Have you also broken your collarbone? (Clavicle Fracture) Don't worry, let's be aware of this!

Have you ever had unbearable pain in your shoulder while playing, riding a bike, or just slipping and falling? Do you feel so bad that you can't even move your shoulder or raise your arm? Do you remember sometimes hearing a 'pop' sound? At times like this, there is a high chance that your collarbone, that is, the bone between the shoulder and the neck, has been broken. In medical terms, we call this a `(Clavicle Fracture)`. Don't be afraid when you hear this. This is not as dangerous as you think, but it is very important to get proper treatment. So today, let's talk about this collarbone fracture, its symptoms, treatment, and what we need to do to recover quickly.

Are there different ways to break a collar?

Yes, when you go to the doctor, he may use different words to describe this fracture. I'll keep it simple to make it easier for you to understand. It can mainly be divided into two types.

• Depending on the size of the fracture (Singular/Comminuted): Sometimes the collarbone can break in just one place. However, in some accidents, this bone can break in multiple places, that is, into pieces. Doctors call this type of fracture a ``comminuted fracture``.
• According to the position of the bone fragments (Displaced/Nondisplaced): Imagine that even though the bone is broken, the two broken pieces do not move from where they were, but are in a straight line. This is called a `(nondisplaced fracture)`. However, most of the time, the two broken pieces are pulled back and forth from where they were, moving up and down. This is called a `(displaced fracture)`.

These classifications are very important for the doctor to decide what the best treatment is for you. So don't be alarmed if he says these words, he is just trying to understand your condition.

What are the symptoms of a broken collarbone?

There are several symptoms that can occur when the collarbone is broken. See if you have one or more of these. To make this easier to understand, I have included a chart below.

What are the causes of collarbone fractures?

This usually happens in the event of a sudden, severe accident. There are several times in our lives when this can happen.

• Falls: Falling onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm is the most common cause of a broken collarbone. This can happen when you dive while playing cricket, while playing sports, or when you slip and fall in the bathroom.
• Collisions/Strikes: Collisions can occur when the shoulder is hit by a hard object, especially in sports like rugby or football. This can happen even when young children are playing.
• Car accidents: This injury can occur when the shoulder hits the dashboard or door during an accident while riding in a vehicle.
• Accidents during birth: Sometimes, during delivery, the baby's collarbone can break due to the baby's shoulder getting stuck in the mother's pelvic bone. However, this heals very quickly.

How is this treated?

Many people think that when you break a bone, you definitely need surgery. But the majority of collarbone fractures can be treated without surgery .The treatment method depends on the type of fracture, your age, and your normal activity level.

Let's look at some of the main treatment methods:

1. Immobilization: Your doctor may recommend that you wear a sling or a shoulder immobilizer. This should be worn for several weeks. This will help to keep the broken bone fragments from moving and give them the immobility they need to heal properly.

2. Pain control: The pain may be a little intense during the first week or two. Your doctor will prescribe painkillers for this. After that, when the pain subsides, you can use over-the-counter painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. But remember, before taking any medication, consult your doctor and take it only as directed.

3. Medical follow-up: You will be asked to come back to see your doctor every few days or weeks for follow-up visits. At that time, he will take X-rays to check if the bone is healing properly.

4. Physical therapy: Wearing a sling for several weeks can cause the muscles and joints in your shoulder and arm to become stiff. Once the bone begins to heal, a physical therapist will teach you simple exercises to help you regain movement in your shoulder and arm. This is very important, or you may develop a condition called frozen shoulder later on.

5. Surgery: Surgery is required in only a small number of cases. Surgery is required if the bone fragments are too far apart, if a broken bone has broken through the skin, or if the bone has damaged blood vessels or nerves. An orthopedic surgeon will reposition the broken pieces and use plates and screws to hold them in place.

How long does it take to heal?

This varies from person to person. It depends on your age and the nature of the injury. Here's the average time it takes:

• For adults: 8 to 12 weeks.
• For young people (Adolescents): 6 to 8 weeks.
• For children under 8 years old: 3 to 6 weeks.
• For newborn babies: About 2 weeks.

Your doctor will tell you exactly when you can resume normal activities and sports. Until then, it's important to be patient.

Do's and don'ts during recovery

To recover quickly and properly, you need to take care of these things.

When do you suddenly need to see a doctor?

If there is even the slightest suspicion that the collarbone has been broken, it should be treated as a serious condition. Go immediately to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

If you are already receiving treatment and are at home, see a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• If you feel dizzy or extremely weak
• If the pain is getting worse instead of better
• If you experience numbness or tingling in your hands and fingers
• If you have difficulty breathing

An accident like this can happen in an instant, but it can take weeks or months to recover. During this time, your daily activities will be greatly disrupted. You may feel uncomfortable asking for help when you can't drive a car or do things on your own. But don't worry. Your friends and family will be happy to help you get well soon. Rather than rushing into a situation and making a mess, it's more important to be patient and recover properly.