The clavicle, also called the collarbone, is the long bone that connects your shoulder to your rib cage. You can feel your collarbone at the top of your shoulders and rib cage. A clavicle fracture is a broken clavicle. It is a common injury that can happen at any age.
What are the causes?
Common causes of a clavicle fracture include:
A direct blow to your shoulder.
A car accident.
A fall, especially if you try to break your fall with an outstretched arm.
What increases the risk?
You are more likely to develop this condition if:
You are younger than 25 years or older than 75 years. Most clavicle fractures happen to people who are younger than 25 years.
You are a male.
You play contact sports.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of …show more content…
Keep the wrap or splint clean.
When you bathe or shower, keep your shoulder in the same position as when the sling or wrap is on.
If the wrap or splint is not waterproof:
Do not let it get wet.
Cover it with a watertight covering when you take a bath or a shower.
If you have a figure-of-eight wrap:
Another person must tighten it every day.
It should be tight enough to hold your shoulders back.
Allow enough room to place your index finger between your body and the strap.
Loosen the wrap immediately if you feel numbness or tingling in your hands.
General instructions
Avoid activities that make the injury or pain worse for 4–6 weeks after surgery.
Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. These can delay bone healing. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
Your medicine is not helping to relieve pain and swelling.
Get help right away if:
Your arm is numb, cold, or pale, even when the splint is loose.
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