A broken collarbone, or clavicle fracture, is a common bone injury, often resulting from a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm. Non-surgical treatment involves using an arm sling to immobilize the bone fragments. The sling provides comfort by supporting the arm’s weight and prevents movements that could disrupt bone repair. While the sling is the standard of care, the precise duration it must be worn depends on how quickly the body bridges the fracture gap.
The Standard Timeline for Sling Use
The general duration for keeping the arm immobilized in a sling for a clavicle fracture typically spans four to eight weeks for non-surgically managed adults. This period allows the body’s natural healing process to establish stability at the fracture site. The sling minimizes stress on the fractured bone, allowing the initial inflammatory and reparative phases of healing to proceed.
During the reparative phase, the body forms a soft callus, a temporary framework that bridges the broken ends of the bone. This soft callus is gradually replaced by a hard bony callus, which is visible on follow-up X-rays and signifies structural healing. The formation of this sufficient hard callus ultimately determines when the sling can be safely discontinued. Children and adolescents often require the sling for only two to four weeks due to their accelerated bone metabolism.
The decision to remove the sling is based on radiographic evidence of bridging bone formation and a lack of tenderness over the fracture site. Regular follow-up X-rays monitor the progression of the hard callus and ensure the bone fragments remain aligned as they fuse. Premature removal before initial stability risks fracture displacement, which could delay healing or result in a malunion.
Variables That Affect Clavicle Healing Time
Several biological and mechanical factors influence whether the healing timeline falls toward the shorter or longer end of the standard range. Age is a major factor; younger individuals benefit from faster cellular activity that accelerates repair. Adults often require six to twelve weeks for the fracture to achieve sufficient stability.
The specific nature of the fracture also plays a significant role in recovery pace. Simple, non-displaced fractures heal quicker because the gap for the callus to bridge is small. Severely displaced or comminuted fractures, where the bone is broken into several pieces, require more extensive callus formation and take longer to stabilize. Underlying health conditions, such as smoking and diabetes, can also slow down the body’s ability to form a robust bony callus.
Transitioning to Full Range of Motion
Once X-rays confirm adequate bony stability, the sling is removed, and the next phase of recovery begins: restoring movement and strength. Following immobilization, the arm and shoulder will feel stiff and weak due to prolonged rest and muscle disuse. Physical therapy is necessary at this stage to systematically regain a full, pain-free range of motion.
Initial therapy focuses on gentle, passive, and active-assisted range-of-motion exercises, such as pendulum swings, to restore mobility without stressing the bone. Patients gradually progress to active range-of-motion exercises, moving the arm without external assistance. Strengthening exercises are introduced only after sufficient range of motion is recovered and the bone is strong enough to tolerate muscular contraction forces.
Returning to full activity is a phased process that can take three to six months from the date of injury. Light daily activities are often resumed within weeks of sling removal. High-impact activities like contact sports must be avoided until the bone has completely consolidated and the shoulder has regained full strength.
Recognizing Complications During Recovery
It is important to monitor for signs that indicate a complication requiring immediate medical attention. A sudden or severe increase in pain, especially after improvement, suggests the fracture alignment may have shifted. New or worsening numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand could signal potential nerve or blood vessel involvement near the fracture site.
Visual signs to watch for include a sharp protrusion or “tenting” of the skin over the collarbone, indicating bone fragments are pushing outward. If you experience a fever, or if the skin around the fracture site becomes increasingly red, hot, or swollen, seek prompt medical advice to rule out infection.