Clavicle fracture surgery in Edinburgh

Clavicle fracture surgery may be recommended when the fracture is significantly displaced, shortened, unstable, open, associated with skin pressure or unlikely to heal well without fixation. Surgery may also be considered for certain active patients where restoring alignment and shoulder function is particularly important. Your X-rays, symptoms and activity needs will be assessed individually.

Yes. Many collarbone fractures heal successfully without an operation using a sling, pain relief and gradual physiotherapy-led rehabilitation. However, some displaced or unstable fractures have a higher risk of poor alignment, delayed union or non-union. A specialist assessment can help determine whether non-operative treatment or clavicle fracture fixation is most suitable.

Clavicular fracture fixation is an operation to stabilise a broken collarbone. The bone fragments are carefully repositioned and held in alignment with a shaped metal plate and screws while the fracture heals. It is also known as clavicle plating or broken collarbone surgery.

A clavicle fracture is usually diagnosed through a clinical examination and X-rays. You may have pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness or a visible prominence around the collarbone after a fall, sporting injury or direct blow to the shoulder. Further imaging, such as a CT scan, may occasionally be required to clarify the fracture pattern and assist surgical planning.

Clavicle fracture surgery is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, sometimes with a nerve block for early pain relief. An incision is made over the fracture, the bone fragments are restored to a more normal position and a plate and screws are used to secure them. The wound is closed and the arm is placed in a sling.

The main alternative is non-operative care, usually involving a sling for comfort, pain management, monitoring with X-rays and a gradual return to movement and strengthening exercises. This is appropriate for many fractures. If a fracture heals poorly or remains painful, delayed surgery may occasionally be discussed, depending on the circumstances.

Early recovery takes several weeks, while bone healing commonly takes around six to 12 weeks. Movement, strength and confidence can continue improving for several months after clavicle fracture surgery. Recovery times vary according to the fracture pattern, your health, work demands, rehabilitation progress and whether there are any complications.

A sling is usually worn for comfort and protection during the early healing period after clavicle fixation. The exact duration varies depending on the fracture and your progress, so follow the advice given by your surgeon and physiotherapist. You may begin gentle exercises before the sling is fully discontinued, but only as instructed.

Return times depend on your recovery and the demands of your activities. Desk-based work may be possible earlier than manual work. You should only drive when you are no longer restricted by pain or a sling and can safely control the vehicle, including an emergency manoeuvre. Contact sport, heavy lifting and gym-based activity should wait until healing and shoulder strength are confirmed.

Potential risks include bleeding, infection, wound healing problems, scarring, stiffness, persistent pain, nerve or blood vessel injury, delayed union, non-union and loss of fixation. The plate may feel prominent or cause irritation from clothing, seatbelts or rucksacks; metalwork removal can sometimes be considered after the fracture has healed. Your individual risks will be discussed during consultation.