Information for patients and parents/carers
This leaflet can be made available in other formats including large print, CD and Braille and in languages other than English, upon request.
Advice about a Clavicle Fracture
This leaflet is designed to give you information about a fracture (break) to the clavicle (collar bone).
This type of fracture is common in children and heals well. The only treatment needed is a sling and pain killers.
We would expect the collar bone to be painful or uncomfortable for 4 to 6 weeks.
It is likely to be more comfortable with the sling on full time initially, including for sleep, but can be removed for washing and hygiene.
It may be more comfortable to sleep sitting upright for a few days after the injury, with the sling inside of the clothing.
The ‘bump’ over the fracture is normal and is produced by the bone healing. It may take up to a year to disappear. A small bump may remain permanently for children over the age of 10.
It is fine to return to sports such as swimming as soon as comfortable, but not to contact sport (for example football, rugby or basketball) for 6 weeks.
Follow Up
If there is still a lot of pain or discomfort after several months, please phone the fracture clinic helpline for further advice.
Contact numbers
If you have any worries or concerns, please contact:
University Hospital of North Tees
Orthopaedic Outpatients Department
Fracture Clinic
Telephone: 01642 383523
Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday, 8:30am to 1pm
Voicemail 24hrs
Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints
Patient Experience Team (PET)
We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:
Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]
Out of hours
Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617
Data protection and use of patient information
The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.
Telephone: 01642 383551
Email: [email protected]
Privacy NoticesLeaflet feedback
This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:
Email: [email protected]
Leaflet reference: PIL1254
Date for review: November 2026
