Clavicle Fractures

Post-Surgical Recovery

Figure 14: Checking fracture and plate position after reduction with fluoroscopy

Figure 15: Wound closed

General Instructions for All of Dr Reznik's Clavicle Fracture Patients:

Sling: Patients are to wear the sling at all times for 3 weeks. Move fingers and wrist often. Expect some swelling and remove the hand from the sling several times a day to move the elbow, wrist and fingers. This will help keep the swelling down. It is recommended that patients wear the sling when going out for the first 6 weeks. This will help to alert others to avoid the affected arm during this healing period.  

Pain Control: Take medication as prescribed by Dr Reznik. Your first doses should be well before the Novocain wears off. Please call our office with any questions regarding your medication. Use an ice pack overnight the first night as needed and then for 20 minute periods throughout the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Then use as needed.  

Diet: You may resume a regular diet when you return home. Most patients start with tea or broth, adding crackers or toast, then a non-spicy sandwich. If you become nauseated, check to see if one of your medications is upsetting your stomach, since most narcotics can. If your stomach feels acidy, try Tums, Zantac or Pepcid AC to settle it, and drink some clear liquids.

Lungs: After surgery you are encouraged to deep breathe and cough frequently (at least 3-4 times per day). This will reduce mucus from building up in your lungs and will reduce the risk of developing a post-anesthetic pneumonia.  

Driving : Patients cannot drive until they are off all pain medications, completely out of the sling, can easily place hands at the 12:00 position on the steering wheel and can move hands freely from the 9:00 – 3:00 position.

Airline Flights: Patients may fly 2-3 weeks after surgery on short flights (up to 2-3 hours) but should, in general, wait 6 weeks for longer flights. You should get up and walk around frequently to avoid blood clots and take an aspirin (unless allergic).  

Returning to Work: P atients with a small tear and/or low demand work can usually return to work within 3 weeks. They will still have restrictions on lifting and overhead use. Patients with higher demand jobs or repetitive arm use need at least 6 weeks. Patients with heavy labor and overhead lifting can take at least 4-6 months to return to work.

Shower: You may shower after 48 hours, however you must keep the wound dry and the small white paper “steri-strips” in place for at least 10 days.

Physical Therapy: It is vital to your recovery of good shoulder function. Physical therapy is a graduated activity and exercise program that helps increase muscle strength and motion.

You will begin simple exercises the day of surgery. They should be done every day for the first week post-op to maintain blood flow and help prevent blood clots.

Your physical therapy will begin 3-4 days after surgery. The physical therapist will guide you in your shoulder rehabilitation program. It is very important for you to start therapy when recommended.

To avoid complications, post-operative follow up appointments with your physician are also required to monitor your progress.

Clavicle Fracture Recovery Plan:

Day 1: The Day of Surgery

Maintain dressing and add 4x4 bandages if needed for drainage through dressing. Use an ice pack for 20 minute periods throughout today. (Do not place ice directly on skin to avoid frostbite.) Keep pillow sling on at all times. Move fingers and wrist often. Expect some swelling, if you have any change in skin color or sensation in arm, notify our office.

Most patients find that sleeping in a semi-upright position is more comfortable for the first few weeks after shoulder surgery. Begin Hand Squeezing and Wrist range of motion exercises tonight . (See exercise list) The arm sling must remain on at all other times, including bedtime.

Day 2: The Day after Surgery

Same as Day 1

Day 3 (usually about 48 hours after surgery):

Continue same activities, including using ice for 20 minute periods as needed. You should remove your dressing. You may remove the sling to shower today, supporting the affected arm with the opposite hand. You may wash the skin around the incisions. When washing the under arm, do not use a large amount of soap. It may dry out the skin and cause a rash. After a short shower, dry the shoulder well and place Band-aids over the incisions. You may begin the elbow range of motion exercise today. Physical therapy will start today unless otherwise directed by Dr Reznik. Add Biceps Curls to your home exercise program.

Days 7-10:

Change band-aids daily or as needed. Maintain sling use. Continue exercises, adding Wall Walking and Pendulum exercises.  

The First Post-op Visit:

Usually 7-10 days after surgery: Your sutures will be removed at this visit. Further instructions will be given to your rehabilitation and recovery. You may increase your biceps curls by adding light weight, only if comfortable.

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