Clavicle (collar bone) fracture

Clavicle Fractures in Children - Discharge advice (Collar bone fracture)

Facts about fractures of the clavicle (Collar bone):

• This is a very common injury in children.
• Most of the time it heals well without any complications using simple painkillers and a sling. However, it can be painful for 4-6 weeks.
• Your child may find it more comfortable to sleep sitting upright for few days after the injury.
• The shoulder and arm can be moved out of the sling as comfort allows. This will usually be about 2 weeks from the injury but it can be sooner.
• Your child may return to sports such as swimming as soon as comfortable. Avoid contact sports (Football, Rugby, Basketball, etc.) for 6 weeks from the date of the fracture as there is a risk of further damage.
• The ‘bump’ over the fracture is normal and is produced by healing bone. It may take up to one year to disappear. If your child is older than 10 years a small bump may remain.
• As these fractures typically heal well without any issue they do not need routine follow up or imaging.