Clavicle Fracture Fixation Info Consent
Reviewed by Dr Kieran Hirpara, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Last reviewed
Why this operation has been suggested
Dr Kieran Hirpara, an upper-limb surgeon at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, matches the treatment to your specific injury. Patients are generally referred to our clinic by their GP; if a physiotherapist has suggested you see us, you will still need a referral from your GP in order to be eligible for the Medicare rebate. A clinic assessment establishes the diagnosis. For structural or acute problems, surgery may be recommended straight away.
Your surgeon may suggest fixation to restore stability when the bone is significantly displaced. This helps prevent nonunion, which occurs in 15% of displaced fractures treated without surgery, compared to 2% with fixation. The operation aims to deliver better early function and lower rates of malunion.
Before the operation
You will need X-rays to check the break’s position and size. Your surgeon may order blood tests or an anaesthetic review to ensure you are safe for surgery. Please fast for seven hours before your arrival. Stop taking blood-thinning medicines only after your surgeon gives specific instructions. Bring a list of all current medications. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove. You must arrange for someone to drive you home, as you cannot travel alone after the procedure.
On the day
You present to the hospital's surgical admissions unit, where you are checked in and prepared for theatre. You meet the anaesthetist to discuss your care. This operation is done under general anaesthetic. You will be fully asleep for the operation. Some patients may also have a regional nerve block for post-operative pain relief — the anaesthetist decides on the day based on your individual circumstances.
You are then taken into the operating theatre, where the operation is performed. You wake up in the recovery area, where nurses monitor you while the anaesthetic wears off. Once you are stable you either go to the ward or go home, depending on the procedure and your recovery.
What the operation involves
Your surgeon makes a single cut, about 8 to 10 cm long, over the front of your shoulder. This open approach gives direct access to the broken bone. You will be positioned in a semi-sitting position with a small pad behind your shoulder to keep the area clear for the surgeon.
Inside, your surgeon carefully frees the tissues from under the bone to protect the nerves. The broken pieces are aligned back into their normal position. Your surgeon then uses a pre-shaped metal plate and screws to hold the bone firmly in place. This plate is designed to fit the natural curve of your collarbone, which helps it sit smoothly under the skin. In some cases, your surgeon may use two plates for extra stability.
The cut is closed with stitches. A dressing is applied to protect the area. The procedure typically takes about one to two hours.
After the operation
You will wake up in the recovery ward with your arm supported in a sling. We manage your pain using standard medication to keep you comfortable. Your wound will be covered with a sterile dressing that stays in place for a few days. Most patients stay one night in hospital after this operation, though some are able to go home the same day. You must have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours to help with care. Do not drive while in a sling. You may only drive once your surgeon clears you, typically at the six-week review Driving after upper-limb surgery.
Recovery
In the first few days, you will likely feel soreness and swelling around your collarbone. This is normal. Your surgeon will provide pain relief to help you manage this discomfort. Keep your arm supported in the sling as directed. This position reduces strain on the healing bone and helps settle the swelling.
You will need to keep the sling on for most of the early recovery period. You can use your unaffected hand for light tasks, but avoid lifting anything heavy with the operated arm. Sleep may be difficult at first; propping yourself up with pillows often helps. Gentle movement of your fingers and wrist is usually encouraged to prevent stiffness, but follow your physiotherapist’s specific guidance on when to start shoulder exercises.
As the swelling goes down and the bone begins to knit, you will gradually increase your activity. You will not be able to drive while in a sling. Our policy requires no driving for at least six weeks after any shoulder operation, regardless of which arm was treated. You can typically resume driving once your surgeon clears you at the six-week review. For more details, see our guide on Driving after upper-limb surgery.
Return to work and sport depends on your job demands and healing progress. Your physiotherapist will guide you through rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and range of motion. Your timeline may differ from others; your surgeon and physio will guide you based on your individual healing.
What can go wrong
Most patients do well, but problems can occasionally happen. Your surgeon and the team monitor you closely to spot any issue early.
Infection You might notice the skin around the wound becoming red, warm, or swollen. There may be pus or unusual drainage coming from the cut. You could also develop a fever or feel generally unwell. If you see these signs, contact the clinic immediately. They may need to prescribe antibiotics or clean the wound.
Hardware Irritation The metal plate and screws sit just under your skin. Sometimes, this causes a visible bump or a feeling of pressure. You might feel sharp pain when you move your arm or lie on that side. The hardware can irritate the skin or muscles over time. If this happens, tell your surgeon at your next review. They can assess whether the hardware needs to be removed later.
Non-union (Bone Not Healing) Sometimes the broken bone ends do not knit back together. You may continue to feel pain or notice movement at the fracture site weeks after surgery. The area might remain tender to touch. If you suspect the bone is not healing, your surgeon will order an X-ray. They may suggest additional treatment, such as a bone graft, to help the bone fuse.
Malunion (Healing in Wrong Position) The bone may heal, but not in its original straight shape. You might see a noticeable bump or curve on your collarbone. In most cases, this is just a cosmetic change. However, if the bump causes skin irritation or looks very unsightly, you should mention it to your surgeon. They can discuss if any correction is needed.
Nerve or Vessel Injury Rarely, the surgery can affect nearby nerves or blood vessels. You might feel tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arm or hand. You could also notice unusual swelling or changes in skin colour. These symptoms need urgent attention. Go to the emergency department or call the clinic right away if you experience these signs.
The complications table on this page lists typical rates if you want the specifics.
When to call us
Call us if you have a fever, increasing redness or discharge from your wound, or sudden severe pain. Go to emergency if you notice calf swelling, shortness of breath, loss of sensation, or cannot move your limb. These signs need urgent assessment. We are here to help you stay safe during your recovery.
Where to read more
This page is about the operation itself. The condition it treats — including what the evidence shows about when surgery helps and when it does not — is covered in more detail on the Clavicle Fracture page.
Where to read more
This page is about the operation itself. The condition it treats — including what the evidence shows about when surgery helps and when it does not — is covered in more detail on the Clavicle Fracture page.
