This is a break to the end of your collar bone
Healing:
It normally takes 3-6 weeks to heal, but symptoms can continue for 3-6 months.
Pain and Swelling:
Your shoulder may be swollen and you will have some pain. Taking pain medication and using ice or cold packs will help. More information is in the next section.
Wearing your sling:
Use your sling for 2-3 weeks. You can take it off to wash, dress and do your exercises. It does not need to be worn at night.
Exercise and activity:
It is important to start gentle exercises straight away to prevent stiffness. You will find pictures and instructions for your exercises below.
You should not do any heavy lifting or overhead movement for the first 6 weeks.
Skin Tenting:
Occasionally, the skin over the fracture site can become very stretched and thin. If the skin around the bone starts to look very thin, or the bone seems very close to the skin, then you need to contact us immediately. Out of hours please attend the Emergency Department.
Follow up:
A follow up appointment is not normally needed for this injury. Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic if after 6 weeks your child still has significant pain or swelling. A lump (callus) may appear at the fracture site as it is healing; this is quite normal and should disappear over a few months after the fracture has healed.
Contact us:
If you are concerned about your symptoms, are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan or notice pain other than at your shoulder, please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.
Caring for your injury: Weeks 1-3
Remember to use your sling for the first 3 weeks. Take it off to wash, dress and do your exercises. You don’t have to wear your sling at night. You may find it more comfortable to sleep propped up on pillows.
Using a cold pack will help with your pain and swelling. You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel. Put this on your shoulder for 15 minutes every few hours. Make sure the ice isn’t in direct contact with your skin.
Try to rest your arm, especially in the first 24-72 hours.
Exercises:
Start these exercises straight away. Hand, wrist and elbow exercises are only needed while you are wearing a sling. You can stop these once they become easy and you have full movement. Try to do these exercises 4-5 times a day. Repeat each exercise 10 times.
Hand, wrist and elbow exercises:
- Open and close your hand. Next, move you wrist up and down. Repeat 10 times.
- After a few days, hold a soft ball or rolled up socks. Squeeze the ball and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times.
- Bend and straighten your elbow 10 times.
- Bend your elbow to a right angle. Slowly turn your palm up to the ceiling and down to the ground. Repeat 10 times.
Posture Exercise:
Bring your shoulders back and gently squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat 5 times.
Shoulder Pendulum Exercise:
Stand next to a firm surface. Support yourself with your un-injured arm and lean forwards. Let your injured arm relax and hang down to the ground.
Gently swing your arm, making a small movement. Try to do this forward and backward, side to side and in small circles.
Aim to do this for 1-2 minutes in total. You do not need to push into pain. Remember to keep your arm relaxed.
Caring for your injury: Weeks 3-6
You can now stop using your sling.
You can now return to light activities. Remember, you should not do any heavy lifting or overhead activity for 6 weeks.
Exercises:
Start these exercises 3 weeks after your injury. Try to do them 4-5 times a day. Repeat each exercise 10 times.
Active Assisted Flexion
Use your other hand to lift your injured arm up in front of you, as shown in these pictures.
Active Assisted External Rotation
Keep the elbow of your injured arm tucked into your side and your elbow bent. Hold onto a stick, umbrella or something similar.
Use your good arm to push your injured hand outwards. Remember to keep your elbow tucked in.
If you don’t have a stick, hold your injured arm at the wrist, guide it outwards with your good hand.
Caring for your injury: Weeks 6-12
Your injury should be healed.
You can return to normal activities. Do this gradually and be guided by any pain or discomfort you experience. Some heavier tasks may still be uncomfortable.
Exercises:
Start these exercises 6 weeks after your injury. Try to do these exercises 4-5 times a day. Repeat each exercise 10 times.
Active Flexion
Lift your arm forwards in front of you. Try to raise the arm as high as you can. You do not need to push into pain. If this is too difficult, try the same movement with a bent elbow.
Active Abduction
With your palm facing forwards, move your arm out to the side in a big arc. Try to raise the arm as high as you can. You do not need to push into pain. If this is too difficult, try the same movement with a bent elbow.
Active External Rotation
Start with your elbow bent by your side. Move your forearm out to the side, keeping your elbow bent and near your waist.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m concerned about my symptoms and/or I am struggling to return to exercise
Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.
I am struggling with my sling. What do I do?
Contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic. We can give advice or change your sling if needed.
Contact Details for Bedford and Luton
Please contact the hospital where you attended A&E as the other site will not be able to access your notes
BEDFORD HOSPITAL PATIENTS
How do I contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC)
- Telephone 01234 792036
- Messages will be checked every morning Monday to Friday (except for Bank Holidays)
- Email VFCBedford@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
How do I contact the Fracture Clinic?
- Telephone 01234 792138
How do I contact the Plaster Room?
- Telephone 01234 792031
- Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (out of hours contact the Emergency Department)
LUTON & DUNSTABLE HOSPITAL PATIENTS
How do I contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC)
- Telephone 01582 718121
- Messages will be checked every morning Monday to Friday (except for Bank Holidays)
- Email VFCLuton@ldh.nhs.uk
How do I contact the Fracture Clinic?
- Telephone 01582 497194 or 01582 718 993 (outpatient appointments)
How do I contact the Plaster Room?
- Telephone 01582 491166 (ext. 2233)
- Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (out of hours contact the Emergency Department)