This leaflet answers common questions about clavicle fractures that might require surgery. If you would like further information, or have any worries, please do not hesitate to ask your nearest clinician.

What is a clavicle fracture?

Your fracture may require surgery. We have referred you to the surgical team for an opinion.

Healing

It normally takes six to twelve weeks to heal, but symptoms can continue for three to six months. Smoking will slow down your healing. We would advise that you stop smoking while your fracture heals. Talk to your GP for more information.

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 on the next page. 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.

Wearing your sling

Use your sling for up to three weeks. You can take it off to wash, dress and do your exercises.

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. Do not lift your arm over shoulder height for the first three weeks. You should not do any heavy lifting or overhead movement for the first six weeks   

Follow-up

You will see a shoulder specialist three weeks after your injury. They may do another x-ray to check the position of your fracture. They will explain the next stage of your rehabilitation.

Caring for your injury: Weeks 1 – 3

Remember to use your sling for the first three weeks. Take it off to wash, dress and do your exercises. 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 four to five times a day. Repeat each exercise 10 times.

Hand, wrist, and elbow exercises

Open and close your hand. Next, move your 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 five seconds. Repeat five times.

Bend and straighten your elbow. Repeat 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 five 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 one to two minutes in total. You do not need to push into pain. Remember to keep your arm relaxed.

 

Concern about your symptoms

If you are concerned about your symptoms and/or 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.

Driving

You can return to driving when:

  • You are no longer using a sling
  • You can move comfortably and
  • You can control the vehicle safely.

Please refer to the DVLA website regarding your fitness to drive if required.

Fitness for work statement

You can get a fitness for work statement from your GP or the doctor at your fracture clinic appointment.