Fractured Clavicle Fixation

What is Clavicle Fixation Surgery?

The clavicle, commonly known as the collarbone, is a long bone that runs from the base of the neck to the tip of the shoulder. It forms the only bony connection between the arm and the chest while protecting important nerves and blood vessels that run underneath it.

The clavicle connects to:

• The sternum (breastbone) at the sternoclavicular joint
• The acromion of the shoulder blade at the acromioclavicular (AC) joint

A clavicle fracture occurs when this bone breaks, often after a fall or direct impact to the shoulder.

In many cases, clavicle fractures can heal with conservative treatment such as:

• Sling immobilisation
• Rest and activity modification
• Physiotherapy rehabilitation

However, surgery may be required when:

• The fracture is severely displaced
• The bone fails to heal (non-union)
• The bone heals in poor alignment (mal-union)
• Multiple fracture fragments are present

The most common surgical procedure is Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF). During this procedure, the surgeon realigns the broken bone and stabilises it using a metal plate and screws to promote proper healing and restore shoulder stability.

How Does a Clavicle Fracture Happen?

Clavicle fractures usually occur due to sudden trauma or strong impact to the shoulder.

Common causes include:

• Falling onto the shoulder or outstretched arm
• Sports injuries (cycling, football, rugby, skiing)
• Road traffic accidents
• Direct blows to the shoulder
• High-impact falls

Clavicle fractures are typically classified based on the location of the break:

• Middle third (shaft fractures) – most common
• Lateral third fractures – near the shoulder joint
• Medial third fractures – near the sternum

The severity of the fracture determines whether surgery is required.

What Are the Symptoms After Clavicle Fixation Surgery?

After clavicle fixation surgery, some symptoms are expected as part of the healing process.

Common post-operative symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness around the surgical site
• Swelling and bruising in the shoulder or upper chest
• Reduced shoulder movement due to stiffness
• Scar sensitivity around the incision area
• Weakness in the shoulder muscles
• Numbness or tingling near the incision due to nerve irritation
• Fatigue or heaviness when lifting the arm

These symptoms typically improve gradually as healing progresses and rehabilitation begins.

What Should I Do After Clavicle Fixation Surgery?

Following surgery, proper care is essential to support healing.

Patients are usually advised to:

• Wear a protective sling to support the arm
• Avoid lifting or heavy shoulder movements
• Follow the surgeon’s post-operative guidelines
• Attend follow-up medical appointments
• Begin physiotherapy when medically recommended

Early physiotherapy guidance helps prevent stiffness and promotes safe recovery.

Physiotherapy Treatment After Clavicle Fixation Surgery

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in restoring shoulder mobility, strength, and stability following clavicle fixation.

At ACE Physio Sports in Singapore, rehabilitation programmes are personalised based on the stage of healing and individual recovery goals.

Weeks 1–3: Early Recovery Phase

The focus during this phase is pain management and gentle movement.

Treatment may include:

• Pendulum shoulder exercises
• Gentle scapular stability exercises
• Passive and assisted shoulder movements below shoulder height
• Cryotherapy (ice therapy) for pain control
• Soft tissue release techniques
• Elbow, wrist, and hand mobility exercises
• Sling education and gradual reduction of sling use
• Home care advice for safe recovery

Weeks 4–6: Mobilisation and Early Strengthening

During this stage, the focus shifts to improving shoulder movement and beginning light strengthening.

Physiotherapy may include:

• Passive and assisted movements above shoulder height
• Active movements below shoulder level
• Scapular control and stability training
• Isometric strengthening exercises for:
• Rotator cuff muscles
• Biceps
• Deltoid
• Gentle stretching exercises
• Proprioception training to improve shoulder control
• Soft tissue massage

Weeks 7–12: Functional Rehabilitation

By this stage, most patients regain improved strength and mobility.

Rehabilitation may include:

• Full range-of-motion shoulder exercises
• Rotator cuff strengthening at different angles
• Advanced scapular stability training
• Progressive resistance strengthening
• Functional movement training
• Sport-specific or work-related exercises
• Endurance training

Weeks 12+: Advanced Rehabilitation and Return to Activity

The final stage focuses on restoring full shoulder performance and long-term joint health.

Physiotherapy may include:

• Full shoulder mobility training
• Advanced strengthening exercises
• Complex stability and proprioception training
• Functional retraining for work or sport
• Long-term shoulder conditioning programmes
• Personalised home exercise programmes

What Should I Avoid After Clavicle Fixation Surgery?

To prevent complications during recovery, patients should avoid:

• Lifting heavy objects in the early stages
• Sudden or uncontrolled shoulder movements
• Returning to sports too early
• Ignoring persistent pain or swelling
• Removing the sling without medical guidance

Following physiotherapy advice and rehabilitation exercises is essential for safe recovery.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Most patients recover well after clavicle fixation surgery, especially with proper physiotherapy.

However, possible long-term complications may include:

• Shoulder stiffness
• Muscle weakness
• Persistent discomfort near the surgical site
• Hardware irritation from plates or screws
• Reduced shoulder mobility
• Rarely, delayed bone healing

A structured physiotherapy programme significantly improves recovery and reduces the risk of long-term complications.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, our physiotherapists specialise in post-surgical rehabilitation, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

Our clinic offers:

• Experienced physiotherapists with orthopaedic expertise
• Personalised rehabilitation programmes
• Evidence-based physiotherapy treatments
• Structured recovery plans for post-surgical shoulder injuries

Conveniently located near East Coast Road, we treat patients from Marine Parade, Katong, Joo Chiat, Siglap, and Bedok.

Book an Appointment

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.