Fracture Care · Shoulder & arm
Clavicle fracture
Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone) — Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
The condition
The clavicle (collarbone) connects your arm to your body. A clavicle fracture is a break in this bone, often from a fall onto the shoulder or a hard hit. When the break is badly shifted, shortened, or in several pieces, it may heal slowly, out of place, or not at all, causing pain, weakness, and shoulder fatigue.
The surgery
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a typically outpatient surgery done through an incision over the collarbone. The broken pieces are put back in place and held with a metal plate and screws. Depending on the fracture, your surgeon may add a second small plate or a strong suture device to support nearby ligaments. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Sling
- Worn for comfort; typically weaned by about 2 weeks (about 4–6 weeks if a ligament-support device is used). Gentle motion starts right away.
- Daily life
- Desk work and light daily tasks within about 1–2 weeks; lifting about 1–2 lb at first, then about 5 lb until 6 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Bone healing
- Healing is typically confirmed on X-ray around 6 weeks; strengthening and heavier lifting then progress gradually.
- Activity
- Full activity, including contact sports, typically around 3 months, after strength testing and surgeon clearance.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Restoring the collarbone's length and alignment gives you the best chance of reliable healing and full shoulder function. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, delayed or failed bone healing, hardware irritation that may require removal, numbness of the skin below the incision (common and usually improves), injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or the lung), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
Open, save or print. Bring your questions to your pre-op visit.
Before & after every surgery