Management of symptoms

Pain is managed with a sling (figure), ice, and acetaminophen or aspirin type medications (e.g. ibuprofen or naproxyn). For most patients, the fracture heals with a slight bump, the shoulder works well again, and there are no future problems such as arthritis.

Fractures that are far out of position can have problems. For instance, if the space between the broken bone ends is greater than the width of the bone, there is a 1 in 5 chance that the clavicle will not heal. This can cause some pain and a crackling sensation with shoulder movement. Some people don’t find this too bothersome. Having an unhealed clavicle does not put you at any risk. If an unhealed clavicle fracture bothers you, surgery can be done later to get the bone to heal.

Most people, who choose non-operative treatment, find their shoulder is comfortable and works well even if it heals with a bit of deformity. But some people with shortening or angulation in the clavicle find it bothersome and request surgery to line it up better.

If you choose to avoid surgery initially and you are not satisfied with the result, surgery is an option later.

Figure: different types of slings.