Treatment FAQ

what treatment can be done with a clavical fracture with a baby

by Jonathan Walker MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Treatment of the collarbone fracture in a newborn First aid for a collarbone fracture in a newborn is to fix a hand bent at the elbow with which a broken clavicle is in contact. To do this, use a soft bandage that secures the limb to the body, an armpit is placed on the roller.

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.

Full Answer

How to relief pain from clavicle fracture?

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. ...

What is the appropriate treatment for a clavicular fracture?

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. ...

What to do with a fractured clavicle?

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. ...

Do I need surgery for clavicle fracture?

Most clavicle shaft fractures or broken collarbones do not require surgery. Fractures with “significant” displacement or shortening (think 2cm) might benefit from surgery. Most athletes with a clavicle shaft fracture or a broken collarbone will return to sports within a few months – with or without surgery.

How long does a newborn clavicle fracture take to heal?

It is also called the “collarbone.” You may notice that your baby doesn't move his/her arm as much on the side of the injury and may show some signs of pain. Healing usually occurs on its own in 7-10 days.

How long does a clavicle fracture take to heal in a child?

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 the kids need surgery for broken collarbone?

A clavicle fracture is common in children after a collision or fall onto the shoulder. Most clavicle fractures that occur in children can be treated without surgery.

Can babies break their clavicle during birth?

A fractured clavicle in the newborn is a broken collar bone in a baby that was just delivered. The clavicle is also known as the collarbone and is the bone that runs from the sternum to the shoulder joint. During labor this bone can be fractured and this injury is fairly common during difficult vaginal deliveries.

How common are clavicle fractures in kids?

Clavicle fractures in children occur twice as often as in adults. During a child's growth period they account for 10-15% of all fractures sustained. The questions which should be asked are how these fractures are sustained and under which circumstances are the children injured.

What is the fastest way to heal a fractured clavicle?

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 do they fix a broken clavicle?

Seek prompt medical attention for a broken collarbone. Most heal well with ice, pain relievers, a sling, physical therapy and time. But a complicated break might require surgery to realign the broken bone and to implant plates, screws or rods into the bone to hold the bone in place during healing.

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.

What causes clavicle fracture in newborn?

The major causes of clavicular fractures are shoulder dystocia deliveries in vertex presentations and extended arms in breech deliveries[1]. It is usually associated with vigorous, forceful manipulation of the arm and shoulder. However, fracture of the clavicle may also occur in infants following normal delivery[2].

How do you swaddle a baby with a broken collarbone?

0:381:46Pediatric Wrapping for Clavicle or Humerus Fracture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's great to use two people if you have it if you don't you can do this all by yourself i bringMoreAnd it's great to use two people if you have it if you don't you can do this all by yourself i bring it around the body. Three times and then i wrap above the elbow below the shoulder.

What Is A Clavicle Fracture in Children?

A clavicle fracture is a crack or break in your child's clavicle (collarbone). A clavicle fracture is a common bone fracture in children.

What Causes A Clavicle Fracture in Children?

A clavicle fracture in children is commonly caused by injury or trauma. Most injuries occur when a child falls on his outstretched hand or lands on...

What Are The Signs and Symptoms of A Clavicle Fracture in Children?

1. Pain at the clavicle or top of the shoulder, especially with movement of the shoulder 2. Trouble moving the shoulder or arm 3. Swelling or bruis...

How Is A Clavicle Fracture Diagnosed?

Your child's healthcare provider will ask about your child's injury and symptoms. He or she will also examine your child's shoulder and may press g...

How Is A Clavicle Fracture Treated?

Most broken clavicles heal on their own. It is very important to keep your child's arm still to allow the clavicle to heal properly. Your child may...

When Should I Seek Immediate Care?

1. Your child's shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers turn blue or white, or feel cold or numb. 2. Your child's pain is worse, even after he or she takes...

When Should I Contact My Child's Healthcare Provider?

1. Your child's sling or wrap comes off or gets damaged. 2. You have questions about your child's condition or care.

How to help a child's clavicle heal?

Your child should rest as much as possible and get plenty of sleep. Apply ice on your child's clavicle for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag.

What is a clavicle fracture?

A clavicle fracture is a crack or break in your child's clavicle (collarbone). A clavicle fracture is a common bone fracture in children.

How to keep clavicle from moving?

A sling or brace will be recommended to keep your child's clavicle from moving so it can heal. It will also help decrease pain. Surgery may be needed to return the bones to their normal position. Pins, plates, and screws may be used to hold the bone together.

What to do after clavicle surgery?

Physical therapy may be recommended after your child's clavicle heals. A physical therapist teaches your child exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.

Can you give acetaminophen to a child?

Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.

Can contrast liquid help with a fracture?

An x-ray, or CT may show the fracture. Your child may be given contrast liquid to help the fracture show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if your child has ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.

Can a broken clavicle heal on its own?

Most broken clavicles heal on their own. It is very important to keep your child's arm still to allow the clavic le to heal properly. Your child may need any of the following: Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order.

What are the signs of a clavicular fracture?

Your baby may hold the arm bent in front of the chest and not move it. This is called “pseudo paralysis.” The arm is not paralyzed. But moving the arm may be painful, so the baby avoids moving it.

How are broken collarbones diagnosed?

The fracture may be found when the baby is examined soon after birth. An X-ray may be done to confirm the fracture. In some cases, the break is so mild that it is not diagnosed until the fracture callus begins to form and a bump is noticed at the collarbone.

How are broken collarbones treated?

Collarbone fractures heal quickly on their own without treatment. The doctor may recommend keeping the infant’s arm and shoulder still for several days. If so, this is done by putting the infant’s arm in a sling or pinning the infant’s sleeve to their shirt.

What are the long-term concerns?

Even for serious fractures, healing is usually excellent with no long-term problems. A bump may remain on the collarbone over the area of the break. This bump will slowly go away over time.

What is a fractured clavicle?

Fractured clavicle in the newborn. A fractured clavicle in the newborn is a broken collar bone in a baby that was just delivered . The clavicle is also known as the collarbone and is the bone that runs from the sternum to the shoulder joint. During labor this bone can be fractured and this injury is fairly common during difficult vaginal deliveries.

Can a baby move his arm?

The baby will not move the painful, injured arm. Instead, the baby will hold it still against the side of the body. Lifting the baby under the arms causes the child pain. Sometimes, the fracture can be felt with the fingers, but the problem often can't be seen or felt.

Can you lift a child's arm?

Generally, there is no treatment other than lifting the child gently to prevent discomfort. Occasionally, the arm on the affected side may be immobilized, most often by simply pinning the sleeve to the clothes.

Can a baby's arm be immobilized during labor?

During labor this bone can be fractured and this injury is fairly common during difficult vaginal deliveries. Generally, there is no treatment other than lifting the child gently to prevent discomfort. Occasionally the arm on the affected side may be immobilized.

When is a fracture found in a baby?

The fracture may be found when the baby is examined soon after birth. An X-ray may be done to confirm the fracture. In some cases, the break is so mild that it is not diagnosed until the fracture callus begins to form and a bump is noticed at the collarbone.

What happens if a baby has a broken collarbone?

This is a common and treatable problem in newborns. Babies can easily break (fracture) their clavicle as they pass through the birth canal during birth. Large birthweight babies are more likely to have these fractures.

Can a baby move his arm?

The arm is not paralyzed. But moving the arm may be painful, so the baby avoids moving it. The broken area of the collarbone may move when pressed on, and may feel like it is “crunching.”. A bump may be seen on the collarbone. This is called a fracture callus and is a sign that the fracture is healing.

What is a clavicle fracture?

Each clavicle extends from the top of the sternum (breastbone) to the shoulders (Picture 1). A clavicle fracture is common in children after a collision or fall onto the shoulder. Most clavicle fractures that occur in children can be treated without surgery.

How long does a child need a bone strap?

The strap helps keep the two parts of the bone lined up to reduce painful movements of the parts of the bone. Your child may need it for 3 or more weeks.

What happens when a fracture ends overlap?

On many fractures, the ends overlap (are shortened) and/or the pieces are displaced (not touching) (Picture 2). A ball of bone (callus) will form around the fracture to heal it. That ball of bone will smooth out (remodel) over time (Picture 3).

How long after a child's injury can you see an orthopedic doctor?

Make an appointment with your child's practitioner or clinic now, for 1 to 2 weeks after the injury. If your child needs to see an Orthopedic practitioner, call the Orthopedic clinic at (614) 722-5175. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your medical provider.

How often should a child do hand movements?

If the medical practitioner does not limit your child’s activity, the child should do the following movements 5 to 6 times a day.

Do clavicle fractures need to be lined up?

Clavicle fractures do not need to line up perfectly to heal properly.

Can you remove a strap from a child's shoulder?

Make sure your child's shoulders are pulled back when you tighten the straps. Depending on the severity of the fracture you may be instructed not to remove the strap. If that is the case, your child should sponge bathe until allowed to remove the strap.

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).

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 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.

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.

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 long does it take to move your fingers after a shoulder fracture?

Within a few days of the fracture you should be able to move your fingers, wrist and elbow without too much discomfort. As the pain in the clavicle area improves you should be able to begin moving the shoulder joint a little to prevent the joint from tightening up too much.

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