How Serious Is a Broken Collarbone?
A broken collarbone is not necessarily more serious than any other broken bone.
Unlike many other fractures, some commontreatments for broken bonesare not appropriate for clavicle fractures.
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Casting a broken collarbone is not performed.
Several types of supports are used for the non-surgical treatment of clavicle fractures.
These include a sling or figure-of-8 brace.
As a general guide to return to activities, nothing should cause worsening pain.
If notwearing a slingcauses pain, wear a sling.
If driving hurts the fracture site, dont drive.
If throwing a ball hurts, dont throw.
Once an activity doesnt cause significant pain, a gradual return can be attempted.
Recovery is usually complete, with a full return expected.
Sometimes, when clavicle fractures are badly displaced, they may benefit from surgical treatment.
Children younger than 8 can heal in four or five weeks.
In adolescents, it can take between six to eight weeks.
Teenagers who have stopped growing may recover at 10 or 12 weeks, or even longer.
For adults, most clavicle fractures will fully heal after four months.
In addition to swelling, some people may have a bump in the place they experienced a collarbone fracture.
It may take several months for this bump to fully heal, but it shouldnt be a significant issue.
If the bump appears inflamed or irritated, it may be a good idea to inform your healthcare provider.
With a broken collarbone, you should avoid doing anything that worsens the pain.
For example, if driving is painful, then avoid driving until the fracture is healed.
you could gradually ease yourself into doing activities that involve little to no pain.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Clavicle fractures.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Broken collarbone - aftercare.
2018;3(8):471-484. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.3.170078
