Child’s Clavicle Fracture (Broken Bone) – Discharge Advice

Advice About Your Child’s Injury

Your child has suffered a fracture (break) to their 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 – 6 weeks.

Your child might find it more comfortable to sleep sitting upright for a few days after the injury with their sling inside their clothing.

The shoulder and arm can be moved out of the sling as comfort allows. This will usually be about 2 weeks after the injury, but can be sooner if comfortable.

The ‘bump’ over the fracture is normal and is produced by the bone healing. It may take up to a year to disappear. If your child is older than 10 years, a small bump may remain permanently.

Your child may return to sports such as swimming as soon as comfortable, but should not do contact sport (for example football, rugby or basketball) for six weeks.

Follow Up

If your child is still having 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 – Friday, 9.00am – 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]

Leaflet 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]