Patient education: Clavicle fracture – ED discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").

What should I know? — 

You came to the ED for a broken collarbone, also called a "clavicle fracture." There are different kinds of fractures, depending on how the bone breaks. It might crack, break all the way through, or shatter.

You probably have pain, swelling, or bruising over the area. Your clavicle might look abnormal, bent, or not its usual shape. If a fracture injures a nerve, this can also cause symptoms in nearby areas, like tingling or weakness.

The doctor might have given you a sling, "figure-of-8" bandage, or "shoulder immobilizer." This keeps your shoulder and arm from moving too much as you heal. Some clavicle fractures need treatment with surgery.

How long it will take to heal depends on the type of fracture. Most take weeks to months to heal.

As your clavicle heals, you might develop a bony bump called a "callus." In children, the callus usually disappears. In adults, it often stays even after healing is complete.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also do the following:

●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment as instructed. You might need to see a specialist called an "orthopedic surgeon."

●Wear the sling, bandage, or shoulder immobilizer as instructed. This supports your broken bone.

●Take all your medicines as instructed:

•Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). If you cannot take these, you can take acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) for pain.

•If you got a prescription for stronger pain medicines to take for a short time, follow the instructions carefully.

●Sit upright or in an inclined position when possible, instead of lying flat. This keeps your clavicle above the level of your heart, which might help lessen pain and swelling.

●Ice can help with pain and swelling. Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over your shoulder. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Use for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury.

●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help. Broken bones take longer to heal if you smoke.

●Follow all the doctor's instructions about what activities are safe to do. You might have to limit activity or movement until your bone is healed. Increase your activity slowly.

When should I get emergency help?

●Return to the ED if:

•You have trouble breathing.

•Your skin around the fracture looks bruised, discolored, or black.

•Your skin bleeds or drains pus, or you can see bone through the wound.

•It looks like the bone is about to tear or poke through your skin.

•The bandage or shoulder immobilizer feels too tight and uncomfortable, or your fingers turn pale, blue, or gray.

•Your pain suddenly gets much worse.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if:

●Your fingers are numb or tingly.

●Your skin gets red and irritated around the bandage or shoulder immobilizer, or redness spreads up your arm.

●You have new or worsening symptoms.

More on this topic

Patient education: Clavicle fracture (The Basics)
Patient education: Setting a broken bone in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Setting a broken bone in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Surgery to fix a broken bone (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a shoulder sling (The Basics)