Healing a broken collarbone and using your shoulder again
An orthopedic trauma surgeon on collarbone healing and shoulder use
Your collarbone links your shoulder to your chest. In a crash it can break from a direct hit or from force that travels through the arm. Many of these breaks heal in a sling. Surgery may be needed if the break is far out of place, threatens the skin or has other complications. [1]
Beyond the break itself, the first thing to learn is how the pieces line up. You also want to know whether the nearby skin, nerves and blood vessels are safe. [1]
Get to know your treatment plan
Ask where the break is. Find out whether the pieces have shifted or broken into several fragments. Ask whether any other shoulder or chest injury was found. [1]
If an operation is recommended, ask what it should improve for your type of break. Find out what recovery would involve. If you’re in a sling, ask how long to wear it and when another X ray will check the alignment. [1]
Move what you're allowed to move
A sling supports your arm. That support doesn’t require every joint in the arm to stay still. Ask when to start moving your fingers, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Follow your therapist’s order, starting with gentle motion and then building strength. [1]
Ask about limits on lifting, driving, work and sleeping positions. Don’t treat less pain as permission to carry a heavy bag or return to contact activities. [1]
Changes that need a closer look
Get checked urgently if the skin over a bone end gets very tight or breaks open. The same applies if your hand turns cold or pale, or becomes newly weak or numb. Get emergency care for trouble breathing or severe chest symptoms. [1]
Call your fracture team if the pain gets worse instead of slowly easing. Also tell them if you can’t use the arm as well as expected at your next checkup. [1]
What to ask at your next appointment
- Is my skin safe, and is the break staying lined up?
- When can I start moving my shoulder and lifting with this arm?
- Who will review my next image and decide whether the plan changes?
Put your recovery dates on one page
List the dates for your sling, exercises, lifting and imaging on a single sheet. Bring it to physical therapy. [1]
Sources and further reading
Take this as general education from orthopedic trauma care. The way your bone broke and any other injuries will shape your plan for the sling, movement and lifting.
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