Fractured collarbone
How a broken collarbone is treated
Most broken collarbones are left to heal naturallyusing a simple triangular sling to support the arm and hold the bones together in their normal positions.
The sling is usually applied in hospital after an X-ray has confirmed the collarbone is broken. You'll be given painkillers to relieve the pain.
Surgery under a general anaesthetic is only needed if the injury is severe for example, the bone has broken through the skinor if the bones have failed to line up and are overlapping significantly.
Many different techniques have been used to repair the collarbone, but the most common is to fix the break with a plate and screws. If you need surgery to repair your broken collarbone, ask your surgeon to explain which technique they'll be using, and the advantages and disadvantages of this method.
Being discharged
You may need to stay in hospital overnight, depending on the extent of the injury.
Before you're discharged, you may see a physiotherapist , who can show you some gentle arm and shoulder exercises to do at home with your arm out of its sling. These will help reduce stiffness, relieve some of the pain, and build up strength in your shoulder muscles.
Follow-up
You'll probably need to go back to the hospital outpatient department about one week later tomake sureyour collarbone is healing properly. See your GP if you have any concerns before this appointment.
You should go back to the A&E department if you notice any weakness developing in your arm or hand, or if your pain suddenly becomes worse.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
A broken collarbone, or fractured clavicle, is a common injury that usually happens after a fall on to the shoulder.
Signs of a broken collarbone
A cracked or broken collarbone will be extremely painful. There may also be: swelling or tenderness around the injured area bruising to the skin bleeding if the bone has damaged the tissue and ski
What you should do
While you wait to see a doctor, stabilise the arm by using a towel as a sling (this goes under the forearm and then around the neck). Try to move the arm as little as possible. Take over-the-counter
How a broken collarbone is treated
Most broken collarbones are left to heal naturallyusing a simple triangular sling to support the arm and hold the bones together in their normal positions. The sling is usually applied in hospital af
How long does it take to heal?
In adults, it usually takes about six to eight weeks for a broken collarbone to heal, although it can take longer. In children, it usually takes about three to six weeks to heal. However, it will tak
Recovery advice
You may find the following advice helpful while recovering from a broken collarbone: use extra pillows at night to keep yourself more upright if you find sleeping uncomfortable use ice packs and pa
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