Recovering from a broken collarbone requires patience and physiotherapy sessions for extensive recovery of shoulder movements, but it is possible to fully recover in 2-3 months.
A broken collarbone causes a lot of pain when trying to move the affected arm, swelling and even deformity in the collarbone, in some cases.Gallbladder fracture is generally more common in athletes, especially cyclists, but can occur at any age.falls on the shoulder or a direct blow to the collarbone, for example.
- Treatment of a collarbone fracture depends on the type of fracture.
- But is usually done by immobilizing the arm with a splint.
- To maintain the stability of the collarbone.
- In addition.
- Collarbone fracture is also very common in the baby shortly after birth.
- But does not require any special immobilization because the fracture heals itself.
- See how to care for your baby on: How to treat a baby’s collarbone fracture.
Types of broken collarbone may include
Depending on the region where the fracture occurred, the area can be classified into: medial, middle or lateral third, representing the middle third more than 70% of the collarbone fractures because it is an area where the bone is thinner and remains more unprotected, because it is not as covered with muscles.
To know the type of fracture of the person and decide which treatment is most recommended, it is always recommended to perform an X-ray in 2 different positions, anteroposterior (frontal) and lateral.
Clavicle fracture treatment is usually done by immobilizing the arm with an immobilization scarf, set at 8, for example, to allow the clavicle to stay in the correct place, speeding up bone healing. Immobilization should be maintained for approximately 4 to 5 weeks. for adults, or up to 2 months for children.
In the most severe cases, surgery is required to place small metal stabilizers on the bone to secure small pieces of bone and allow a complete recovery Some situations that indicate the need for surgery are bone deviation, bone shortening greater than 2 cm between bone fragments, in the case of an open fracture, and the risk of damage to a nerve or artery.Despite the complexity of the surgery, recovery is faster after surgery than when immobilizers are used.
Although recovery time may vary from person to person, physical therapy sessions may be necessary for 8 to 12 weeks to regain normal movements of the affected arm.
Collarbone fractures can leave sequelae, such as nerve damage, the appearance of a lime in the bone, or delayed healing, which can be avoided when the bone is properly immobilized, so here are some tips for good recovery:
In addition, to reduce pain during recovery, your doctor may prescribe pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or dipirone, that should be used in case of severe pain.
Rehabilitation varies greatly depending on the symptoms of the individual, however, the goals of physiotherapy treatment include reducing pain, promoting normal shoulder movement, painlessly strengthening muscles until the person is able to perform their routine activities and work normally.
To do this, the physical therapist should assess whether the area is consolidated, if there is pain, what is the limitation of movement and the difficulties presented by the person, and then indicate the necessary treatment.
Initially, during the first sessions of physiotherapy, the use of ice blocks to reduce pain and swelling may be indicated, and equipment such as ultrasound and tension can be used, exercises are indicated at the start of treatment, and it is best to start rehabilitation program with pendulum and rotational movements in this first phase.After about 8 to 10 weeks, pulley, elastic, and weight exercises can also be used to strengthen your arm and shoulder muscles.
Generally, after 12 weeks, heavier exercises, diagonal kabat exercises and shoulder-to-discharge propioceptive training are recommended.See some shoulder propioception exercises.