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Are Bruising And Swelling In The Collarbone Signs Of A Fracture After Injury?

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Posted on Wed, 23 May 2018
Question: I fell and injured my collarbone, it’s bruised and swollen but I can still move my arm. I’m not sure if it’s broken or a torn ligament possibly, any advice?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (59 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
rest, ice, pain medication, sling, physiotherapy

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Even if it is a fracture, most fractured collarbones/clavicle heal without surgery though it would still be important to have imaging ( x ray) done if the pain is very severe.
Some types of fracture would require surgical repair, this is why an xray would be needed.

Treatment of most fraactured collar bone/clavicle involves--(1)a simple sling
(2) pain medication such as naproxen, ibuprofen, cataflam or voltaren
(3)rest of the injured area
(4)may need physiotherapy as well

AS mentioned, in some cases, if a fracture is present, surgery may be needed

It is possible that there is no fracture and only soft tissue injury, in that case- the sling, pain meds, rest and physio would still apply.
Surgery would not be needed for soft tissue injury.

You can continue to ice the area

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (18 minutes later)
Thanks, There is some slight popping when I move it too much and muscle soreness but the swelling has gone down since the initial injury 3 days ago and I do have more mobility in my shoulder than I did at first. I am wondering if it’s ok for me to continue working as a barista with light duty or should I be in a sling continuously until it’s completely healed?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
if minimal activity

Detailed Answer:
HI

Since there has been improvement with the swelling and mobility then you can do very light duty. It would have to be minimal.

Please feel free to ask anything else
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Are Bruising And Swelling In The Collarbone Signs Of A Fracture After Injury?

Brief Answer: rest, ice, pain medication, sling, physiotherapy Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Even if it is a fracture, most fractured collarbones/clavicle heal without surgery though it would still be important to have imaging ( x ray) done if the pain is very severe. Some types of fracture would require surgical repair, this is why an xray would be needed. Treatment of most fraactured collar bone/clavicle involves--(1)a simple sling (2) pain medication such as naproxen, ibuprofen, cataflam or voltaren (3)rest of the injured area (4)may need physiotherapy as well AS mentioned, in some cases, if a fracture is present, surgery may be needed It is possible that there is no fracture and only soft tissue injury, in that case- the sling, pain meds, rest and physio would still apply. Surgery would not be needed for soft tissue injury. You can continue to ice the area I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions