Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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This leaflet gives you the advice to help your clavicle (collar bone) to recover after your fracture.
What is the Treatment?
- Rarely do people need surgery after a clavicle fracture. The treatment for this type of fracture is a sling placed on the affected side
- The shoulder and arm can be moved out of the sling, as comfort allows, when you need to change your clothes or wash. Remove your clothes from the ‘unaffected’ side first so that you can manoeuvre them off your broken side. When dressing, place your ‘broken’ side into your sleeve first: this will reduce excessive movements and be less painful. Wear ‘baggy’ clothing for the first few weeks to assist with dressing
- You may need to wear your sling for 4-6 weeks; the Virtual Fracture Clinic will advise you if this will be longer
Pain Relief
- You can expect the collar bone to be painful for 4 - 12 weeks, though it should improve over this time. Put ice in a damp towel and place over the swelling for 10 minutes, 3-4 times per day for the first week
- It is important to take regular pain relief such as over the counter Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. Please read the packets for dosage instructions
- You can sleep in your sling and you may find that sleeping upright is less painful. Avoid sleeping on the affected side
The Fracture Site
- The swelling over the fracture is quite normal and is produced by healing bone
- It may take 1 year to disappear, although it is common for a small bump to remain
Follow-Up
- Your X-ray will be referred to the Orthopaedic Team in the Virtual Fracture Clinic. The Team will contact you if follow-up is required. Please ensure that we have your phone number on file: note that your phone may display ‘unknown number’ when a call has been sent via the Hospital switchboard.
Going to Work or College
- We advise that if you return to work, you perform ‘light-duties’ only and avoid lifting, moving and twisting movements. If you cannot alter your working practices, you can self-certificate for 1 week (5 days plus 2 days off) See your GP if you need a ‘fitness to work’ certificate (previously known as a sick-note) for longer than this
- Do not drive in a sling, it is illegal. Check with your Insurance Company when you are safe to return to driving
Returning to Sport Activities
- Avoid contact sports such as football, rugby and basketball for 12 weeks
- Try non-contact exercise like swimming after 6 weeks if the pain allows
For non-urgent medical advice, please contact your own GP, call 111 or go to https:/
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Emergency department (ED) service.
About this information
Service:
Emergency department (ED)
Reference:
A/008
Approval date:
1 November 2024
Review date:
1 November 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.