The clavicle, often referred to as the collarbone, is a bone in the upper portion of the chest that extends between the breastbone and the shoulder. Most people can feel their clavicles, as the bones run close to the surface of the skin. An injury to the clavicle may occur due to impact from contact sports, such as football, or it may be damaged by falling on an outstretched arm. Additionally, some people with osteoporosis can easily break their clavicles. Treatment of a clavicle injury may require surgery and rehabilitation as part of recovery.
Indications
Clavicle surgery may not always be indicated, depending on the type of injury. According to the University of California in San Francisco, surgery is typically recommended in situations where the bone is broken and the end of the bone is protruding through the skin. Additionally, bone shortening can occur with significant fractures, which requires surgery to pull the two ends of the clavicle back together. Surgery is done by placing a bracket or a plate and keeping the bone together using screws. It usually takes about six to eight weeks, along with rehabilitation, to heal after clavicle surgery.
Protection
You may be required to use an arm sling for the affected clavicle for at least two weeks following surgery. This protects the surgical site and prevents you from moving the clavicle in a way that could cause further damage. You may also need to avoid reaching above your head or lifting objects that weigh over 5 lb. with the affected arm. Ice packs on the affected area may also help with pain and swelling. Your doctor will prescribe how long you need to continue with these treatments and limitations.
Exercises
Rehabilitation exercises after clavicle surgery involve building the muscles of the affected arm and reducing stiffness in the area. Your doctor may prescribe specific exercises for you to work on at home or with a physical therapist while recovering from surgery. Exercises include pushing exercises, such as squeezing a ball between both hands; and pulling exercises, such as pulling a resistance band in opposite directions. Both of these types of exercises use the muscles of the upper chest and shoulder. Additionally, your doctor may require that you perform a set number of range-of-motion exercises by moving your arm and shoulder through a series of positions that are within the normal range.
Considerations
Follow the instructions for rehabilitation exercises from your doctor while you are recovering from clavicle surgery. After surgery, you will have a scar from the incision and you may still need to wear an arm sling between the times you are practicing exercises. Most physicians recommend over-the-counter medications to ease some of the pain. It may take at least 12 weeks before you will regain the strength you once had in your affected arm. Your doctor or physical therapist may need to evaluate your strength before allowing you to return to sports or other activities that bear weight on the arms.
