Is it better to undergo surgery or conservative treatment for a clavicle fracture? How long does it take for a clavicle fracture to be pain-free after conservative treatment?

1 Is surgery or conservative treatment better for a clavicle fracture?

Whether a clavicle fracture requires surgery or conservative treatment depends on the displacement of the clavicle fracture.

Generally speaking, clavicle fractures can heal well after conservative treatment, but they require long-term immobilization. Some patients cannot bear the pain of long-term immobilization. If they choose surgery, surgery can also be very effective. It solves the problem well and is conducive to early functional exercise for patients.

So whether surgery or conservative treatment is better? One depends on the clavicle fracture displacement and whether there are indications for surgery. The other depends on whether the patient prefers surgery or conservative treatment. 2. How long does it take for conservative treatment of a clavicle fracture to be pain-free?

For conservative treatment of double-bone fractures, the duration of conservative treatment is determined based on age.

Generally speaking, greenstick fractures in teenagers and young adults can heal in about three weeks with a figure-eight bandage or shoulder joint suspension.

If the clavicle is fractured in young adults or the elderly, the fixation time may be longer, about four to six weeks, so that a stable skeleton can be formed without causing malunion. 3. Is surgery necessary for clavicle fracture?

Clavicle fracture does not necessarily require surgery. If the clavicle fracture occurs in teenagers or young children, due to the thick periosteum of the clavicle, the fracture is only a greenstick fracture. Through figure-of-eight bandage or suspension reduction and fixation, the fracture can heal, and during the healing process, the clavicle also has its own shaping effect, so it should be said that there is not a big problem. However, if the clavicle is severely displaced and cannot withstand the pain of manual reduction and suspension, sometimes it will be displaced again after manual reduction, or it may be combined with vascular and nerve damage, then surgery is still needed. of. 4. How long should you stay in bed for a clavicle fracture?

Generally, there is no need to stay in bed for a clavicle fracture. Because the movement of the upper limbs is immobilized, but the movement of the lower limbs can be normal and self-help, it is generally OK. No need to stay in bed.

Regardless of the treatment method, during the treatment process, after the clavicle is fixed, the upper limb muscles should actively participate in activities to avoid joint stiffness and postoperative muscle atrophy. Therefore, after the treatment of clavicle fracture, it is best to get out of bed and walk appropriately, without lying in bed.