Discharge advice: Paediatric (Children’s) clavicle fracture

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Your child has fractured their clavicle (collar bone).

• This type of fracture is common in children.
• This type of fracture heals well – the only treatments required are painkillers and a sling.
• We would expect the collar bone to be painful for 4-6 weeks.
• Your child may find I more comfortable to sleep sitting upright for a few days after the injury.
• The shoulder and arm can be moved out of the sling as comfort allows. This will usually be about 2 weeks after the injury but can be sooner if comfortable.
• The ‘bump’ over the fracture is quite normal and is produced by healing bone. It may take up to one year to disappear. If your child is older than ten years a small bump may remain.
• Your child may return to sports such as swimming as soon as comfortable, but should avoid contact sports (such as football, rugby and basketball) for six weeks.

If you are still experiencing significant symptoms after several months or should you have any worries or concerns contact: Virtual Fracture Clinic on 01908 995205 (08:30 until 15:30 Monday to Friday).

If it’s out of these hours and you think that it’s urgent contact the Emergency Department on 01908 660033.