Treatment
Restricting the movement of any broken bone is critical to the healing process. To immobilize a broken collarbone, you will most likely require a sling.
How long immobilization is needed varies depending on the severity of the injury. Bone union typically takes three to six weeks in children and six to 12 weeks in adults. A newborn’s collarbone that breaks during delivery usually heals with only pain control and careful handling of the baby.
To reduce any pain or inflammation, your doctor may suggest an over-the-counter pain reliever. If you have severe pain, you might need a prescription medication for a few days.
Surgery
Surgery might be needed if the fractured collarbone has broken through the skin, is severely displaced or is in multiple pieces. Broken collarbone surgery often includes placing fixation devices such as plates, screws or rods, to maintain proper position of the bone during healing. Surgical complications, can include infection and lack of bone healing.