Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures Gallery of Skin Problems and Image Collection

Medical Author:

Thomas G Costantino, MD

Medical Editor:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Broken Collarbone Treatment

Broken Collarbone Self-Care at Home

• If someone has been in an automobile accident or suffered a similar force, and you suspect a broken collarbone, be cautious and do not move the person. There may be other injuries. Wait for appropriately trained emergency medical services personnel to arrive.
  
  
• If it is clear that only a broken collarbone is involved, the most important treatment is to relieve pain.
  
  
  • To this end, the arm should be moved as little as possible. An ice pack wrapped in a towel should be applied directly to the broken collarbone. Aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are effective over-the-counter pain relievers.
    
    
  • A homemade sling can be formed from a large handkerchief, or towel, or from the triangle bandage found in your home first aid kit. Simply fold the handkerchief, or towel, in half to form a triangle. Then fold the triangle around the forearm with one pointy end toward the elbow and the other 2 tied around the neck. The elbow should be bent and supported across the chest.