Did You Fracture Your Clavicle? 3 Signs You Need Collarbone Surgery

Healing From a Clavicle Fracture

A clavicle fracture or broken collarbone is actually fairly common. Research suggests that roughly 5% of adult fractures occur in this region. Often enough, the main cause of this type of bone break is falling. Specifically, a person falls and stretches the arm as a preventative measure, causing pressure on the bone to create a break. Such an injury can be incredibly painful and may often result in temporary immobility in the affected arm until fully healed.

Treating the injury

The choice between non-invasive and surgical treatment greatly depends on the severity of the damage. If the break is referred to as clean, where the bone can be easily realigned, a person may only need to wear a sling until the tissues can mend. However, in other cases, the situation may be more complex and require more advanced treatments to fix the problem. Usually, surgery is reserved for adults, as children under the age of 16 tend to heal faster. The following three signs are indicators that surgery may be required.

1. The bone has broken skin

Sometimes when a person breaks the clavicle, the bone pierces the skin. In such a scenario, surgery is required to realign the bone and close the wound. Key priorities will include ensuring that not only that the collar bone heals properly, but that the risk of infection is controlled because of the open cut.

2. When the bones fragment

In a clean break, small shards of bone will not be present, and a person can rely solely on a sling to immobilize the arm and start the healing process. Not every person is so lucky. Some breaks can cause bits of bone to splinter off. The concern is that the pieces could migrate. Surgery will be required to remove the loose bits of bone and also properly set the collarbone to optimize healing.

3. Misaligned shoulder

A break will always have a risk of minor misalignment. Yet if the shoulder is visibly out of position, surgery will be required to correct placement and ensure proper healing. In most cases, the procedure for correcting a broken collarbone will require materials such as screws, rods, or plates to hold the bones steady and promote proper alignment.

Recovering from the injury

Recovery rates can vary depending on the individual. On average, children can heal from a broken collarbone in three to six weeks, while adults have that figure doubled to six to 12 weeks. Some people may need over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications to control initial discomfort shortly after the injury. In more severe cases, individuals may require prescription medications. Other supportive solutions include undergoing physical therapy to boost movement, improve muscle strength, and reduce stiffness.