Clavicle (collar bone) fracture

Doctors may call a clavicle (collar bone) fracture a fracture, a break or a crack. These words all mean the same thing.

A fracture doesn't affect only the bone. Some of the soft tissues around it will have been injured too. Soft tissues include the:

• muscles
• ligaments
• tendons
• nerves

A clavicle fracture, or broken collar bone, can take between 6 to 12 weeks to heal. Some aches and discomfort after that are normal. The area is also often more sensitive for several months afterwards, so don't be alarmed if it still feels tender for a while.

Smoking affects all the tissues in your body, and it slows the healing of a broken bone. In some people it can stop the healing altogether, and that includes a fractured collar bone (clavicle).

If you stop smoking while your fracture heals, you give yourself the best chance of a good recovery. Ask for help to stop smoking.

Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, can slow down healing after a collar bone fracture. Eating a healthy diet and staying active will help your recovery.

Some medicines can slow down the healing of a broken bone. If you're worried about any medicine you take, talk to a doctor.

Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen, have been shown to delay healing.

A lump often forms around the injury on your collar bone while it heals. In many cases the lump stays even after your clavicle has healed. You don't need to seek help for it unless the lump changes.

After your X-ray and diagnosis, your fracture will be managed in a Poly Sling.

In the first few days after a collar bone fracture, there are some things you should do:

• wear your sling during the day, except when you do your exercises and wash or clean yourself
• decide for yourself whether to wear the sling at night
• start some exercises for your shoulder
• try not to lift your elbow above shoulder height, as this may be painful

Between 3 and 6 weeks after your injury with a clavicle (collar bone) fracture, you should:

• try not to use your sling
• begin normal light activities with your arm and shoulder
• increase movement
• avoid heavy lifting

A broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) should be healed somewhere between 6 and 12 weeks after the injury, though heavy tasks may still cause some discomfort.

During this time, you should:

• go back to your normal day to day activities, but let any pain guide you, and stop if a movement becomes painful
• start to lift your arm overhead
• stay away from contact sport until at least 12 weeks after the injury

If your broken collar bone (clavicle fracture) hasn't got better after 6 weeks of following this advice, it's a good idea to see a doctor about your symptoms.

Some swelling around the fracture site is normal after a clavicle (collar bone) fracture, and it often spreads down your arm.

It can sometimes last for months. How much swelling you have can also change with your position, your activity and the time of day.

Getting the swelling managed well helps your recovery.

To help bring down the swelling from a clavicle (collar bone) fracture, you should:

• keep the other joints in your arm moving normally
• find a balance between rest and activity
• use self massage, gently pushing the fluid towards your shoulder with your fingertips

Bruising is normal after a fracture of the collar bone (clavicle). It can spread widely, and it may show up quite far from the break itself. At first it can look very purple, and the colour may change as you get better.

It's normal to have some discomfort around a clavicle (collar bone) fracture. The pain can be felt in these areas:

• other soft tissues
• nearby joints
• areas that have been immobilised

Pain can change from one day to the next, and it doesn't always depend on what you're doing. Many people have pain even when they are resting.

Some pain is normal even after the fracture has healed. A few people also find the fracture site becomes uncomfortable in colder weather.

Your local pharmacy can give you advice on managing pain after a fracture.

Carry on with any activities you can manage, as far as your pain allows, and slowly do a little more as time goes on.

At the start, things may feel harder than usual because your flexibility and strength are reduced. This will get better as you gradually build up to all your usual activities.

It's normal to feel frustrated or low in mood after an injury like a broken collar bone. This should get better as you return to your normal life.

A clavicle (collar bone) fracture often happens when someone falls. So it's worth finding out why you fell. It's just as useful to learn how to build up your strength and balance, because that can help stop you falling again.

Get advice about preventing falls

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes the bones weaker, so you are more at risk of a fracture.

Fractures linked to osteoporosis are often called fragility fractures. They happen after a minor trauma, for example a small fall or bump that wouldn't normally break a bone.

Doctors may check whether your fracture was caused by osteoporosis. This is normal if you:

• are over the age of 50
• have any risk factors for fracture

If you're worried that you may be at risk of fragility fractures, speak to your doctor. They'll be able to offer you further advice.

If you have a clavicle (collar bone) fracture, you can practise exercises for your injured shoulder. Try to do them 4 to 5 times a day. Stop any movement that makes your symptoms worse or causes new pain.