Treatment of a Broken Collarbone
Treatment of a Broken Collarbone depends on the location and severity of the fracture, as well as the patient’s age, activity level, and general health. The goal of treatment of a broken collarbone is to relieve pain, stabilise the fracture, and restore full shoulder function with minimal long-term effects.
Most clavicle fractures are treated non-surgically. If the bones are well-aligned and the skin is intact, a simple arm sling or figure-of-eight brace is used to immobilise the area. This allows the bone to heal naturally over a period of six to eight weeks. Pain is managed with paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medications, and patients are advised to rest the affected arm.
Displaced or comminuted fractures may require surgery. Surgical treatment involves repositioning the bones and securing them using plates, screws, or rods. This ensures stability, especially in active individuals or when the break interferes with normal shoulder alignment.
Treatment of a Broken Collarbone
Open fractures or those with neurovascular involvement are always managed surgically due to the higher risk of complications. Surgery also has a faster recovery time in some cases, particularly for athletes or those needing a quicker return to physical work.
Children usually recover well without surgery. Their bones remodel as they grow, so even slightly displaced fractures often heal perfectly with immobilisation alone. Teenagers and adults, especially those with demanding physical routines, may benefit more from surgical precision.
After immobilisation or surgery, physiotherapy plays a vital role. A structured programme of stretching, strengthening, and mobility exercises helps restore full shoulder function and prevent stiffness or frozen shoulder.
In South Africa, public hospitals treat most clavicle fractures conservatively unless surgery is clearly indicated. In private care, patients may have faster access to surgical options if required.
With correct treatment of a broken collarbone, most people recover fully within two to three months. Complications are rare but may include infection, hardware irritation, or poor bone healing if post-operative care is not followed correctly.
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