Clavicle Fractures: Pain Management and Recovery Tips - Orthopedics

Share to:

Clavicle fracture


Hello Doctor: I was involved in a car accident on November 17, which resulted in a left clavicle fracture.
At that time, I chose traditional non-surgical treatment, using a figure-eight bandage and a sling for stabilization.
It has now been a month, but I still experience intermittent pain; sometimes the protruding fracture end hurts, and at other times, the recessed fracture end causes a sharp, needle-like pain.
Should I be particularly concerned about these discomforts? Additionally, after recovery, should I avoid putting heavy pressure on the protruding fracture end (e.g., carrying a backpack)? Furthermore, the protruding fracture end is in the normal position of the clavicle, but the other end is recessed, which has caused the scapula to protrude more noticeably on the left side compared to the right, leading to discomfort and limitations in daily activities.
If surgical correction is necessary, is it still possible to do so at this stage? How long would the surgical incision be? I appreciate your guidance, thank you!

Xiao Xiong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/12/18

Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics


Hello: It is recommended that you first visit an orthopedic outpatient clinic for an X-ray.
Your issue needs to be evaluated by a physician based on the examination report to determine if surgery is necessary.
Please seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2006/12/18

More Info


Clavicle fractures are common injuries, especially following trauma such as car accidents. The management and recovery process can vary significantly depending on the severity of the fracture and the treatment approach taken. In your case, you opted for conservative treatment with a figure-eight bandage and a sling, which is a common method for non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures.

Pain Management and Recovery Tips:
1. Understanding Pain: It is not uncommon to experience pain during the recovery phase, especially in the first few months post-injury. The pain you describe, particularly the sharp, stabbing sensations at the fracture site, could be due to several factors, including inflammation, muscle tension, or even nerve irritation around the fracture area. The presence of a prominent bony end (the "bump") can also contribute to discomfort, especially when pressure is applied.

2. Monitoring Symptoms: While some discomfort is expected, you should monitor your symptoms closely. If the pain worsens or if you notice any signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge), it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, if you experience significant changes in mobility or function, this warrants further evaluation.

3. Activity Modification: It is advisable to avoid activities that put excessive strain on the shoulder, particularly those that involve lifting or carrying heavy objects, such as a backpack. This can help prevent exacerbation of pain and allow for better healing. Gentle range-of-motion exercises, as tolerated, can be beneficial in maintaining mobility without overloading the fracture site.

4. Physical Therapy: Once the initial healing phase has passed, engaging in physical therapy can be highly beneficial. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises designed to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve flexibility, which can help alleviate discomfort and restore function.

5. Surgical Considerations: Regarding your question about surgical intervention, if the deformity (the prominent bony end) is causing significant pain or functional limitations, surgical correction may be considered. Surgery typically involves the use of plates and screws to stabilize the bone and can help restore the normal anatomy of the clavicle. The length of the surgical incision can vary but is generally around 5-10 cm, depending on the specific technique used and the surgeon's preference.

6. Timing for Surgery: If you are considering surgery, it is best to consult with an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. They can assess the current state of your fracture and determine if surgical intervention is appropriate. The timing of surgery can be crucial; while many fractures can be treated conservatively, persistent pain or functional limitations may necessitate a surgical approach.

7. Post-Surgery Recovery: If you do decide to proceed with surgery, recovery will involve a period of immobilization followed by rehabilitation. The timeline for returning to normal activities can vary but typically ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the surgery and your overall health.

In summary, while some discomfort is expected during the recovery from a clavicle fracture, it is essential to monitor your symptoms and modify activities to avoid exacerbating pain. Consulting with an orthopedic specialist can provide clarity on whether surgical intervention is necessary and what the best course of action is for your specific situation. Engaging in physical therapy post-injury or post-surgery can significantly aid in your recovery and help restore function to your shoulder.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Pain Management After Surgery

Doctor, I had a car accident on February 29th that resulted in a 0.5 cm displaced fracture of my right clavicle. I have already undergone surgery to insert a bone screw, but recently the area around the bone has been extremely painful, and the back of my right side has swollen up...


Dr. Ye Qingnian reply Orthopedics
After a clavicle fracture surgery, if there is severe pain and swelling, it is recommended to return to the orthopedic department for an X-ray examination to check if there is any displacement at the site of the plate fixation.

[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Pain Management After Surgery


Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Tips

Hello Doctor: I have had a clavicle fracture for 45 days and have not undergone surgery. I am currently using a figure-eight sling for stabilization. Recently, I have been experiencing a sharp sensation where the fracture is located, along with occasional shooting pain. Is this s...


Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Clavicle fractures do not always require surgery. If treated non-operatively, using a sling for about three months may allow for healing. The prominence is due to the overlapping of the fracture site and is not of significant concern. Continued observation for three months may le...

[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Tips


Minimally Invasive Fracture Fixation: Solutions for Shoulder Pain After Injury

Hello Dr. Yeh, About three years ago, I fractured my right clavicle while playing basketball. Initially, I was only fitted with a figure-of-eight brace for stabilization. Due to not consistently wearing the brace during the early stages of recovery, it seems that the fractured a...


Dr. Ye Qingnian reply Orthopedics
The clavicle fracture has a slight protrusion, which does not affect function or cause pain; it is merely an aesthetic concern. If there is pain or functional limitation, it is advisable to visit an orthopedic clinic for an X-ray to check if the bone has healed properly. If the b...

[Read More] Minimally Invasive Fracture Fixation: Solutions for Shoulder Pain After Injury


Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Recovery Tips and Nutritional Support

Hello, my sister had a car accident on Monday, August 1st, which resulted in a fractured clavicle. After X-ray examinations at Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Keelung Kuang Wu Hospital, she was given a type of brace similar to a figure-of-eight splint, and surgery is not...


Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: The clavicle is very close to the heart, and blood circulation is quite good in that area. Therefore, when a fracture occurs, the ends do not separate significantly and remain relatively stable, allowing for good blood flow. As long as the fracture ends are not excessively...

[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Recovery Tips and Nutritional Support


Related FAQ

Clavicle Fracture

(Orthopedics)

Clavicle

(Orthopedics)

Post-Clavicle Surgery

(Orthopedics)

Clavicle

(Rehabilitation)

Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

(Orthopedics)

Rib Fracture

(Orthopedics)

Ankle Fracture Recovery

(Orthopedics)

Fracture Healing

(Orthopedics)

Open Fracture

(Orthopedics)

Patellar Fracture

(Orthopedics)