In general, recovery is similar to treating a broken clavicle without surgery with return to normal activity around three months or so and full recovery up to
six to 12 months
after surgery.
How long does collarbone hurt after surgery?
Most clavicle fractures heal after about
6 to 12 weeks
. Generally, normal activity can be resumed after 6 weeks, and participation in contact sports being permitted after healing is observed. Athletes can work with their physicians to confirm when they are cleared to resume play.
How painful is clavicle surgery recovery?
You will have
some pain during recovery
. In most cases, an over-the-counter pain reliever can control the pain. An ice pack may also help reduce pain and swelling. You will start physical therapy during the first three weeks, while you are still using the sling.
What can you do after collar bone surgery?
For a while after your surgery, you’ll need to
keep your arm immobile
. Often, this means that you will need to wear your arm in a sling for several weeks. You’ll receive instructions about how you can move your arm. Your doctor might give you other instructions about caring for your clavicle, like applying ice.
What happens if collarbone doesn’t heal?
If the clavicle doesn’t heal after this time,
it will most likely need surgery
. The entire process of finding out the fracture hasn’t healed, arranging surgery, and recovering from surgery can take three or four 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.
How do you know if your collar bone is healed?
You may feel a bump where the fracture healed
. The bump may get smaller on its own over time, but it might never go away completely. You may also have less strength in your shoulder and arm. But unless you have other injuries, you can often return to normal activities within a few weeks.
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.
Can a broken collarbone cause shoulder pain later in life?
Clavicle fracture is commonly treated conservatively. However
uncommon complication can arise causing impingement
. We report a patient who sustained distal clavicle fracture and was treated conservatively. However he developed persistent shoulder pain that affected his daily life.
How long after clavicle surgery 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.
How do you sleep after collarbone surgery?
- Sleep on an Incline. Do not sleep flat on your back. …
- Wear your sling. Wearing your sling during the day helps keep your arm in the proper position but also provides protection. …
- Use a pillow prop. …
- Time your medications. …
- Ice before bed.
How long is recovery from clavicle plate removal?
The metal plate and screws that are used to repair the broken bone make the bone feels as though it has already healed, in reality it will take anywhere from
6 to 12 weeks
for the bone to fully heal.
Can a collarbone heal wrong?
The fracture can move out of place before it heals
. If the bone heals in the wrong position, called a “malunion”, it can affect the patient’s shoulder function..
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.
Can you raise your arm with a broken collarbone?
There’s no pain when the health care provider presses on the collarbone. Your shoulder strength is normal.
You can move and use the arm and shoulder without pain
.
How long do you have to wear a sling for a broken clavicle?
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.
Can I sleep on my side with a broken collarbone?
Holding the broken bone above your heart prevents blood from pooling and causing swelling. First, try sleeping on your back while supporting yourself on several pillows. If this doesn’t help,
adjust slowly to the side position if possible
. Sleep in the middle of the bed, so you don’t fall in the middle of the night.
Why is the collarbone The most commonly broken bone?
The clavicle is the bone that runs across the front of the body from shoulder to shoulder.
Due to its length and slenderness, as well as its prominent position
, it breaks quite easily. Most people will put their arms out in front of them when falling, but this is one of the most common ways to break your clavicle.
