X-rays, bone scans and MRI are tools that physicians use to help diagnose the location and severity of fractures — small hairline fractures of the collarbone may not show up on x-ray until the inflammation calms down (up to a week or so). [5] X Research source If your broken collarbone is considered complicated — there are many fragments, the overlaying skin is penetrated and/or the pieces are grossly misaligned — then surgery will be needed. Only five to 10% of clavicle fractures require surgery. [6] X Research source Collarbones usually break directly in the middle, and much less commonly where they attach at the breast bone or shoulder blades. [7] X Research source
You’ll receive an arm sling or support if you go to the hospital or emergency walk-in clinic, although they’re also available at most pharmacies and medical supply stores. Slings come in all sizes, including ones appropriate for small children, as the collarbone is the most commonly broken bone in kids — usually the result of falling onto an outstretched arm.
Kids younger than 18 years should never take or be given aspirin, as it’s associated with life-threatening Reye’s syndrome. [13] X Research source For more serious fractures that generate severe pain, your doctor may give you a prescription for more powerful drugs while at the hospital, such as morphine-like opiates, but be aware that they can be habit-forming and lead to addiction if abused.
Depending on your job and if you injured your dominant arm, you may have to take a few weeks off work to recuperate. In general, healing takes four to six weeks in younger people and as long as 12 weeks in the elderly. [15] X Research source Young athletes are often able to resume playing their sport within eight weeks of breaking their collarbones, but it depends on the severity of the break, type of sport and many other factors. Check with your physician when it is safe to resume full activity, including sports[16] X Research source If you don’t have any ice handy, then you can use frozen gel packs or flexible bags of vegetables from your freezer — corn or peas works best. Never apply cold therapy directly to your skin, as it may cause ice burn or frostbite — wrap it in a thin towel first.
Lack of activity and complete immobilization of your shoulder/arm, in proportion with the time spent healing, will induce loss of bone mineral, which is counterproductive for fractured bone trying to regain its strength. [18] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Some movement and weight-bearing seems to attract more minerals to the bones, which makes them stronger and less likely to break in the future. [19] X Research source There are three stages to bone healing: reactive stage (a blood clot forms between the two ends of the fracture), repair stage (specialized cells begin to form a callus, which spans the fracture), and remodeling phase (bone is created and the injury is slowly resculpted into its original shape). [20] X Research source
On the other hand, avoid consuming stuff that may impair your healing, such as alcohol, soda pop, fast food and foods made with lots of refined sugars. Minerals and protein are important for strong and healthy bones. Excellent food sources include: dairy products, tofu, beans, broccoli, nuts and seeds, sardines and salmon.
Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are the primary minerals found in bones. Adults need between 1,000 - 1,200 mg of calcium each day (depending on their age and gender), but you may require more for your healing collarbone — ask your doctor or nutritionist. [23] X Research source Important trace minerals to consider include: zinc, iron, boron, copper and silicon. Important vitamins that may aid in bone healing include: vitamins C, D and K. Vitamin C is needed to make collagen. Vitamin D is crucial for mineral absorption in the intestines, and as a bonus, your skin makes it in response to intense sunshine. Vitamin K binds calcium to bones and stimulates collagen formation.
Physical therapy is typically needed two to three times per week for at least four weeks to significantly strengthen an area that’s suffered a fracture. A physiotherapist can also stimulate and strengthen your weaker shoulder and chest muscles with electrotherapy, such as electronic muscle stimulation. Most people return to all their regular activities within three months of an uncomplicated collarbone fracture, although age and previous health status are important factors.
Acupuncture is practiced by many types of health professionals including some physicians, chiropractors, naturopaths, physical therapists and massage therapists — whoever you choose should be certified by NCCAOM.
