Medical Treatment

• The vast majority of collarbone fractures can be treated with a simple sling. Sometimes a swath is wrapped around the sling to hold it to the body. Occasionally a figure-of-eight splint is used. This wraps around both shoulders and the neck to hold the shoulders back and up. Either method is appropriate treatment for the broken collarbone. You will be instructed to wear the sling at all times until there is no further pain with movement. This is usually 2-4 weeks for children and 4-8 weeks for adults. Commercially available slings can also be used.

• You will also be instructed to avoid the potential for further trauma during this time.

• You may take over-the-counter pain medicine but might require a prescription pain medicine.

• Follow up with your doctor until you are better.

• Clavicle fractures will heal properly with standard treatment. But, rarely, people may have problems with fractures near the shoulder end of the clavicle. These people are often referred to an orthopedic surgeon within 2-3 days after breaking their collarbone. Some may require an operation.