Broken Collarbone Surgery Recovery

Overview

A broken collarbone (clavicle) is often fixed with a plate and screws when the break is displaced or unstable. The surgery holds the bone in good position while it heals over the following weeks. The collarbone is a forgiving bone that heals reliably for most people, and recovery centers on comfort, early gentle motion, and protecting the repair until the bone is solid.

The first couple of weeks

A sling is worn early, mostly for comfort, and gentle motion typically starts soon. Soreness, swelling, and bruising are expected. Lifting is kept light while the collarbone begins to heal, since loading the arm too soon can shift the fracture or stress the plate. A bump over the plate and some numbness in the skin below the incision are common and usually settle with time.

Motion returns

The sling usually comes off around two weeks, and shoulder motion returns. Light, non-impact activity such as a stationary bike is often added as your surgeon allows. Many people are pleasantly surprised how quickly motion comes back once the sling is off. Soreness with overhead reaching is normal at this stage.

Strengthening and bone healing

Strengthening typically begins around eight weeks, and overhead activity returns as the bone heals. Most collarbones heal over roughly six to twelve weeks, and most people are back to their regular activities by about three months. Contact sports and heavy impact generally wait until around twelve weeks, once healing is confirmed.

The plate, longer term

The plate is usually left in place permanently and causes no problems. When it stays noticeable or bothersome, removal is sometimes an option to discuss with your surgeon — typically well after the bone has healed, with a short period of protected activity afterward because of a small re-fracture risk. Any difficulty breathing, spreading redness or drainage, or fever is worth contacting your surgeon about.