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Clavicle (Collarbone) Fractures in Children

Date issued: December 2022

Review date: December 2024

Ref: A-540/NB/ED/Clavicle (Collarbone) Fractures in Children

PDF:  Clavicle (Collarbone) Fractures in Children final December 2022.pdf [pdf] 112KB

Your child has a broken collar bone (clavicle). Breaks, fractures, and cracks in bone all mean the same thing.

Why does the arm need to be in a sling?

  • The sling is not a specific treatment for the broken bone, but it is used to reduce pain.

How long must the arm be in a sling?

  • The arm can be in a sling for up to 3 weeks

  • This can be under or over clothes, depending on what seems to work best

  • The sling can be worn at night

  • Sometimes these fractures settle down more quickly and it is fine for them to start taking the sling off sooner

  • Start by taking it off for short periods of time, and at night, and go from there.

Arm exercises

  • Arms exercises are very important. Your child should be encouraged to move their elbow, hand, and fingers as soon as they can.

Can the sling be removed for washing and dressing?

  • Yes. If your child leans forward the arm will naturally move away from the body allowing you to wash under the armpit. Change clothes carefully to minimise pain.

What if my child will not keep the sling on all the time?

  • Some younger children will not keep their sling on, don’t worry. They can use their arm as much as their pain allows and will limit themselves.

  • Rough play should be avoided.

What can I expect?

  • The injury can be very painful at first. It is often uncomfortable in bed and sleeping propped up on extra pillows may help. Painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen should be given. Please ask the doctor or nurse if you are not sure of the dose

  • For the first few days, the skin over the fracture site may well be bruised and this will settle down on its own over the first week

  • If the skin appears to be breaking down or you are concerned about it please return to the Emergency Department (ED)

  • A lump will develop over the fracture site which will be tender to start with. Later this lump will become hard and painless as new bone starts to form as part of the healing process. This lump may persist for months but should eventually get smaller (especially in younger children).

When should I seek further medical attention?

  • Very occasionally, shortness of breath and chest pain can develop after a collar bone fracture, when one end of the broken collar bone injures the lung. If this occurs, you should immediately return to the Emergency Department (ED)

  • If there is severe pain which does not respond to painkillers, or if the pain persists or gets worse after about 3 weeks, seek advice from your GP.

Are there any other important points?

  • Your child can go to school but should wear the sling as directed above

  • Your child should not take part in any PE, sport, or rough activities for 6 weeks

  • Nearly all of these fractures heal very well by themselves and do not require further follow up

  • If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to seek medical advice from your GP 

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