Discharge advice

Emergency Department

You have sustained a fracture of your clavicle (collar bone) which can be treated without an operation. This has been immobilised in the Emergency Department by the appropriate splint or sling.

What will happen after I leave hospital?

This type of fracture heals well - the only treatments required are painkillers and a broad arm sling.

The shoulder and arm can be moved out of the sling as comfort allows. This will usually be around 2 weeks after the initial injury but you can expect the clavicle to be painful for up to 6 weeks.

The palpable bump over the fracture is normal and is produced by healing bone. It may take up to 1 year to disappear, although in some cases it can remain indefinitely and shouldn’t be cause for concern.

Splints and slings

You have been given a collar and cuff or sling. This will help provide pain relief and prevent swelling of the forearm and fingers. Try to keep the hand elevated as much as possible.

We recommend that you exercise your fingers. Be guided by the level of discomfort you feel. We suggest you remove your sling twice daily and gently bend and straighten your elbow whilst supporting the weight of your arm. These movements will help reduce hand swelling and prevent stiffness of the joints in your upper limb.

Sleeping

You may be more comfortable removing your sling and elevating the arm on pillows. Often sleeping in the upright position is easier soon after the injury.

Pain relief

We suggest paracetamol and ibuprofen, if you can take them, ask your pharmacist for advice. The pain usually greatly improves after the first two weeks but can take longer.

Returning to normal activity

  • You may return to non-contact sports such as swimming as soon as comfortable. However you should avoid contact sports such as football, rugby and basketball for a minimum of 6 weeks.
  • If you are still experiencing significant symptoms after several months, please phone the fracture clinic helpline below for further advice.

Should you have any worries or concerns following discharge from hospital, please contact:
01228 814898 (08:00-17:00 Mon-Fri, answer phone other times)

More information at:
https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/services/virtual-fracture-clinic
 

Confidentiality

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For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302