How long does a clavicle fracture take to heal. What factors can affect recovery from a collarbone break. What should you expect during the healing process of a clavicle fracture. How can you manage pain and swelling after a collarbone injury. When can you return to normal activities following a clavicle fracture.

Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Types and Causes

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

There are different types of clavicle fractures, including:

• Midshaft fractures (most common)
• Distal fractures (near the shoulder)
• Proximal fractures (near the breastbone)

Common causes of clavicle fractures include:

• Falls onto an outstretched arm
• Direct blows to the shoulder
• Sports injuries
• Vehicle accidents

Is a clavicle fracture the same as a break or crack? Yes, these terms are often used interchangeably in medical contexts. Whether referred to as a fracture, break, or crack, they all indicate damage to the bone structure.

Clavicle Fracture Healing Time: What to Expect

One of the most common questions patients have is about the healing time for a fractured clavicle. The recovery period can vary depending on several factors, but generally, a clavicle fracture takes between 6 to 12 weeks to heal.

It’s important to note that complete recovery may take longer, and some discomfort may persist beyond the initial healing period. Here’s a general timeline of what to expect:

• 0-3 weeks: Initial healing and pain management
• 3-6 weeks: Gradual increase in mobility
• 6-12 weeks: Bone healing and return to light activities
• 12+ weeks: Continued strengthening and return to full activities

Why does healing time vary among individuals? Factors such as age, overall health, the severity of the fracture, and adherence to treatment guidelines can all influence recovery time.

Factors Affecting Clavicle Fracture Recovery

Several factors can impact the healing process of a clavicle fracture. Understanding these can help patients take proactive steps to ensure optimal recovery:

Smoking and Its Impact on Healing

Smoking significantly affects tissue health and can slow fracture healing times. In some cases, it may even prevent proper healing altogether. Quitting smoking during recovery can greatly improve healing outcomes.

General Health and Nutrition

Overall health plays a crucial role in recovery. Conditions like diabetes may slow down the healing process. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein can support bone healing and overall recovery.

Medications and Their Effects

Certain medications can influence fracture healing. Anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen have been shown to delay healing in some cases. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional about any medications you’re taking during recovery.

Initial Treatment and Management of Clavicle Fractures

The initial treatment for a clavicle fracture typically involves immobilization to allow proper healing. This is often achieved through the use of a Poly Sling.

How does a Poly Sling work? A Poly Sling supports the arm and helps keep the fractured clavicle in proper alignment. It’s designed to immobilize the shoulder and upper arm while allowing some movement of the elbow and hand.

Proper fitting of the Poly Sling is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare professionals will provide instructions on how to wear and adjust the sling for maximum comfort and support.

Rehabilitation Plan: Stages of Recovery

A structured rehabilitation plan is essential for optimal recovery from a clavicle fracture. The plan typically progresses through several stages:

0 to 3 Weeks Post-Injury

During the initial phase, the focus is on protection and pain management:

• Wear the sling during the day, except for exercises and personal hygiene
• Choose whether to wear the sling at night based on comfort
• Begin gentle shoulder exercises as advised by your healthcare provider
• Avoid lifting your elbow above shoulder height to prevent pain

3 to 6 Weeks Post-Injury

As healing progresses, you can start increasing mobility:

• Gradually reduce sling usage
• Begin light activities with your arm and shoulder
• Increase range of motion exercises
• Continue to avoid heavy lifting

6 to 12 Weeks Post-Injury

During this phase, the fracture should be healing well:

• Resume normal daily activities, guided by any pain experienced
• Start to lift your arm overhead
• Avoid contact sports until at least 12 weeks after the injury

When should you seek additional help? If your collar bone hasn’t improved within 6 weeks of following this advice, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional about your symptoms.

Managing Common Symptoms During Recovery

During the recovery process, patients often experience various symptoms. Understanding and managing these symptoms is crucial for a smooth recovery:

Dealing with Swelling

Swelling is a common occurrence near the fracture site and can sometimes extend down the arm. It may persist for months and can fluctuate based on factors such as position, activity, and time of day.

How can you reduce swelling effectively? Try these methods:

• Keep other joints in your arm moving normally
• Balance rest and activity
• Use gentle self-massage to push fluid towards your shoulder
• Apply cold therapy as directed by your healthcare provider

Understanding Bruising

Bruising is a normal part of the healing process after a fracture. It may be widespread and can appear far from the fracture site. The color of the bruise will change over time as healing progresses.

Managing Pain

Pain is a common experience during recovery from a clavicle fracture. It’s normal to have some discomfort in the areas around your fracture, including other soft tissues and nearby joints. Pain can vary from day to day and may not always correlate with activity levels.

How can you effectively manage pain after a clavicle fracture? Consider these options:

• Over-the-counter pain medications (as advised by your healthcare provider)
• Cold or heat therapy
• Gentle exercises and stretches
• Proper positioning and support

Is it normal to experience pain even after the fracture has healed? Yes, some individuals may continue to feel discomfort at the fracture site, especially during colder weather, for some time after healing.

Returning to Normal Activities After a Clavicle Fracture

As recovery progresses, patients naturally want to return to their normal activities. However, it’s important to approach this transition gradually and safely.

Driving After a Clavicle Fracture

Before resuming driving, consider the following:

• Contact your insurance provider to ensure your coverage is not affected
• Ensure you can perform an emergency stop or maneuver safely
• Wait until you’re out of your sling and have sufficient range of motion

Returning to Work

The timeline for returning to work depends on various factors, including the nature of your job and the progress of your recovery. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine when it’s safe to resume work activities.

Resuming Sports and Exercise

Returning to sports and exercise should be a gradual process:

• Begin with low-impact activities and gradually increase intensity
• Avoid contact sports for at least 12 weeks after the injury
• Follow a structured rehabilitation program to rebuild strength and flexibility

When is it safe to return to full activity levels? This varies among individuals, but generally, full return to activities occurs between 3 to 6 months post-injury, depending on the severity of the fracture and individual healing rates.

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:

Bone Deformity

It’s common for a lump to form around the injured area as healing takes place. In many cases, this lump remains even after the clavicle has fully healed. This is typically not a cause for concern unless there are changes to the lump or associated pain.

Chronic Pain or Stiffness

Some individuals may experience ongoing discomfort or stiffness in the shoulder region, particularly during certain activities or weather changes.

Delayed Union or Non-Union

In rare cases, the fracture may take longer to heal (delayed union) or fail to heal properly (non-union). These situations may require additional treatment, including surgery in some cases.

How can you minimize the risk of complications? Adhering to your treatment plan, following rehabilitation guidelines, and maintaining overall health can help ensure the best possible outcome.

Clavicle Fracture Prevention and Future Care

While not all clavicle fractures can be prevented, certain measures can reduce the risk of injury:

• Wear appropriate protective gear during sports and high-risk activities
• Maintain good bone health through proper nutrition and exercise
• Practice fall prevention techniques, especially for older adults
• Ensure proper form and technique during physical activities

After recovery, it’s important to continue caring for your clavicle and overall shoulder health:

• Maintain shoulder strength and flexibility through regular exercises
• Be mindful of your posture to prevent unnecessary strain on the clavicle
• Address any persistent pain or discomfort with your healthcare provider

Can a previously fractured clavicle be more susceptible to future injuries? While a healed clavicle fracture doesn’t necessarily increase the risk of future fractures, it’s important to protect the area and maintain overall bone health to minimize risks.

In conclusion, understanding the healing process, following a structured rehabilitation plan, and taking proactive steps in recovery and prevention can lead to optimal outcomes after a clavicle fracture. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment plans tailored to your specific situation.

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:
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16 December 2022

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Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone) – OrthoInfo

A clavicle fracture is a break in the collarbone, one of the main bones in the shoulder. This type of fracture is fairly common, accounting for about 5% of all adult fractures.

Most clavicle fractures occur when a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm puts enough pressure on the bone that it snaps or breaks. A broken collarbone can be very painful and can make it hard to move your arm.

Many clavicle fractures can be treated by wearing a sling to keep the arm and shoulder from moving while the bone heals. With some clavicle fractures, however, the pieces of bone move far out of place when the injury occurs. For these more complicated fractures, surgery may be needed to realign the collarbone.

The clavicle is located between the ribcage (sternum) and the shoulder blade (scapula). It is the bone that connects the arm to the body.

The clavicle lies above several important nerves and blood vessels. However, these vital structures are rarely injured when a fracture occurs.

The clavicle is part of your shoulder and connects your arm to the rest of your body.

Reproduced and adapted from JF Sarwak, ed: Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, ed. 4. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2010.

Clavicle fractures are fairly common and occur in people of all ages. Most fractures occur in the middle portion, or shaft, of the bone. Occasionally, the bone will break where it attaches at the ribcage or shoulder blade.

Clavicle fractures vary. The bone can crack just slightly or break into many pieces (comminuted fracture). The broken pieces of bone may line up straight or may be far out of place (displaced fracture).

This illustration shows a clavicle fracture close to where the bone attaches to the scapula (shoulder blade).

Reproduced and adapted from Nuber GW, Bowen MK: Acromioclavicular joint injuries and distal clavicle fractures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 1997; 5(1): 11-18.

Clavicle fractures are most often caused by a direct blow to the shoulder. This can happen during a fall onto the shoulder or an accident, like a car collision. A fall onto an outstretched arm can also cause a clavicle fracture. In a baby, a clavicle fracture can occur during the passage through the birth canal.

A clavicle fracture can be very painful and may make it hard to move your arm. Other signs and symptoms of a fracture may include:

• Sagging of the shoulder downward and forward
• Inability to lift the arm because of pain
• A grinding sensation when you try to raise the arm
• A deformity or bump over the break
• Bruising, swelling, and/or tenderness over the collarbone

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Physical Examination

Your doctor will want to know how the injury occurred and will ask about your symptoms. They will then carefully examine your shoulder.

In a clavicle fracture, there is usually an obvious deformity, or bump, at the fracture site. Gentle pressure over the break will bring about pain. Although it is rare for a bone fragment to break through the skin, it may push the skin into a tent formation.

In a clavicle fracture, the broken ends of the bone may cause tenting of the skin over the fracture site.

Your doctor will also perform tests to ensure that no nerves or blood vessels were damaged when the fracture occurred.

Imaging Studies

X-rays. X-rays provide images of dense structures, such as bone. Your doctor will order an X-ray:

• To help pinpoint the location of the fracture
• To learn more about the severity of the break

The doctor may also order X-rays of your entire shoulder to check for additional injuries.

If other bones are broken, your doctor may order a computerized tomography (CT) scan to see the fractures in better detail.

X-ray shows a fracture in the middle of the clavicle. Note how far out of place (displaced) the broken ends of the bone are.

Nonsurgical Treatment

If the broken ends of the bones have not significantly shifted out of place, you may not need surgery. Many broken collarbones can heal without surgery.

Nonsurgical treatment may include:

• Arm support. A simple arm sling is usually used for comfort immediately after the break and to keep your arm and shoulder in position while the injury heals.
• Medication. Pain medication, including acetaminophen, can help relieve pain as the fracture heals.
• Physical therapy. Although there will be some pain, it is important to maintain arm motion to prevent shoulder and elbow stiffness. Often, patients will begin doing exercises for elbow motion immediately after the injury.

  After a clavicle fracture, it is common to lose some shoulder and arm strength. Once the bone begins to heal, your pain will decrease and your doctor may start gentle shoulder exercises. These exercises will help prevent stiffness and weakness. You will start more strenuous exercises gradually once the fracture is completely healed.

Follow-up care. You will need to see your doctor regularly until your fracture heals. During these visits, the doctor will take X-rays to make sure the bone is healing in a good position. After the bone has healed, you will be able to gradually return to your normal activities.

Complications. In some cases, a clavicle fracture can move out of place before it heals. It is important to follow up with your doctor as scheduled to make sure the bone stays in position.

If the fracture does not heal, it is called a nonunion.

• In some cases of nonunion, the patient has very little pain and good motion, so no further treatment is required.
• In other cases, nonunion can result in significant pain and may require an operation for repair. 

If the fracture fragments do move out of place and the bones heal in that position, it is called a malunion. Surgical treatment for this is very rare, determined by how far out of place the bones are and how much this affects your arm movement.

A large bump over the fracture site may develop as the fracture heals. This usually gets smaller over time, but a small bump often remains permanently.

Surgical Treatment

If the broken ends of the bones have significantly shifted out of place, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Surgery typically involves putting the broken pieces of bone back into position and preventing them from moving out of place until they are healed. This can improve shoulder strength when you have recovered.

Open reduction and internal fixation. This is the procedure most often used to treat clavicle fractures. During the procedure, the bone fragments are first repositioned (reduced) into their normal alignment. The pieces of bone are then held in place with special metal hardware.

Common methods of internal fixation include:

• Plates and screws. After being repositioned into their normal alignment, the bone fragments are held in place with special screws and metal plates attached to the outer surface of the bone.

  After surgery, you may notice a small patch of numb skin below the incision. This numbness will become less noticeable with time. Because the clavicle lies directly under the skin, you may be able to feel the plate through your skin.

  Plates and screws are not routinely removed after the bone has healed, unless they are causing discomfort. Problems with the hardware are not common, but some patients find that seatbelts and backpacks can irritate the collarbone area. If this happens, the hardware can be removed after the fracture has healed.

(Left) X-ray shows a displaced clavicle fracture (arrow). (Right) The pieces of bone have been realigned and held in place with plates and screws.

(Left) X-ray shows a severely displaced clavicle fracture (arrow). (Right) Here, a single screw has been used to repair the fracture.

Reproduced from Eichinger JK, Balog TP, Grassbaugh JA: Intramedullary fixation of clavicle fractures: anatomy, indications, advantages, and disadvantages. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2016; 24(7): 455-464.

Pain management. After surgery, you will feel some pain.This is a natural part of the healing process. Many patients find that using ice and non-prescription pain medications are sufficient to relieve pain.

If your pain is severe, your doctor may suggest a prescription-strength medication, such as an opioid, for a few days.

Be aware that although opioids help relieve pain after surgery, they are a narcotic and can be addictive. Opioid dependency and overdose have become critical public health issues. For this reason, opioids are typically prescribed for a short period of time. It is important to use opioids only as directed by your doctor and to stop taking them as soon as your pain begins to improve.

Rehabilitation. Specific exercises will help restore movement and strengthen your shoulder. Your doctor may provide you with a home therapy plan or suggest that you work with a physical therapist.

Therapy programs typically start with gentle motion exercises. Your doctor will gradually add strengthening exercises to your program as your fracture heals.

Although it is a slow process, following your physical therapy plan is an important factor in returning to all the activities you enjoy.

Complications. There are risks associated with any type of surgery. These include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Problems with wound healing
• Pain
• Blood clots
• Damage to blood vessels or nerves
• Reaction to anesthesia

Risks that are specific to surgery for clavicle fractures include:

• Difficulty with bone healing
• Lung injury
• Numbness below the clavicle
• Hardware irritation

Patients who smoke or use tobacco products, have diabetes, or are elderly are at a higher risk for complications both during and after surgery. They are also more likely to have problems with wound and bone healing.

Learn more: Smoking and Musculoskeletal Health

Learn more: Surgery and Smoking

Before your surgery, your doctor will discuss each of the risks with you and will take specific measures to avoid complications.

Whether or not your treatment involves surgery, it can take several months for your collarbone to heal. Healing may take longer in diabetics or in people who smoke or use tobacco products.

Most people return to their regular activities within 3 months of their injury. Your doctor will tell you when your injury is stable enough to do so. Returning to regular activities or lifting with your arm before your doctor advises may cause the fracture fragments to move or the hardware to break. This may require you to start your treatment from the beginning.

Once your fracture has completely healed, you can safely return to sports activities.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

If you experience a clavicle fracture, here are some questions you may wish to ask your doctor:

• When can I start using my arm?
• When can I return to work?
• Do I have any specific risks for not doing well?
• If I have to have surgery, what are the risks and benefits, and will I need to stay in the hospital?
• What are the risks and benefits of nonsurgical treatment?

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How to diagnose a clavicle fracture – advice from a traumatologist

How to diagnose a fracture of the clavicle – advice from a traumatologist

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How to Diagnose a Clavicle Fracture : A clavicle fracture is a complete or partial disruption of the integrity of the clavicle bone when a load exceeds the strength of the injured skeletal area. Primary diagnosis of a clavicle fracture will require an X-ray or CT scan of the clavicle and subsequent consultation with a traumatologist.

Which doctor treats a clavicle fracture : If you have symptoms of a clavicle fracture, you should first contact a traumatologist, based on the results of the initial examination, the doctor may prescribe an additional consultation with the surgeon.

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Clavicle fracture is a common injury in traumatology practice. The collarbone is a long, thin bone that runs from the sternum to each shoulder. You can feel it in the upper chest, just below the neck. Muscles and tendons connect the collarbone to the sternum and shoulder blades. A clavicle fracture usually occurs after a fall or a blow to the shoulder. It may be accompanied by a rupture of the clavicular muscles and tendons. This injury usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal in adults and 3 to 6 weeks in children.

Clavicle fracture symptoms

Cracked or broken collarbone causes severe pain. In addition, the patient may experience:

• swelling or tenderness around the collarbone;
• bruise on skin;
• bleeding if bone has broken tissue and skin;
• numbness of the arm;
• tingling sensation in the arm;
• A disposition of the shoulder that can be pulled down and forward under the weight of the arm because the broken collarbone no longer supports it.

When the collarbone is broken, the patient may hear cracking or grinding. In severe cases, one end of the bone may pierce the skin.

Clavicle Fracture Diagnosis

See a traumatologist immediately if you have injured your collarbone. If your doctor suspects a clavicle fracture based on the results of the examination, you will be sent for an X-ray or CT scan to confirm the injury. If the injury to the collarbone is severe, such as a bone piercing through the skin, or the patient experiencing severe pain and difficulty breathing, go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately. This condition is life threatening.

Clavicle Fracture First Aid

While waiting for trauma care, stabilize your arm using a towel as a bandage. Tie it under your forearm and then around your neck.

Try to move your arm as little as possible.

Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve pain.

But do not give aspirin to children under 16 years of age.

Apply an ice pack to the injured area to reduce pain and swelling, but do not apply ice directly to the skin.

Broken collarbone treatment

Most collarbone fractures are left to heal naturally with a simple triangular bandage that supports the arm and holds the bones together in their normal position. The bandage is usually applied in an emergency room or hospital after an x-ray or CT scan confirms that the collarbone is broken.

After primary care, the doctor will refer the patient to a physiotherapist. He will show you some gentle arm and shoulder exercises that you can do at home without removing your arm from the bandage. This will help reduce stiffness, relieve pain, and strengthen the shoulder muscles.

Adults usually take 6 to 8 weeks to heal a broken collarbone. In children, healing usually takes 3 to 6 weeks. While the fracture heals, a lump may form along the collarbone. This is normal and the pineal mass usually disappears within the next few months. Sometimes a clavicle fracture does not heal and the patient may need surgery. Also, surgery under general anesthesia is sometimes necessary if the injury to the collarbone is severe, such as when a bone has torn through the skin, if the bones do not line up and overlap significantly. Several methods can be used to surgically repair the clavicle. Fastening the gap with a plate and screws is the most common of them. Your surgeon will explain the technique he is going to use and the advantages and disadvantages of each clavicle repair surgery.

Tips for recovering from a broken collarbone

When recovering from a broken collarbone, it may be helpful for a patient to:

• use extra pillows at night to stay upright while sleeping;
• use ice packs and painkillers if pain and swelling continue while the arm is in a bandage;
• regularly move the elbow, hand and fingers as soon as it is convenient;
• remove the bandage for a short time;
• do not participate in contact sports for at least 10-12 weeks after the injury.

Author: Bogatov Nikita Dmitrievich

Specialization: Manual Therapy, Osteopath

Place of appointment: MRI Center and Clinic RIORIT, Incentro Clinic

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Where does the reception: MC Medicenter

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Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist, Surgeon

Medical experience: since 2011

Where does the reception: MC Medicenter, Trauma Center Kurchatov

Zakaryan Tigran Yervandovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2016

Where does the reception: MC Medicenter, MC Poema Zdorovya

Bayzhanov Abylkhair

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2017

Where does the reception: MC Medicenter

Aliev Murad Ramazanovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2009

Where does the reception: MC Medicenter, MC Poema Zdorovya

Ibragimov Anar Sayyarovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2014

Where does the reception: MC Medpomoshch 24 Zanevsky, MC SOGAZ Stachek

Bykov Anton Olegovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2007

Where does the reception: MC Medpomoshch 24 Balkan

Bizyukov Oleg Valerievich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 1998

Where does the reception: MC March

Lipatov Vasily Sergeevich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2006

Where does the reception: MC March

Kazakov Alexey Alexandrovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist, Surgeon

Medical experience: since 2001

Where does the reception: MC Energo Kyiv

Abzianidze Alexey Vadimovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2001

Where does the reception: MC Riorit, SM-Clinic on Vyborgsky

Tkachenko Maxim Viktorovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2004

Where does the reception: MC Riorit

Martynov Victor Borisovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2012

Where does the reception: MC Long Vita, Clinic of the scientific and practical center. Albrecht

Ibragimov Dmitry Sergeevich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Ultrasound Doctor, Vertebrologist, Traumatologist, Surgeon

Medical experience: from 1999 years old

Where does the reception: MC Longa Vita, MC Consilium Med

Kozlov Igor Andreevich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2020

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on Marshal Zakharov, SM-Clinic on Vyborgsky

Belousov Evgeny Ivanovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 1990

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Udarnikov

Giniyatov Anvar Rinatovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2017

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Danube

Grebenyuk Mikhail Viktorovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist, Surgeon

Medical experience: since 2006

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Vyborgsky

Danilkin Alexey Valerievich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2006

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Udarnikov, Children’s Clinic No. 17

Panfilov Artem Igorevich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2012

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Marshal Zakharov

Uchurov Igor Fedorovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2009

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Vyborgsky

Angelcheva Tatyana Avramovna

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2015

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Udarnikov

Antonov Ilya Alexandrovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2015

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Marshal Zakharov

Akhmedov Kazali Muradovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2018

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on Malaya Balkanskaya, SM-Clinic on Danube, CMRT Petrogradsky

Borisova Olga Mikhailovna

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist, Surgeon

Medical experience: since 2007

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Danube

Garifulin Marat Sagitovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2004

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on Danube, SM-Clinic on Malaya Balkanskaya

Dergulev Igor Olegovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2012

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Danube

Zimin Denis Vitalievich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2017

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on Vyborgsky, Clinic TT Life

Islamov Magomedgadzhi Magomedkhabibovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2016

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Danube

Kazak Roman Alekseevich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2017

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Malaya Balkanskaya, Trauma Center on Kolomyazhsky

Karapetyan Sergey Vazgenovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2007

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on the Danube, SM-Clinic on Malaya Balkanskaya, Children’s Clinic No. 5, Children’s Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Center. G.A.Albrecht on the Bolshoi Sampsonevsky

Karpushin Andrey Aleksandrovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 1967

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Danube

Kikaev Adlan Olkhozurovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2016

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Marshal Zakharov, SM-Clinic on Udarnikov

Kolyadin Maxim Alexandrovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2008

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on Danube, SM-Clinic on Malaya Balkanskaya

Kustikov Anton Aleksandrovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist, Surgeon

Medical experience: since 2012

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Marshal Zakharov

Lortkipanidze Ruslan Badrievich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2016

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on the Danube, Children’s Clinical Hospital No. 5 named after. Filatov

Mitin Andrey Viktorovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist, Surgeon, Urologist

Medical experience: from 1999 years old

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on Udarnikov, SM-Clinic on Danube, SM-Clinic on Vyborgsky

Nikitin Alexander Vladimirovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2008

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on the Danube, MC “Dynasty” on Lenin, Reaclinic on Lenin, City Hospital No. 40 of the Kurortny District

Petrov Artem Viktorovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2007

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on the Danube, Research Institute of Emergency Medicine. Janelidze

Popov Evgeny Sergeevich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2001

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Vyborgsky

Urbanovich Sergey Ivanovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2011

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on Marshal Zakharov, SM-Clinic on Vyborgsky

Fil Stepan Yurievich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2018

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Vyborgsky

Shikhzagirov Arsen Zagidinovich

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist

Medical experience: since 2003

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Malaya Balkanskaya

Literature

1. Anisimov A. I., Kornilov N.V., Kanykhin A.V. Electrochemical aspects of implantation of metal structures in traumatology and orthopedics // Sixth congress of traumatologists and orthopedists of Russia: abstracts of reports. – Nizhny Novgorod, 1997. – P.359.
2. Babushkin Yu.N., Konev V.P., Lanshakov V.P. Surgical treatment of fractures of the clavicle // Scientific and practical. conf. with international participation “New technologies in medicine”: abstracts of reports. – Kurgan, 2000. – Part 1. – P. 240.
3. Beydik O.V., Evdokimov M.M., Romakina N.A. Surgical treatment of clavicle fractures using external fixation devices. // Genius of orthopedics.- 2003.-№2. – S. 45-49.
4. Lanshakov V.A. Treatment of orthopedic and traumatological pathology of the shoulder joint using structures with shape memory: // Abstract of the thesis. dis. doc. honey. Sciences.- Irkutsk, 1996. – P.32.
5. Sushko G.S. Treatment of clavicle fractures by the method of extrafocal osteosynthesis // Treatment of orthopedic and trauma patients in a hospital and clinic by the method of transosseous osteosynthesis developed by KNIIEKOT: Proceedings. report All-Union. scientific-pract. conf. – Kurgan, 1982. – T.1. – S. 93-95.
6. Sandstrom CK, Gross JA, Kennedy SA. Distal clavicle fracture radiography and treatment: a pictorial essay. Emerge Radiol. 2018 Jun;25(3):311-319. doi: 10.1007/s10140-018-1586-y. Epub 2018 Feb 3.PMID: 29397463.
7. Fujimoto K, Kato H, Kaneko Y, Aoki M, Kuze B, Kato K, Shibata T, Matsuo M. Clavicle fracture following neck dissection: imaging features and natural course. Br J Radiol. 2019 Aug;92(1100):201. doi: 10.1259/bjr.201. Epub 2019 May 22. PMID: 31116575; PMCID: PMC6724636.
8. Kim JH, Gwak HC, Kim CW, Lee CR, Kim YJ, Seo HW. Three-dimensional clavicle displacement analysis and its effect on scapular position in acute clavicle midshaft fracture. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2019Oct;28(10):1877-1885. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2019.03.019. Epub 2019 Jul 2. PMID: 31272891.

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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.

Collarbone fracture and the army

If the fracture has 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 of “PrizyvaNet”.

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.