Fractured clavicle (collarbone)

Fractured clavicle (collarbone)

If your child has a fractured (broken) clavicle, they will need to wear a sling. The clavicle is the collarbone.

Your child will need a sling

For the bone to heal, your child will need to wear a sling. The sling helps to keep your child's arm and collarbone still so the bone can heal and helps reduce movements that may be painful.

Your child may need to wear the sling for about two to three weeks.

Managing pain

Some children may experience pain in the first few days after a clavicle fracture, especially with movement of their arm. While using a sling will provide some comfort, children may also be given acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.

Healing after the sling is worn

After 10 to 14 days of wearing the sling, the fracture will stabilize and have new bone growth at the injury site. Once pain is improved, your child can start to gently move their arm. Your child may feel a bump on the collarbone as the fracture heals. This is normal. The bump will slowly get smaller over the next year, but it may not disappear completely.

Avoid contact sports

Your child should avoid high-impact contact sports for a minimum of four to six weeks after the sling comes off (unless you are told otherwise).

If you have any concerns, contact your child's health-care provider.