Fractured clavicle or Broken Collarbone: Critical Information that You Need to Know when your Child is Injured.

Fractures and broken bones in children result from a variety of different accidents. A fractured clavicle, more commonly known as a broken collarbone, is the most common type of fracture in children. Such fractures occur in newborns because of a difficult delivery and nearly ½ of all clavicle fractures occur in children younger than 7 years of age.  Clavicle fractures commonly occur from a slip and fall, a car accident, or any twisting motion. For your child, a fractured clavicle can result in severe and chronic pain and will require immediate medical treatment. If your child has suffered a broken collarbone as a result of an accident or another person’s negligence, the attorneys at the law offices of Frank J. Dito, Jr. can help you.

What is the clavicle?

The clavicle, or collarbone, is an oblong bone over the top of your chest, between your breastbone (sternum) and shoulder blade (scapula) that connects your shoulder to your trunk.  It is easy to feel the clavicle, because unlike other bones which are covered with muscle, only skin covers a large part of the bone.

How do clavicle fractures occur?

Clavicle fractures can occur in different ways. Some children fall on an outstretched hand, others fall and hit the outside of their shoulder and trauma from car accidents. Broken collarbones can also occur from a direct hit to the clavicle.

What is the treatment for a fractured clavicle?

Treatment of clavicle fractures most commonly involves resting the affected extremity. There are several types of slings available; one commonly used is called a “figure-of-8” splint. This is a brace that wraps around the shoulders to keep them back, just like a soldier standing at attention.

It is very unusual for a clavicle fracture to require surgery, and most often treated with a sling. Surgery is required in some situations when either the skin is broken or if the fracture is severely displaced or shortened.

How long does it take to recover from a collarbone fracture?

Clavicle fractures should heal completely within 12 weeks, but the pain usually subsides within a few weeks. Often people are back to full activities before 12 weeks has passed, especially with children.

If your child has suffered a fractured clavicle or broken collarbone, make sure that they receive the appropriate medical care with an orthopedist; maintain a record of your child’s medical treatment; avoid speaking with any insurance adjusters before you speak to a personal injury attorney; and if your child has suffered a fractured clavicle or broken collarbone, you need the advice of an experienced Staten Island, New York personal injury attorney. Call Frank J. Dito, Jr., Esq., today at (718) 701-2776 for your free consultation.