Clavicle (collar bone) fracture

A clavicle fracture usually takes about 6 to 12 weeks to heal.

It is normal to feel some ache or discomfort even after this time. It is also common for the area to stay more sensitive for several months afterward.

What can affect your recovery?

A few things can affect how well and how quickly you recover.

Smoking

Smoking affects all your body tissues and slows down fracture healing. In some people, it can stop the bone from healing at all.

Quitting smoking while your fracture heals will give you the best chance of a good recovery. You can get help to stop smoking from a healthcare professional.

General health

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can slow down the healing process. Eating a healthy diet and staying active will support your recovery.

Medication

Some medications can slow fracture healing. If you have any concerns about a medicine you are taking, speak with a healthcare professional.

Anti inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen have been shown to delay healing.

What to expect after a clavicle fracture

It is common for a lump to form at the site of the injury on your collar bone as it heals. In many cases, this lump remains even after the bone has fully healed, and you do not need to seek help for it unless you notice a change. Once your X-ray and diagnosis are done, your fracture will usually be supported in a poly sling.

Rehabilitation plan

There are steps you can take to support your recovery after a clavicle fracture.

0 to 3 weeks after your injury

In the first few weeks after your injury, you should:

wear your sling during the day, except when doing exercises or personal hygiene

decide for yourself whether to wear the sling at night

begin some gentle shoulder exercises

avoid lifting your elbow above shoulder height, as this may be painful

3 to 6 weeks after your injury

Between 3 and 6 weeks after your injury, you should:

try to stop using your sling

start normal, light activities with your arm and shoulder

gradually increase movement

avoid heavy lifting

6 to 12 weeks after your injury

By this stage, the injury should be healed, though heavy tasks may still cause some discomfort. You should aim to:

return to your normal daily activities, but let pain guide you and stop if a movement becomes painful

begin lifting your arm overhead

avoid contact sports until at least 12 weeks after the injury

Help and support

If your collar bone has not improved after 6 weeks of following this advice, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional about your symptoms.

Swelling after a fracture

Some swelling near the fracture site is normal, and it often spreads down the arm. Swelling can last for months, and how much you have can vary depending on your position, your activity, and the time of day. Managing swelling well is an important part of your recovery.

How to manage swelling after a fracture

To help reduce swelling, you should:

keep the other joints in your arm moving normally

find a balance between rest and activity

try gentle self massage, using your fingertips to move fluid toward your shoulder

Bruising after a fracture

Bruising after a fracture is normal. It can be widespread and may even appear far from the site of the fracture. It is often deep purple at first and may change colour as you recover.

Pain after a fracture

Some discomfort around the fracture is normal, including in nearby soft tissues, nearby joints, and any areas that have been immobilised. Pain can vary from day to day and does not always relate to what you are doing, so it is common to feel pain even while resting.

Some pain is normal even after the fracture has healed, and some people notice discomfort at the fracture site in colder weather. Your local pharmacy can offer advice on managing pain after a fracture.

Getting back to normal activities

Keep a few things in mind as you work your way back to your usual activities.

Driving

Contact your insurance provider before driving, since your injury may affect your cover. Once you are out of your sling, you must be able to safely perform an emergency stop or manoeuvre, and you should always be in full control of your vehicle.

Work

When you return to work will depend on the type of work you do and what your employer can offer. It may be possible to arrange a phased return or temporarily changed duties. You do not need to see a healthcare professional before returning to work.

Daily activities

Keep doing whatever activities you can manage, as your pain allows, and build up gradually from there. Reduced flexibility and strength may make things harder at first, but this will improve as you slowly work back up to your usual activities.

Mood

Feeling frustrated or low after an injury is normal, and this usually improves as you return to your normal life.

Falls

A clavicle fracture often happens as a result of a fall, so it is worth understanding why the fall happened. Improving your strength and balance can also help prevent falls in the future. You can get advice about preventing falls from a healthcare professional.

Bone health

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens the bones and increases the risk of fracture. Fractures linked to osteoporosis are often called fragility fractures, caused by minor trauma, such as a small fall or bump that would not normally cause a break.

Healthcare professionals may check whether your fracture is related to osteoporosis. This is common if you are over the age of 50 or have other risk factors for fracture. If you are concerned that you may be at risk of fragility fractures, speak with your doctor, who can offer further advice and guidance on diagnosing osteoporosis and its risk factors.

Exercises for your shoulder

You can practise exercises for your injured shoulder, aiming to do them 4 to 5 times a day. Stop any exercise that makes your symptoms worse or causes new pain.