Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)

A clavicle fracture, commonly known as a broken collarbone, is a break in the long bone that runs horizontally across the top of your chest, connecting your breastbone to your shoulder blade. This type of fracture is very common, often resulting from falls onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm, or a direct blow to the collarbone.

Q1: What is a clavicle fracture?

A clavicle fracture is a break in your collarbone, which is the bone that connects your sternum (breastbone) to your shoulder blade. It acts as a strut, helping to support your shoulder.

Q2: What causes a clavicle fracture?

Clavicle fractures are typically caused by:

• Falling directly onto your shoulder.
• Falling onto an outstretched arm.
• A direct blow to the collarbone area.

Q3: What are the common symptoms of a clavicle fracture?

Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the collarbone area, especially when trying to move your arm or shoulder.
• Swelling and tenderness over the collarbone.
• Bruising or discoloration around the injury.
• A visible deformity, bump, or "tenting" of the skin over the break.
• A grinding sensation when trying to move your arm.
• Inability or difficulty lifting your arm.
• Your shoulder may appear to sag downward and forward.

Q4: How is a clavicle fracture diagnosed?

Your doctor will perform a physical exam, checking for tenderness, swelling, and any deformities. X-rays are typically used to confirm the fracture, show its exact location, and determine the severity. Sometimes, a CT scan may be used for more detailed images, especially if the fracture is complex.

Q5: What are the non-surgical treatment options?

Most clavicle fractures can heal without surgery. Non-surgical treatment usually involves:

• Arm support: Wearing a sling or a figure-of-eight brace to keep your arm and shoulder still and comfortable while the bone heals.
• Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain. Your doctor may prescribe stronger medication if needed.
• Ice: Applying ice packs to the area can help reduce pain and swelling.

Q6: What are the surgical treatment options?

Surgery, often called Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF), may be recommended if:

• The bone pieces are significantly out of alignment (displaced).
• The bone has broken through the skin.
• The clavicle has broken into many pieces (comminuted fracture).
• There's a risk of the bone not healing properly (nonunion).

The goal of surgery is to realign the bone fragments and hold them in place with plates, screws, or rods while they heal.

Q7: What does the clavicle fracture surgery involve?

Clavicle fracture surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. An incision is made over the broken bone. The surgeon then carefully repositions the bone pieces (reduction) and secures them using metal plates and screws. These implants help to stabilize the bone, allowing it to heal in the correct position. The incision is then closed.

Q8: What are the potential risks of clavicle fracture surgery?

While rare, potential risks of surgery include:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Nerve injury, which can cause numbness around the incision.
• Lung injury (rare).
• Failure of the bone to heal (nonunion) or hardware failure, which may require further surgery.
• Prominent hardware that may need to be removed later.

Q9: What do I need to do before treatment/surgery?

Before your appointment or surgery, you may be asked to:

• Provide a complete medical history.
• Inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, especially blood thinners, as you may need to stop them before surgery.
• Avoid eating or drinking after midnight the night before surgery.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after your appointment or surgery.

Q10: What can I expect immediately after treatment/surgery, and how long is the typical recovery period?

Immediately after, you will likely wear a sling for comfort and support. Pain will be managed with medication and ice. The typical healing time for a clavicle fracture is:

• Children: 3 to 6 weeks.
• Adults: 6 to 12 weeks, though complete healing can take up to 4 months.

Full recovery and return to normal activities will take longer, often several months.

Q11: What does rehabilitation/physical therapy involve?

Rehabilitation is crucial for restoring shoulder movement and strength. It typically involves:

• Early exercises (often within 1-2 weeks): Gentle movements for your elbow, wrist, and hand to prevent stiffness.
• Gradual shoulder exercises (after 2-6 weeks, with doctor's approval): Pendulum exercises, gentle range of motion exercises (assisted and then active), and stretching to prevent stiffness.
• Strengthening exercises (after 6-12 weeks, as tolerated): Progressive strengthening of the shoulder and arm muscles.

You will be guided by your doctor or physical therapist on when to start specific exercises and how to progress.

Q12: How will pain be managed?

Pain will be managed using:

• Pain medications: Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or prescription medications if needed, especially in the initial days.
• Ice therapy: Applying ice packs to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce pain and swelling.
• Proper arm support: Keeping your arm in a sling or brace can significantly reduce discomfort.

Q13: What can I do at home to help my recovery?

• Wear your sling or brace as directed.
• Apply ice to the injured area.
• Take pain medication as prescribed.
• Follow your prescribed exercises diligently.
• Sleep with pillows propped under your arm for comfort.
• Maintain a healthy diet to support healing.
• Avoid smoking, as it can delay healing.
• Do not lift heavy objects or put weight on your injured arm until cleared by your doctor.

Q14: When can I expect to return to daily activities, work, driving, and sports?

General timelines vary widely depending on the individual, the severity of the fracture, and whether you had surgery:

• Daily activities: You can typically use your hand for light activities like eating and hygiene as tolerated within a few weeks.
• Office work: May return within 2-4 weeks.
• Driving: Usually allowed when you can comfortably and safely control a vehicle, often a few weeks after the sling is discontinued.
• Light manual work: Typically 6-8 weeks.
• Heavy manual work/Contact sports: May take 3-6 months or longer, and only after your doctor confirms the bone is fully healed and you have regained strength and range of motion.

Always listen to your body and your doctor's advice, as pushing too hard too soon can delay healing or cause re-injury.

Q15: What signs or symptoms should I watch out for and report to my doctor immediately?

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Increased or worsening pain that isn't controlled by medication.
• New or increased swelling, redness, or warmth around the fracture site.
• Fever or chills.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm, hand, or fingers.
• Your fingers becoming cool or pale.
• Signs of infection at the surgical site (if applicable), such as pus or spreading redness.
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain.
• The bone visibly moving or breaking through the skin.

Long-Term Outlook: What is the expected long-term outcome?

Most clavicle fractures heal well, and patients regain full function. You may have a small bump at the fracture site even after it has healed, which is normal and usually doesn't affect function. Some people may experience ongoing mild pain, stiffness, or develop arthritis in the long term, though this is less common. Adhering to your treatment and rehabilitation plan greatly improves your long-term outcome.

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We encourage you to write down any specific questions you have and discuss them thoroughly with your surgeon, doctor, or physical therapist. They are your best resource for personalized advice and care.

Disclaimer: This brochure provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your specific medical condition and treatment plan.

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