This leaflet contains discharge advice following your attendance to the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E) or Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC).
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.
If your child is still feeling significant symptoms after 12 weeks, please contact us using the fracture line for further advice.
Should you have any worries or concerns following discharge from your local hospital, please contact:
Fracture Line - 8:30am - 5:30pm, Monday to Friday - 0161 778 5372
Emergency Departments (Out of hours):
Fairfield General Hospital - 0161 778 2600
Royal Oldham Hospital - 0161 627 8933
Rochdale Infirmary - 01706 517023
Date of Review: December 2023
Date of Next Review: December 2025
Ref No: PI_M_1228 (Oldham)