what is the treatment for clavicle fracture

Medication

Treating a Clavicle Fracture

• Nonsurgical Treatment for a Clavicle Fracture. An arm sling or wrap is typically worn after the break occurs. ...
• Surgical Treatment for a Clavicle Fracture. Clavicle surgery may be needed if the fractured bones if the fractured pieces of bone are not in their correct, anatomical location.
• Post-surgical Rehabilitation. ...

Procedures

With nonsurgical treatment, here’s what you can expect:

• Arm support. Your injured arm will be immobilized in a sling or wrap to keep the bone in place. ...
• Pain medication. A doctor may prescribe over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Ice. A doctor may recommend ice packs to help with pain for the first few days.
• Physical therapy. ...

Therapy

While recovering from a broken collarbone you may find it helpful to:

• use extra pillows at night to keep yourself more upright if you find sleeping uncomfortable
• use ice packs and painkillers if pain and swelling continues while your arm is in a sling
• move your elbow, hand and fingers regularly as soon as it's comfortable to do so

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Self-care

You may need any of the following:

• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. ...
• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. ...
• A sling or brace will be recommended to keep your clavicle from moving so it can heal. ...
• Surgery may be needed to return the bones to their normal position. ...

Nutrition

What is the appropriate treatment for a clavicular fracture?

How to relief pain from clavicle fracture?

Should you have surgery for a clavicle fracture?

What to do with a fractured clavicle?

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What is the best treatment for clavicle fracture?

The most common way to treat the fractures in the middle is with immobilization with either a sling or a special bandage called a figure-of-8 splint. Studies have shown that these fractures heal just as quickly and as well with a sling as with the figure-of-8 splint, so we recommend a sling in a majority of cases.

How long does a fractured clavicle take to heal?

A broken collarbone, or fractured clavicle, is a common injury. It usually happens after a fall or a blow to the shoulder. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks to heal in adults, and 3 to 6 weeks in children. The collarbone is a long, slender bone that runs from the breastbone to each shoulder.

Do clavicle fractures need surgery?

Most clavicle fractures can be treated without surgery. For the vast majority of clavicle fractures that are not out of place, or only minimally out of place, the safest and most effective treatment is with the use of a sling.

What is the fastest way to heal a clavicle?

To help speed the healing, you might get:A splint or brace to keep your shoulder from moving.A sling for your arm, which you might use for a few days.Anti-inflammatory painkillers, like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, which will help with pain and swelling. ... Range-of-motion and strengthening exercises.More items...•

How serious is a fractured clavicle?

In general, a broken collarbone or clavicle generally heals completely within a few months and usually doesn't cause any serious complications. Even when a broken collarbone is not perfectly aligned, it generally heals well without causing any significant deformity.

Can you move your arm with a broken clavicle?

Your shoulder strength is normal. You can move and use the arm and shoulder without pain. In general, people can go back to noncontact sports (such as running or swimming) in about 6 weeks and contact sports (such as football, lacrosse, and hockey) in 8–12 weeks.

How painful is a clavicle fracture?

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.

How do you sleep with a broken clavicle?

Using extra pillows to prop yourself up when sleeping with a broken clavicle can help relieve pain. Sleeping in a more upright position may be more comfortable and allow for a better rest. You may also find it more comfortable to use pillows to prop up the arm on the side of your body with the fracture.

When does a clavicle need surgery?

If a clavicle fracture is displaced more than 15 mm (in kids more displacement can be accepted as they are still growing) then I recommend the fracture be treated surgically as the clinical results are better than allowing the fracture to heal in a displaced position.

How long should I wear a sling for broken collarbone?

You will be given a sling to support your arm; this should be used for 2 to 6 weeks whilst the injury heals. Wear the sling during the day but remove it for exercises and personal hygiene. You can wear it at night time if you find it more comfortable but you don't have to.

How many days should you ice a broken bone?

Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down.

How do you wear a clavicle brace?

0:161:29How to wear Tynor Clavicle Brace with velcro for immobilization&stability ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe shoulder straps are tied in a figure of eight going around the shoulders in the armpit securelyMoreThe shoulder straps are tied in a figure of eight going around the shoulders in the armpit securely attach the straps after passing them through the buckle.

How to diagnose clavicle fracture?

A clavicle fracture is diagnosed through a physical examination and X-rays. Clavicle fractures are classified into three types based on the location of the fracture: 1) near the sternum (least common), 2) near the AC joint (second most common), or 3) in the middle of the bone between the sternum and AC joint (most common).

How long does it take for a clavicle fracture to heal?

Clavicle fractures in children (younger than 8 years old) may heal in four or five weeks, and clavicle fractures in adolescents may take six to eight weeks. However, fractures in adults or teenagers who have stopped growing take 10 to 12 weeks to heal and may take longer.

What happens if a clavicle fracture does not heal?

If the fracture does not heal, surgery may be necessary. Some fractures of the clavicle that do not heal completely are not painful and may not need surgery. Many factors determine whether a clavicle fracture will need surgery, and they should be discussed with your doctor.

What happens if you break your collarbone?

Sometimes the bone is broken enough to create an angle between the broken ends, which causes a deformity along the bone. Usually with a broken collarbone the pain and swelling are severe and there may be a visible deformity. Often there is pain at the site of the fracture with any attempt to move the arm.

What is the best treatment for a fractured collarbone?

Immobilization using a sling is often used to treat a clavicle fracture along with cold therapy and medication for pain relief. In most cases of a fractured collarbone, there are no limitations once the fracture heals.

What is the most fractured bone in the body?

The clavicle (collarbone) is one of the most fractured bones in the body. Symptoms of a broken collarbone include severe pain and swelling at the site of the fracture and with visible deformity in some cases. A clavicle fracture is diagnosed through a physical examination and X-rays.

Where are clavicle fractures most common?

The most common fractures of the clavicle are in the middle of the shaft of the bone, approximately halfway between the sternum and the AC joint. The most common way to treat the fractures in the middle is with immobilization with ...

How to treat clavicle soreness?

Apply the crushed ice to your clavicle for 15 minutes three to five times daily until the soreness and inflammation eventually fades away. Lightly compressing the crushed ice against your injury with a stretchy Tensor or Ace bandage is also helpful for combating inflammation.

How long does it take to heal a fractured clavicle?

Healing takes between four to six weeks in younger people and up to 12 weeks in the elderly, but it depends on the severity of the fractured clavicle.

How long does it take for a clavicle to break?

It sometimes takes a week or so until the swelling goes down enough to see the crack clearly. Prepare for surgery in severe cases. Although most fractures of the clavicle are hairline fractures, in some cases the break is serious enough to require surgery — about 5–10% of cases.

Why does the clavicle need to move?

Your clavicle needs to move a little bit during the later phases of the injury to stimulate complete recovery. Complete lack of activity and total immobilization of your arm for many weeks could trigger loss of bone mineral, which is counterproductive for an injured bone trying to get stronger.

What is the clavicle?

The clavicle (commonly called collarbone) is a long, thin bone that connects the breastbone to the shoulder girdle on each side of the upper body. A fractured (broken) collarbone is a pretty common injury, especially in kids, teenagers and younger adults, because the bone doesn't completely mature until around the age of 20.

What is the procedure to realign clavicle?

Surgery involves realigning the bone fragments and keeping them in place with special metal plates, pins and/or screws. The clavicle usually breaks in the middle, as opposed to the ends which attach to the breastbone (sternum) and shoulder blade.

How to know if you have a fractured clavicle?

Get medical help immediately. If you fall on an outstretched arm, get into a car accident or are hit while playing a sport and feel intense pain in your shoulder area, then get medical care immediately. Fractured clavicles cause significant pain in the front part of your shoulder, closer to the base of your neck. You'll innately know that something is seriously wrong because you won't be able to lift your arm up. Other symptoms include immediate swelling and/or bruising near the fracture, grinding sounds with arm movements and potential numbness and tingling in the arm/hand. Your doctor will likely have to give you strong prescription pain medication to cope with the injury.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Bone fractures generally take six to eight weeks to heal, though the pain from a clavicle fracture subsides after two to three weeks. Patients need to use a brace or sling for several weeks, even after the pain lessens, until a doctor says it's safe to discontinue its use.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is the best option if the clavicle's broken ends are pushing on the skin, if the ends are significantly overlapping, or if the ends are widely displaced. Surgery consists of repositioning the fragments and securing them in place with a plate and screws.

What is the best treatment for a broken clavicle?

Nonsurgical treatment for a broken clavicle can include the following: An arm sling or wrap is typically worn after the break occurs. This helps prevent arm movement as the collarbone recovers. Pain medication, typically nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen, can be taken to reduce pain.

How to heal a broken clavicle?

Nonsurgical treatment for a broken clavicle can include the following: 1 An arm sling or wrap is typically worn after the break occurs. This helps prevent arm movement as the collarbone recovers. 2 Pain medication, typically nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen, can be taken to reduce pain. 3 Physical therapy exercises will be recommended once the collarbone begins to mend. The patient will begin with mild movements to ease stiffness. More intense exercises will be added after the bone recovers.

How long after clavicle break can you play sports?

Generally, normal activity can be resumed 6 weeks after the clavicle break, but participation in contact sports should be postponed for 2 to 4 months. This provides time for the bones to heal. Healing may be slower in people who have diabetes or who use tobacco-based products, since nicotine inhibits bone healing.

What is clavicle surgery?

Clavicle surgery may be needed if the fractured bones if the fractured pieces of bone are not in their correct, anatomical location. (The medical term for this is a displaced fracture). In these cases, the bones need to be moved and secured in order to heal properly. Plates, screws, and pins are often used during the surgical process. Rehabilitation after surgery involves exercises that can be done at home or with a physical therapist.

How to reduce swelling after shoulder surgery?

Icing shoulder several times a day to reduce swelling. Wrap the ice pack in a towel or cloth to prevent ice burn. Restraining from lifting objects weighing over five pounds during the first six weeks post-surgery. Following up with the physician and getting the appropriate x-rays to confirm healing.

What is a broken collarbone?

Broken Collarbone (Clavicle Fracture) A clavicle fracture is a break in the collarbone. You have two clavicles, each connecting a shoulder to the upper chest. Broken collarbones are common, often happening from a fall, sports injury or car accident. Although a broken clavicle is painful, most people don’t need surgery.

What is clavicle fracture?

A note from Cleveland Clinic. A clavicle fracture is a break in the collarbone that’s often painful. Most people don’t need surgery, but some require an operation to put the pieces of bone back in place. Physical therapy is important to get you back to daily activities.

How long does it take for a collarbone fracture to heal?

Most collarbone fractures heal in six to eight weeks, without surgery or complications. Most people are able to start getting back to normal activities by three months or so, but full recovery may take up to six to 12 months. You may feel a bump where the fracture healed.

How many clavicles are there in the human body?

You have two clavicles — long, slender, S-shaped bones connecting the shoulders to the upper chest. Broken collarbones are common, making up about 5% of all adult bone fractures.

What is the procedure to fix a broken collarbone?

Pieces of broken collarbone are not in a good position to heal. Surgery to treat a clavicle fracture is called open reduction and internal fixation. The operation puts broken pieces of collarbone back where they belong (reduction). It then uses metal devices to keep the pieces in place (fixation).

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

In general, recovery is similar to treating a broken clavicle without surgery with return to normal activity around three months or so and full recovery up to six to 12 months after surgery. While your break heals, you should follow-up with your surgeon or other healthcare provider to make sure you don’t have complications.

Why does my clavicle break?

A clavicle breaks when force or pressure causes it to snap. Common causes are: Collisions (trauma) when an arm is outstretched, like during skiing, hockey, football and other sports. Direct hits to the clavicle, such as in a car accident. Falls onto the clavicle or an extended arm.

What is it called when a clavicle fracture moves out of place?

It is important to follow up with your doctor as scheduled to make sure the bone stays in position. If the fracture fragments do move out of place and the bones heal in that position, it is called a "malunion. ".

What is a clavicle fracture?

video. 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 percent 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.

What is the best way to check for shoulder fractures?

He or she 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.

How are bone fragments held in place?

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.

Where do clavicle fractures occur?

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.

Where is the clavicle located?

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.

How to tell if you broke 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. To Top.

What is a clavicle fracture?

Clavicle Fracture. A clavicle fracture, aka broken collar bone, is a common injury usually caused a fall, direct blow or car accident. Broken collarbones are most common in children in young adults. The collar bone is the most commonly fractured bone in the body. Whilst they may be very painful, clavicle injuries are rarely serious ...

How long does it take for a clavicle fracture to heal?

Clavicle Fracture Recovery. It usually takes 3-6 weeks in children and 6-12 weeks in adults for the bone to fully heal. It takes about twice as long to regain full function. Most people make a full recovery within three months, at which point it is safe to return to contact sports.

What causes collar bone pain?

To find out about fractures of other parts of the shoulder region, visit the shoulder fractures section. Clavicle fractures are the most common cause of collar bone pain but there are a number of other things that can cause pain in this area. Visit the Collar Bone Pain section to find out more.

What is the most common bone fracture in the body?

The collar bone is the most commonly fractured bone in the body. Whilst they may be very painful, clavicle injuries are rarely serious and in most cases are managed conservatively with a sling rather than requiring surgery. Clavicle fractures are the most common cause of collar bone pain.

How to tell if clavicle bone is broken?

Symptoms Of A Broken Collar Bone. The most common symptoms of a clavicle fracture include: Noise: Clavicle fractures are often accompanied by a “snapping” or “grinding” noise. Pain: there may be immediate sharp pain at the time of injury which should settle to a dull ache.

How to heal a broken arm?

Sling. The arm will be immobilised in a sling to hold the arm in place, giving the bone time to heal by laying down new bone (ossification) to re-join the broken sections. Either a simple triangle sling or a figure of eight sling (that wraps around both shoulders and the neck to hold the shoulders back) will be used.

Why do babies have broken collarbones?

During birth: particularly with breech babies. Broken collarbones are often caused by contact sports such as football, wrestling, ice hockey and rugby, winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding and cycling ( particularly mountain biking). Children may fracture their collarbone when playing or falling out of bed.

What are the complications of a clavicle fracture?

What Are Complications Associated With a Clavicle Fracture in a Newborn? The most significant complication associated with fracture of the clavicle during birth is the inability to move the arm due to an injury to the brachial plexus, or collection of nerves of the arm.

What is the most common symptom associated with a clavicle fracture in a newborn?

The most common symptom associated with a clavicle fracture in a newborn is fussiness or crying with movement of the affected arm due to pain in the clavicle. The infant may experience pain with lifting him or her under the arms. The infant themselves may not move the affected arm as much as the uninjured arm.

What are the factors that increase the risk of clavicle fracture?

Factors that may increase a risk for a clavicle fracture include the newborn being large in size, the newborn’s shoulder getting stuck during delivery, a narrow birth canal, or the use of tools to assist with the delivery.

Can a clavicle fracture heal?

In most cases, clavicle fractures in newborns heal very quickly without any problems. Usually no treatment is required; however, the parent may be instructed to pin the child’s sleeve of the affected arm to the front of their clothing to avoid moving the arm while it heals.

Can you move your arm if you have a clavicle fracture?

One of 11 newborns who experience a clavicle fracture during birth will have damage to their brachial plexus, which can result in their being unable to move the arm on the injured side indefinitely or temporarily until the nerve heals.

Function

Signs and symptoms

Diagnosis

Risks

Prognosis

• The clavicle is the bone in the front of the chest on top of the rib cage. The clavicle is important in helping to support normal shoulder function and is the attachment point for several important muscles including the deltoid and pectoralis muscles.

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Symptoms