Broken Clavicle

[Chris_Jackson]

Broke my clavicle 16 days ago, all they put me in was a sling, although I've heard that's normal.

It feels like it's healing okay but I've noticed that  my shoulder is way shorter on the broken side.

when the accident first happened the shoulder was lower, now it's even, just way shorter.

Is this something to worry about? Will it heal to the right length on it's own?

[Suri123]

Hi Chris_Jackson, how are you doing? Hope you are feeling better and the clavicle fracture is pretty well healing? Can you give some info on the nature of the injury and the immediate management? Has the x- ray been taken? If the clavicle is not displaced and no multiple segments, shoulder sling will immobilize it and healing time may take about 8-10 weeks. I suggest you to consult the attending orthopedician for a re-check examination and to assess the progress of fracture healing. You may get more info through this link: http://shoulderandcollarbone.upmc.com/ClavicleFracture/Treatment.htm
Take care and update.

[Zak_Han]

Hi,be patient please! it will take time to heal,after enough time,You can begin simple exercises immediately and move on to strengthening exercises if they don't cause pain. Ask your doctor when it is safe to begin to exercise. If you start too soon, the broken collarbone may not heal well. If you are active, do not play sports or other activities until you can move your shoulder easily and it feels strong.

Good luck!

[Chris_Jackson]

Yes, xrays and ct scan. The break was displaced, the break ends were about 25mm past each other (overlapping). It's a mid fracture, with one sizable fragment, about 3mm x 10mm.

I think it's too late, it's been 19 days. (16 days was wrong) Last night I tried to position the shoulder to where it would extend but in the morning it's still way short. I think the bones ends are healing together but they are overlapping so much it's causing the clavicle to be shorter. I can really tell when I pull my upper arm fully to my side, it pulls the upper humerous out of it's socket.

So now the question becomes, what's the prognosis of having this worked on, rebroken and pinned?

[Chris_Jackson]

correction, it doesn't pull the joint out of socket it just feels like it's pulling on it. I can feel resistance to moving my upper arm fully to the side.

Looking straight into the mirror the shoulder is visibly shorter in the lateral direction about 25mm or so.