Clavicle (Collar Bone) Fracture ED leaflet

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Overview

You have been seen in the Emergency Department and found to have a fracture of your clavicle (collarbone). This information provides advice and information on managing your injury.

Things to remember:

• Take regular painkillers for the first few days and then as required.
• The best way to treat the initial pain and discomfort is to place the injured arm in a sling that allows the bruising and bone time to heal.
• These fractures usually heal well with simple pain relief, use of a sling to support the injury whilst it is healing and avoiding strenuous activity until you are pain free and contact sports for 10 to 12 weeks.
• Move your elbow, hand and fingers regularly as soon as it’s comfortable to do so.
• It may take 6 to 8 weeks or longer for the injury to heal.
• If the pain worsens or you develop weakness or numbness in the arm please see a health professional urgently.

Clavicle fracture

You have been seen in the Emergency Department and found to have sustained a fracture of your clavicle (collar bone).

The clavicle is a bone connecting your sternum (breast bone) to your scapula (shoulder blade), It is one of the most common bony injuries. It has generally been caused by falling onto the arm or shoulder, or from it being knocked against an object or person.

A cracked or broken collarbone will be very painful. There may also be:

• Swelling or tenderness around the injured area.
• Bruising to the skin.
• Rarely, you may have numbness or pins and needles if nerves in the arm are injured. If you have this you should be sure to tell your doctor.

Your shoulder may be slumped downwards and forwards under the weight of the arm, as the broken collarbone is no longer providing support. This tends to be painful and placing a sling helps with this.

Treatment

• These fractures usually heal well with simple pain relief, use of a sling to support the injury whilst it is healing and avoiding strenuous activity during this time.
• The best way to treat the initial pain and discomfort is to place the injured arm in a sling that supports the fracture. The sling should be worn during the day for at least 2 to 3 weeks. At night you should place a soft pillow in between the arm and body for comfort.
• Take regular painkillers for the first few days and then as required.
• An ice pack may also help to reduce pain and swelling, apply it for 10 minutes up to 4 times a day in the initial phase of your injury.
• Most clavicle fractures are referred to the fracture clinic. The team in the fracture clinic will contact you to arrange your further management.
• Most clavicle fractures do not require an operation but sometimes your orthopaedic doctor may want to fix your injury. Your surgeon will discuss this with you prior to surgery should surgery be required.
• It may take 6 to 8 weeks or longer for the injury to heal and then a further couple of months to restore the strength in your shoulder.

Removing the sling

• Once the sling comes off, the arm should be pain-free, although it may be slightly stiff from being in a sling.
• At first your shoulder will feel stiff and painful but it is important that you continue to move it as this will aid your recovery. The soft tissues around your shoulder joint need to be kept moving so that they don’t heal in tightened positions.
• Move your elbow, hand and fingers regularly as soon as it’s comfortable to do so.
• If the arm is still painful after three weeks, then replace the sling.

General

• Avoid strenuous activity until you are pain free.
• Avoid contact sports for 10-12 weeks from the injury and discuss your return to contact sports with your doctor prior to doing so.
• Speak to your GP if you require further advice about pain relief or if you feel your fracture is not healing.

General support

For general medical advice please use the NHS website, the NHS 111 service, walk-in-centres, or your GP.

• The NHS website provides online health information and guidance.
• There are walk-in and urgent treatment services at Brighton Station, Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre, Lewes Victoria Hospital, Horsham Minor Injuries Unit and Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital.