What to Do with a Fractured Collarbone?

A fractured collarbone, also known as a clavicle fracture, is a common injury that occurs when the collarbone breaks, usually due to a direct blow to the shoulder or a fall on an outstretched arm. This type of fracture can be painful and debilitating, but with proper treatment and care, most people recover fully.

Understanding Collarbone Fractures

The collarbone, or clavicle, is a long, thin bone that connects the shoulder blade to the sternum. It plays a crucial role in the stability and movement of the shoulder joint. When a fracture occurs, it can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected arm.

There are several types of collarbone fractures, including:

1. Midshaft fractures: These are the most common type of collarbone fractures and occur in the middle of the bone.
2. Distal fractures: These fractures occur near the end of the collarbone, closest to the shoulder.
3. Proximal fractures: These fractures occur near the end of the collarbone, closest to the sternum.

Symptoms of a Fractured Collarbone

The most common symptoms of a fractured collarbone include:

• Pain and tenderness in the affected area
• Swelling and bruising
• Difficulty moving the affected arm
• A visible deformity or bump in the shoulder area
• Numbness or tingling in the affected arm or hand

If you suspect you have a fractured collarbone, it's important to seek medical attention immediately.

Treatment Options

The treatment for a fractured collarbone depends on the severity of the injury and the type of fracture. In most cases, the bone will heal on its own with proper immobilization and pain management. However, in some cases, surgery or other interventions may be necessary.

Non-surgical Treatment

Non-surgical treatment is often the first line of defense for collarbone fractures. This may include:

1. Immobilization: The affected arm is typically immobilized using a sling or figure-of-eight bandage to keep the shoulder in a comfortable position and prevent further injury.
2. Pain management: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
3. Ice therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain.
4. Physical therapy: Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, physical therapy exercises may be recommended to help restore range of motion and strength.

Surgical Treatment

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat a fractured collarbone. This may be the case if:

1. The fracture is severely displaced or angulated
2. The skin is broken, exposing the bone (open fracture)
3. The fracture is not healing properly with non-surgical treatment

Surgery typically involves realigning the broken bones and stabilizing them with plates, screws, or pins. This helps ensure proper healing and reduces the risk of complications.

Bone Growth Stimulators

In some cases, a bone growth stimulator may be recommended to help speed up the healing process. A bone growth stimulator is a small, portable device that uses electrical or electromagnetic signals to stimulate bone growth and healing.

There are two main types of bone growth stimulators:

1. Electrical bone growth stimulators: These devices use a mild electrical current to stimulate bone growth.
2. Electromagnetic bone growth stimulators: These devices use pulsed electromagnetic fields to stimulate bone growth.

Bone growth stimulators are typically used in cases where the fracture is not healing properly or is taking longer than expected to heal. They may also be used in cases where the fracture is at high risk of not healing, such as in smokers or people with certain medical conditions.

Studies have shown that bone growth stimulators can be effective in promoting bone healing and reducing the risk of non-union (when the fracture does not heal properly). One study found that electrical bone growth stimulators increased the likelihood of fracture healing by 71% compared to placebo treatment.

Another study found that electromagnetic bone growth stimulators were effective in promoting bone healing in patients with non-union fractures, with a success rate of 81%.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

The recovery process for a fractured collarbone can take several weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment method used. During this time, it's important to follow the instructions of your healthcare provider and engage in physical therapy exercises to help restore strength and range of motion. 

In most cases, people with a fractured collarbone can expect to:

1. Wear a sling or figure-of-eight bandage for 4-6 weeks
2. Gradually increase their range of motion and strength through physical therapy exercises
3. Return to normal activities, including sports, within 3-6 months, depending on the severity of the injury

It's important to note that the recovery process can vary from person to person and may be influenced by factors such as age, overall health, and the severity of the injury.

Complications

While most people recover fully from a fractured collarbone, there are some potential complications that can occur, including:

1. Non-union: When the fracture does not heal properly, leading to a non-union.
2. Mal-union: When the fracture heals in an abnormal position, leading to a deformity or limited range of motion.
3. Infection: In cases of open fractures, there is a risk of infection.
4. Nerve or blood vessel damage: In rare cases, the fracture may damage nearby nerves or blood vessels.

To reduce the risk of complications, it's important to follow the instructions of your healthcare provider and engage in physical therapy exercises as recommended.

Conclusion

A fractured collarbone can be a painful and debilitating injury, but with proper treatment and care, most people recover fully. Non-surgical treatment, such as immobilization and pain management, is often the first line of defense, but in some cases, surgery or other interventions may be necessary. 

Bone growth stimulators can be an effective tool in promoting bone healing and reducing the risk of non-union, particularly in cases where the fracture is not healing properly or is at high risk of not healing. If you have a fractured collarbone and are interested in exploring the use of a bone growth stimulator, consider contacting bonestims.com for more information and to discuss your options with a healthcare provider.

Remember, the recovery process can take several weeks to several months, and it's important to follow the instructions of your healthcare provider and engage in physical therapy exercises to help restore strength and range of motion. With patience and dedication, you can overcome a fractured collarbone and get back to your normal activities. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your fractured collarbone, don't hesitate to contact BoneStims or speak with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and guidance to help you navigate the recovery process and achieve the best possible outcome.