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 are the long term effects of a broken collarbone?
Non-Operative treatment of Collarbone Fracture Risks
Short Term – to pain, sleep disturbance and disability. Long Term – to malunion or non-union, that can result in
ongoing pain and loss of function
.
How painful is a broken collarbone?
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.
Can you fully recover from a broken collarbone?
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
.
What helps a broken collarbone heal faster?
- 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.
What is the fastest way to heal a broken collarbone?
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.
Can a broken collarbone cause problems later in life?
When the bone fragments do not heal together, complications such as infection can arise.
Occasionally, long-term damage can result, including: Pain
.
Joint problems
.
How long do you wear a sling for broken collarbone?
common fracture. 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.
Is broken collarbone permanent?
Fortunately, the strength of the bone in the area of a collarbone fracture
usually returns to normal within a few months following the injury
. Any remaining bone callus is harmless and won’t have long-term effects on the healed bone or cause additional complications.
Can I sleep on my side with a broken collarbone?
Sleeping.
Sleeping with a broken collarbone may be uncomfortable
. Remove the sling at night, and use extra pillows to prop yourself up.
Should you sleep with a sling on with a broken collarbone?
Wear a sling on the affected arm during waking hours.
The sling can be removed during sleep (or kept in place if you are more comfortable)
. 3. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and naproxen can relieve pain associated with a broken clavicle.
How can I strengthen my shoulder after broken collarbone?
- Lie on your back, holding a wand with both hands. Your palms should face down as you hold the wand.
- Keep your elbows straight, and slowly raise your arms over your head until you feel a stretch in your shoulders, upper back, and chest.
- Hold for 15 to 30 seconds.
- Repeat 2 to 4 times.
How do you sleep with a broken collarbone?
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.
Can you move your arm with a broken collarbone?
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 long after broken collarbone can I lift weights?
Most people notice some improvement in pain as the fracture begins to heal. We allow movement of the shoulder as tolerated. However, weight lifting restrictions are placed
until the bone has healed
. It is common to see it written that it takes 6 weeks to heal.
Can you shower with a broken collarbone?
It is ok to shower or sponge bathe 2 days after surgery
but you must keep your shoulder incisions clean and dry at all cost! This usually entails using saran wrap or press and seal to waterproof your shoulder. 3. Do not submerse your shoulder in water – no bathtubs, swimming pools, jacuzzi’s.
How do you know if a broken bone isn’t healing?
Symptoms of a fracture that is not healing normally include
tenderness, swelling, and an aching pain that may be felt deep within the affected bone
. Often, the bone isn’t strong enough to bear weight, and you may not be able to use the affected body part until the bone heals.
Should I sleep in my sling?
SLEEPING:
For the first 6 weeks your sling should be kept on while you are in bed
. You may find it more comfortable to sleep on your back initially, with a pillow under your operated arm for support. You may also find it more comfortable to sleep in a semi-sitting position.
