Your child has been treated for a broken collar bone. They have had a thorough examination and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following instructions will aid their recovery.
Your child's collar bone fracture
Your child has suffered a broken collar bone. This is a common type of fracture in children. This type of injury heals very well in a simple and easy to apply sling. Most of these injuries heal perfectly well if the sling is worn for 3–4 weeks.
Even with the sling on this injury is likely to hurt for 2–3 weeks. Give your child the correct dose of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen until the pain settles (unless unable to do so for medical reasons). The sling can be removed for bathing/showering without risk to the fracture.
After 3–4 weeks the sling may be removed. If the collar bone is still a little sore when the shoulder is used then the sling can be reapplied for comfort. Do this for short periods only as it is best to try to start gently using the arm as normally as possible from now on.
Broken collar bones heal with a bump of new bone at the site of the break. In children under 10 years old this bump generally disappears after about a year. In older children it may remain.
If after 6 weeks the collar bone still seems very sore or your child is not willing to use the shoulder then contact the Fracture Clinic to arrange follow-up. If the child removes the sling before the 4 weeks and appears to be comfortable and can use the arm freely then there is no reason to force them to wear the sling for the full 4 weeks. It is best to avoid sports and rough and tumble play when wearing the sling and for a further 4 weeks after its removal.
What happens now?
Your child’s X-ray will be reviewed by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, who will send you a letter. Occasionally the Consultant may wish to change the management plan you have been given in this leaflet. If this is the case you will be contacted by a member of the Fracture Clinic Team and an appointment will be made for you to attend the Children’s Fracture Clinic.
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Should you have any worries or concerns following discharge from hospital please contact:
Plaster Room Helpline: 01733 673 419
(9.00 am until 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday)
If no one answers leave a message including your Name, Hospital Number and a brief description of your problem
Call the Plaster RoomIf you have any serious concerns about your child’s injury outside these hours, please contact the Emergency Department on 01733 673 285
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