to reduce any swelling.

There are many different ways in which ice can be applied however crushed ice, in the form of frozen peas for example, is the most effective. Whichever method you choose it is important that you wrap the ice in a damp towel, in order to prevent it from ‘burning’ the skin.

Remember however, you should:

• Only use an ice pack on areas that have normal skin sensation i.e. where you can feel hot and cold
• Not apply ice to an open wound
• Not apply an ice pack to an area that has poor circulation
• Check the skin every five minutes and stop using it if:
  • the area becomes white, blue or blotchy
  • the area becomes excessively painful, numb or tingles

You can remove the sling for baths and showers as pain allows.

Your child may find it more comfortable to sleep sitting upright, with the sling in place, for a few days after the injury.

What if my child will not wear a sling?

Some young children can struggle to wear a sling. This is not a problem as they will only be able to move it as much as the pain allows. However, it is important to ensure your child does not get involved in rough play or physical activities.

Are there any reasons I should contact fracture clinic?

• If your child is still in excessive pain after having pain relief
• If your child complains of constant pins and needles in the affected arm.
• Your child is experiencing shortness of breath.
• Your child’s skin is breaking down

For any of these issues please call fracture clinic on 01482 674378 during clinic hours 9.00am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours if you have any concerns regarding one of the points above we suggest you attend the Emergency Care department.

What exercises should my child do?

The shoulder and arm can be moved out of the sling as comfort allows. This will usually be about 2 weeks after the injury but can be sooner if comfortable to do so.

Many children often get back to normal without the need for specific exercises. If however you notice your child is not moving the shoulder very well the exercises below help encourage them to regain full function, flexibility and strength.

1. Elbow Flexion/Extension

Remove the arm from the sling and straighten it down by your side.

Now bend the elbow as much as possible.

2. Pendular exercises

Rest your unaffected arm on a table and let the affected arm hang down freely.

Try to write each letter of the alphabet using this arm. As your pain improves, you can make the letters bigger by moving your arm further in each direction.

3. Shoulder flexion

Hold a long stick in both your hands.

Allow your unaffected arm to help your affected arm lift forward and upward as high as possible.

In the early stages, you may find this easier laid down.

4. Shoulder abduction

Hold a long stick in both your hands.

Allow your unaffected arm to help your affected arm lift outwards and upward as high as possible to the side of the affected shoulder

5. Shoulder internal rotation

6. Shoulder external rotation

Hold a stick in both hands whilst elbows bent.

Keep your elbow tucked into your side and use your unaffected arm to push your affected arm out to the side.

All photos with kind permission of ©Physiotec™

All the exercises should be practiced 10 times, 3 to 4 times per day. Your child may experience a little more discomfort when they start them, however this is normal and does not mean they should stop.  If their symptoms remain worse for more than two hours after the exercises, then they should decrease the number of each exercise that they do and build up again slowly.

When should my child start increasing their activity?

Once your child’s pain is under control, they can wean from the sling, this is usually around 2-3 weeks. We would however expect some discomfort in the collarbone region for 4-6 weeks.

The ‘bump’ over the fracture is quite normal and is produced by healing bone. It may take up to one year to disappear. If your child is older than ten years a small bump may remain.

Your child may return to everyday activities as soon as comfortable, but should avoid swimming, rough play and contact sports (such as football, rugby and basketball) until the fracture is fully healed at around six weeks. Care should also be taken whilst riding bikes and scooters in this time period

Repetitive shoulder movements and lifting objects heavier than a cup of water should be avoided to begin with.  However, as your child’s movement improves and pain reduces, little by little they can increase the amount of weight that they are able to lift.  Progressing quickly from lifting a cup of water to a heavy school bag for example would not be advisable, as is likely to result in overloading of the soft tissue and could consequently lead to a delay in recovery.

If your child participates in an active hobby then it is advisable that they do not return to this until they have full strength and full range of movement.

If they play a sport, they can practice sports specific activities; like throwing or catching. Build up these exercises gradually from around 6 weeks, in order to help regain strength and flexibility, before returning to full training sessions and competition.

Does my child require a follow up?

Following your virtual appointment today, the doctor has discharged your child from clinic. This means they will not have another appointment to see us.

There is generally an excellent return to normal function after a clavicle fracture. It is extremely rare to develop complications. However if your child experiences any problems or you have further queries relating to this injury, please call the fracture clinic on 01482 674378 during clinic hours 9.00am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Six weeks after the injury your child will be discharged from the clinic and so after this time should seek advice from your child’s GP.

General Advice and Consent

Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion with the healthcare team.

Consent to treatment

Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats your child, they must seek your consent or permission. In order to make a decision, you need to have information from health professionals about the treatment or investigation which is being offered to your child. You should always ask them more questions if you do not understand or if you want more information.

The information you receive should be about your child’s condition, the alternatives available for your child, and whether it carries risks as well as the benefits. What is important is that your consent is genuine or valid. That means:

• you must be able to give your consent
• you must be given enough information to enable you to make a decision
• you must be acting under your own free will and not under the strong influence of another person

Information about your child

We collect and use your child’s information to provide your child with care and treatment. As part of your child’s care, information about your child will be shared between members of a healthcare team, some of whom you may not meet. Your child’s information may also be used to help train staff, to check the quality of our care, to manage and plan the health service, and to help with research. Wherever possible we use anonymous data.

We may pass on relevant information to other health organisations that provide your child with care. All information is treated as strictly confidential and is not given to anyone who does not need it. If you have any concerns please ask your child’s doctor, or the person caring for your child.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 we are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information we hold about your child. For further information visit the following page: Confidential Information about You.

If you need information about your child’s (or a child you care for) health and wellbeing and their care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged.

how to determine what happened, what to do, how to recover

Content

• 1 Clavicle fracture: symptoms, first aid, treatment and recovery
  • 1.1 Clavicle fracture: definition and causes
  • 1.2 Signs of a clavicle fracture

  90 005 1.3 Factors leading to fracture of the collarbone

  • 1.4 Fracture of the collarbone: first aid
    • 1.4.1 How to determine the fracture of the collarbone
    • 1.4.2 What to do?
    • 1.4.3 How to recover
  • 1.5 What to do if your collarbone is broken
  • 1.6 How to relieve the pain of a broken collarbone
  • 1.7 Treatment and rehabilitation for a broken collarbone
    • 1.7.1 Medical treatment
    • 1 .7.2 Rehabilitation
  • 1.8 Treatment of clavicle fracture
  • 1.9 Recovery time after collarbone fracture
  • 1.10 Collarbone fracture: complications and prevention
    • 1.10.1 Complications
    • 1. 10.2 Prevention
  • 1.11 Complications that can occur after a collarbone fracture
  • 1.12 How to prevent a collarbone fracture
  • 1.13 Related videos:
  • 1.14 Q&A:
    • 9000 5 1.14.0.1 What is a clavicle fracture and how is it diagnosed?
      • 1.14.0.2 What are the consequences of a clavicle fracture?
      • 1.14.0.3 What to do if the collarbone is broken?
      • 1.14.0.4 How long does it take to recover from a broken collarbone?
      • 1.14.0.5 How to prevent a collarbone fracture?
      • 1.14.0.6 What should I do if I have chronic pain after a collarbone fracture?

Find out how to identify a broken collarbone, what to do first, and how the injury is treated and rehabilitated. Tips and advice from experienced doctors for a quick recovery.

Fracture of the collarbone is one of the most common injuries that can occur as a result of sports injuries, accidents, falls or other types of injury. It can be caused by various factors such as lack of coordination or incorrect grip. In this case, various symptoms may occur, such as pain, shock, deformity, limitation of movement, and others.

The presence of a fracture can be determined through a physical examination and additional tests such as X-ray, CT and MRI. At the very beginning, it is necessary to provide first aid and, if necessary, transport the victim to a medical facility. Further, treatment is limited to immobilization, rehabilitation measures and physiotherapy.

In this article, we will consider in more detail the causes of clavicle fractures, diagnostic methods, methods of treatment and rehabilitation, as well as a number of recommendations that will help reduce the risk of re-fracture of the clavicle. Be careful and careful to avoid possible injuries and consequences.

Fracture of the collarbone: definition and causes

Fracture of the collarbone is an injury to the part of the bone that connects the chest to the shoulder, and usually occurs as a result of trauma, such as a fall on the arm or a strong blow to the neck and shoulder.

Fracture of the collarbone can also occur during sports such as football, volleyball or gymnastics. In addition, this type of injury can be caused by a fall on an outstretched arm, a car accident, or other types of injury.

Fracture of the collarbone can lead to lumps and swelling in the shoulder area, pain and inability to move the shoulder, discomfort with some movements, for example, those who are fanatical in sports, may have difficulty lifting a barbell or doing shoulder exercises.

Signs of a clavicle fracture

A clavicle fracture is an injury in which the integrity of the clavicle, the bone plate that connects the scapula to the thoracic skeleton, is broken. A clavicle fracture may present with the following symptoms:

• Pain and swelling. There is swelling in the area of ​​the collarbone and there is severe pain, especially when trying to lift or move the arm.
• Curvature. When the clavicle is fractured, a section of the bone can be displaced and deformed, resulting in a curvature of the neck of the clavicle.
• Driving noise. When bone fragments are displaced, a characteristic sound may occur when moving.
• Restricted mobility. With a fracture of the collarbone, the mobility of the arm is reduced.

If a fracture of the collarbone is suspected, a doctor should be consulted. He will conduct an examination and prescribe additional studies to clarify the diagnosis and determine therapy.

Factors leading to fracture of the collarbone

Injuries are the main factor that can lead to fracture of the collarbone. This type of injury can result from a fall on the arm or shoulder, from a blow to the collarbone, or from a car accident.

Bone disorders such as osteoporosis and chondrodystrophy can also contribute to collarbone fracture as the bones become more fragile and vulnerable to damage.

Although rare, a clavicle fracture can also be caused by infectious diseases that affect the bones and tissues.

Finally, a clavicle fracture can be caused by constant stress on the bone, such as repetitive shoulder movements, which can lead to loss of bone strength and flexibility.

Clavicle Fracture: First Aid

How to Identify a Clavicle Fracture

A clavicle fracture is an injury that breaks the integrity of the collarbone. This can happen with a fall on an outstretched arm or with a direct blow to the collarbone. Symptoms of such a fracture: severe pain in the collarbone, swelling and bruising, difficulty moving the arm.

What to do?

If you suspect a clavicle fracture, do not attempt to diagnose or treat yourself. Seek immediate medical attention. While you are waiting for medical attention, try the following:

• Limit arm and shoulder movement to avoid further damage.
• Apply ice to the injured area to reduce swelling and pain.
• Take painkillers to relieve pain.

How to recover

The treatment of a clavicle fracture depends on its severity. Conservative treatments are possible, such as immobilization with a cast or bandage, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. In more severe cases, surgery and rehabilitation procedures may be required. After treatment and rehabilitation, it is important to monitor your health and not exceed physical activity until full recovery.

What to do if your collarbone is broken

A broken collarbone can be the result of a blow, fall or accident. If a fracture is suspected, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Your doctor may take x-rays to help diagnose and determine the type of fracture. Depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery or additional fixation devices may be required.

Recovery from a broken collarbone can take weeks or months. During the rehabilitation period, it is recommended to sleep on your back with the use of a pad under the body, engage in physical exercises that strengthen the shoulder girdle, and follow the doctor’s recommendations for caring for the fracture.

• To prevent collarbone fractures:
  • avoid extreme sports;
  • use correct exercise technique;
  • take precautions when traveling outdoors and driving a car.

How to Relieve the Pain of a Collarbone Fracture

A broken collarbone is a very painful condition that requires urgent medical attention and rehabilitation. However, the first aid stage can relieve pain and reduce patient discomfort.

• Use of ice and heat. Apply ice to injury site for up to 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first 72 hours after injury. This will help reduce swelling and relieve pain. After that, heat (such as a heating pad) can be used to improve circulation and reduce pain.
• Analgesics. In the early stages, it is best to use immediate-acting analgesics such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. However, consultation with a doctor before using analgesics is required.
• Posture accounting. Be mindful of the patient’s posture. In the event of a clavicle fracture, it is best to place the hip and hand on the side of the injury in a vertical position, but without additional load.

Remember that these are temporary pain relief and that primary care is needed for a broken collarbone.

Clavicle fracture treatment and rehabilitation

Medical treatment

When a clavicle is fractured, the first step is to properly apply a splint to help keep the bone in the correct position. For this, a plaster or plastic splint is often used. After the splint is placed, the doctor may prescribe medications to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

In case of severe injuries, surgery may be required. Surgery may be used for open fractures and if the bone is misaligned to the side that needs to be corrected.

Rehabilitation

After the treatment of a fracture of the clavicle, it is necessary to carry out a rehabilitation course. Depending on the severity of the injury and the speed of recovery, rehabilitation can be relatively short or quite long.

Occasionally, fractures of the collarbone can be treated with physiotherapy. It is recommended to use radiation therapy, electrotherapy and ultrasound.

In the first days after the treatment of a clavicle fracture, it is important to avoid heavy lifting and other forms of physical activity. However, the doctor must necessarily give individual recommendations and instructions for later life and work.

Clavicle fracture treatment

Clavicle fracture requires immediate treatment by a traumatologist or orthopedist.

Depending on the extent and nature of the injury, treatment can be conservative or surgical. For mild fractures that do not lead to a significant displacement of bone fragments, conservative treatment is used.

This includes wearing splints for 2-4 weeks and medication to relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, physiotherapy may be prescribed.

Surgical treatment is used in severe cases, when there is a significant displacement of bone fragments, or with an open fracture. In such cases, an operation using metal plates, nails or pins may be prescribed.

After treatment, it is important to follow a regimen of restriction of physical activity and the recommendations of an orthopedist or physiotherapist to perform exercises to restore the functionality of the shoulder joint.

• It is important not to forget about the prevention of clavicle fractures. For this, precautions must be taken when playing sports or when performing physical work.
• In case of injury or pain in the shoulder area, you should consult a doctor. It is not recommended to self-treat or neglect injuries that can lead to serious consequences.
• Clavicle fracture requires serious and qualified treatment. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor on time and follow all recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation.

Recovery time after a collarbone fracture

Recovery time after a collarbone fracture depends on many factors. One of the most important is the type and severity of damage. It usually takes 6-8 weeks for the collarbone to heal.

The healing process can be accelerated through physical exercises, in which the collarbone will not be subjected to mechanical stress. It is important to know that any physical activity immediately after a fracture can lead to a deterioration in the condition, so before you start exercising, you need to give the collarbone time to heal.

Usually, if the fracture occurred without complications, the recovery period does not exceed three months. However, each case is unique, so for any injury, it is important to turn to professionals to get qualified help and determine how to quickly return to a normal lifestyle.

Clavicle fracture: complications and prevention

Complications

A fracture of the collarbone can lead to various complications, especially if it is not detected and treated in a timely manner. Some of them can be quite serious:

• Shoulder nerve compression. Bone fragments can compress the brachial nerve, causing numbness and weakness in the arm, as well as pain in the neck and back. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
• Lung injury. When the collarbone is fractured, especially if it is accompanied by a strong blow or fall, damage to the lung can occur. This can lead to hemorrhage and chronic pain.
• Rib deformation. In some cases, fragments of the clavicle may press on the ribs, causing them to deform. This can lead to chest pain and breathing problems.

Prevention

To prevent or minimize the risk of a collarbone fracture, follow these guidelines:

1. Avoid falls and injury. Wear suitable footwear, avoid slippery surfaces and do not attempt anything dangerous without proper protection.
2. Strengthen your body. A variety of muscle and joint strengthening exercises can help reduce the risk of injury in the event of a fall or impact.
3. Obey the rules of the road. If you ride a bicycle or motorcycle, wear a safety helmet and avoid dangerous maneuvers.

It is also important to see a doctor if you have a health problem that could lead to a broken collarbone, such as osteoporosis or other bone conditions.

Complications that may occur after a clavicle fracture

Incorrectly healed fracture: if the fracture is not properly healed, the clavicle may not heal properly. This can lead to bone deformity and limit the mobility of the shoulder.

Sensorineural disorders: When the collarbone is broken, some of the nerves that run through the arm can be damaged. This can lead to numbness or soreness in the hand, as well as decreased sensation.

Infections: An infection may occur after a collarbone fracture. This can happen if the skin has been damaged or the vessels have been broken. Infection can lead to purulent processes and other complications.

Stiff shoulder: Shoulder mobility may be limited after a collarbone fracture. This may be due to pain, swelling, or nerve damage.

Deformity of the shoulder girdle: fracture of the clavicle can lead to deformity of the shoulder girdle. This can lead to reduced arm strength and mobility, as well as poor posture.

How to prevent a broken collarbone

Keep your bones healthy. Talk to your doctor about what kind of diet and exercise you need to follow in order to keep your bones in good condition. Try adding calcium-rich foods to your diet, such as milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese, leafy greens, broccoli, and almonds.

Avoid risky sports. If you are involved in sports that can lead to shoulder girdle injuries, such as boxing, wrestling, football, you should pay special attention to the correct exercise technique and the use of anti-injury equipment.

Avoid falls and injury. When you are at height, make sure you are securely secured with the appropriate equipment. Avoid situations that could lead to injury, such as walking on slippery surfaces or walking down stairs in the wrong shoes.

Seek medical attention at the first sign of pain. Many fractures of the clavicle can be healed if you see a doctor in time. If you experience pain in your shoulder girdle or notice symptoms of a fracture such as swelling, bruising, or restricted movement, contact your doctor immediately for appropriate treatment.

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Q&A:

What is a clavicle fracture and how is it diagnosed?

A clavicle fracture is an injury to the collarbone, the bone that connects the shoulder girdle to the sternum. You can identify a fracture by severe pain in the collarbone, swelling, bruising, inability to move the arm, and weakness in the upper body.

What are the consequences of a broken collarbone?

The consequences can range from infections and lung damage to circulation problems and chronic pain at the site of a malignant fracture. For a full recovery, it is necessary to carry out rehabilitation and control the condition of the collarbone.

What should I do if my collarbone is broken?

If a fracture is suspected, seek immediate medical attention. As a rule, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, as well as fixatives, which will help maintain the integrity of the collarbone and reduce pain. If the fracture is severe, surgery may be required.

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

Recovery time depends on the degree of damage to the collarbone. On average, the rehabilitation process takes from several weeks to several months. It is important not to forget about regular physical therapy and exercises aimed at restoring strength and mobility of the collarbone.

How to prevent a collarbone fracture?

Regular exercise, good posture when walking and sitting, and sports protectors should be used to prevent fractures of the collarbone when injuries to the collarbone area are possible.

What if I have chronic pain after a collarbone fracture?

If pain persists for more than 3-4 months after the injury, a doctor should be consulted. Depending on the cause of the pain, physical therapy, massage, or even surgery may be prescribed. It is important not to self-medicate and not endure pain, which can negatively affect the quality of life.

how to cure, causes, symptoms, prevention, medical advice, consequences

A displaced clavicle fracture is a fairly common injury that occurs as a result of a fall on the shoulder or arm, in particular during contact sports or as a result of a traffic accident . It can also be obtained by patients with epilepsy during an attack and children during the passage of the birth canal.

Contents of the article

Unlike damage without displacement, such an injury is quickly diagnosed: one upper limb is longer than the other, and the patient himself holds it by the forearm or presses it to the body, when it is raised, a characteristic crunch occurs, the shoulder is displaced forward and down. Symptoms also include swelling and pain, hemorrhage, smoothness of the supraclavicular fossa, and bone deformity.

Methods of recovery after a displaced clavicle fracture

Displaced clavicle fracture treatment involves fixation with special bandages or surgery. Under local anesthesia, fragments are compared, after which a plaster is applied in order to exclude re-displacement.

Figure-of-eight bandage under the armpits and across the neck keeps the shoulder girdle open. Delbe rings mean a cotton-gauze roller with two rings, which should fit snugly against the body. Bandages Deso and Velpo are complex rewindings with an elastic bandage, thanks to which the arm is pressed against the body to prevent mobility.

Open surgery is performed only in cases where bone fragments can pinch soft tissues, damage organs, blood vessels and nerve endings, conservative treatment has not brought results, the bones grow together for a very long time or can grow together incorrectly, which is caused by an untimely visit to the doctor. Plates, screws, pins, external fixation devices and other devices are used.

The main method of recovery is exercise therapy. Exercises are done from the first days after injury, however, it is necessary to use a special pillow. Gymnastics begins with flexion and extension of the arm at the wrist and elbow, as well as fingers. The movements should be slow and smooth, they can be performed up to five approaches a day for several minutes. If there is even a slight pain, it is necessary to complete the exercise.

After the plaster is removed, physical education becomes more difficult, dumbbells, a ball, a gymnastic stick, and exercise equipment are used, thanks to which the limb returns to normal functioning faster. After surgery, they also do gymnastics, but after removing the sutures, however, in some cases, as prescribed by the doctor, they begin to practice the next day.

Yagubov
Nizami Ibragimovich

Reflexologist

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With an open fracture, exercises are possible only individually selected and under the strict supervision of a traumatologist, since there is a high risk of damage to blood vessels and internal organs.

Physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed for better bone fusion: electrophoresis with calcium or magnetotherapy. Warm baths are beneficial.

Terms of rehabilitation after a closed fracture of the clavicle with displacement

When it comes to a displaced clavicle fracture, the recovery period varies by age group: 3-4 weeks for children, 1. 5-2 months for adolescents, and 2-2.5 months for adults. The thing is that the child’s periosteum is better supplied with blood, which accelerates the formation of callus. The bones of newborns regenerate within a day, because a callus does not form, babies do not need special procedures, swaddling is enough to prevent hand movements.

In general, restoration is carried out in three stages. At the first stage, the patient wears a cast for three weeks and does exercise therapy. On the second – you already need to move your shoulder and work out with a gymnastic stick, on the third – do resistance exercises using dumbbells and simulators. Thus, the normal range of motion in the shoulder and muscle capabilities are restored. In the case of osteosynthesis of bone fragments, gymnastics is somewhat different, in particular, it is possible to move the shoulder only after removing the sutures.

Can massage be done after a displaced clavicle fracture?

In case of a displaced clavicle fracture, rehabilitation necessarily includes massage.