Emergency and Urgent Care - Paediatric Clavicle Fracture

This leaflet contains discharge advice following your attendance to the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E).

Your child has sustained a fracture to their Clavicle (Broken Collar Bone). The clavicle bone is part of the bone structure to the shoulder. This type of fracture is common in children and it should heal well. It is important that sudden movements are avoided during the healing process.

The only treatment required will be a sling and the use of regular pain killers. We would expect the collar bone to be painful for 4 to 6 weeks, hopefully the pain reducing after the first 2 weeks.

Your child might find it more comfortable sleeping in the upright position supported by pillows. They may only need this for a few days after the injury.

Your child’s shoulder and arm can be taken out of the sling and moved gently as comfort allows. This will usually be about 2 weeks after the injury or sooner if comfortable.

You may notice a lump/bump over the fractured bone. This is normal and can be produced by healing bone. It may take up to 1 year for it to disappear. If your child is above the age of 10 there could be a lump/bump present forever.

Your child can return to gentle sports such as swimming as soon as he/she is comfortable. You should avoid physical and impact type sports such as football, rugby and basketball – this should be for the full 6 week period and more if necessary.

What should I do now?

• Rest the shoulder joint with the sling on
• Apply ice or something cool every 2 hours for 20 minutes for the next 24 to 48 hours, ensure the ice or frozen peas are wrapped in cloth or a towel, do not apply directly to skin as this could cause a burn
• Take simple pain killers such as paracetamol and/or ibuprofen which can be purchased from a chemist or shop
• Take medication according to manufacturer’s instructions

Follow up

There will be no routine follow up for patients with this type of injury and fracture. If after six weeks you are still experiencing:

• Significant pain or swelling
• Still unable to use your shoulder normally

If you have any concerns please contact the Emergency department for further advice on 0161 627 8926.

The Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Road, Oldham, OL1 2JH.