How long will it take a fracture to heal and work properly?

Question

Hi doctor,

Three months ago, I fractured my left clavicle. The bones were displaced and the doctors advised to heal it conservatively. They used a sling and the figure of 8 braces for six weeks for the same. No retraction for alignment or surgery was performed. It has been three months and still, I have slight pain in the joint. There is an obvious bump. In X-rays, it still looks like a fractured bone with no joint in between. It pains to lift the hand sideways and while lifting weights. I am a pilot. I need this fracture to heal perfectly and the full functioning of the shoulder also has to be restored to start flying. How long will it take?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Conservative management of clavicle fracture followed by rehabilitation for complete shoulder movements may take up to three months of time under normal circumstances. Bump during fracture healing is a normal phenomenon and it is due to callus formation. It resolves as the bone remodels itself over the years. For a proper assessment of your case, I would like to see your X-rays both post-injury and after conservative management.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have seen the images posted along with your query (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It appears that the fracture might land up nonunion and will require operative intervention. The only thing that ensures the union will take place is a clinical examination. If there is no mobility at the fracture site, then the fracture will unite. If the fracture ends are still mobile, then it will lead to nonunion. You need to visit your local orthopedic doctor and get a physical evaluation regarding the same.

Thank you.