What is the proper first aid protocol for a clavicle fracture?
Use ice for pain and swelling. Put an icepack, cold gel pack, or bag of frozen vegetables over the collarbone for 20–30 minutes every 2–3 hours. Be sure to put a towel between the ice/cold pack and your skin. Use the sling or shoulder immobilizer as directed by your health care provider.
What is ORIF clavicle?
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken collarbone (clavicle). The clavicle is a long thin bone located between your ribcage and the shoulder blade.
How long do I have to wear a sling after clavicle surgery?
A sling is worn for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery for comfort and to help patients avoid movements that may impede healing. After surgery there are some movement restrictions—particularly for weight-bearing activities—but patients will be encouraged to continue to move the elbow, wrist and hand to prevent stiffness.
What can you do after clavicle surgery?
You should be careful to keep the wound clean and dry for the first 48 hours after surgery. Beginning on the third day after surgery it is OK to shower directly over your Steri- Strips (they won’t come off). It is also OK to use soap on your shoulder and over the Steri- Strips. This shower should be quick.
Is ORIF major surgery?
“Internal fixation” means the bones are held together with hardware like metal pins, plates, rods, or screws. After the bone heals, this hardware isn’t removed. Generally, ORIF is an urgent surgery.
How do you sleep after clavicle surgery?
Here are some tips for sleeping after shoulder surgery.
- Sleep on an Incline. Do not sleep flat on your back.
- Wear your sling. Wearing your sling during the day helps keep your arm in the proper position but also provides protection.
- Use a pillow prop.
- Time your medications.
- Ice before bed.
How long does Orif clavicle surgery take?
The surgery usually takes between 45-90 min. Usually, this operation is done as daycare surgery, where you go home the same day as the surgery. What to expect during healing of a Clavicle Fracture: While the bone heals usually within 2-3 months, recovery takes much longer.
Is Orif major surgery?
What is the difference between the left and right clavicle?
• Right clavicle extends from manubrium of the sternum to acromion of right scapula, whereas left clavicle extends from manubrium of the sternum to acromion of left scapula. • Right clavicle is usually shorter and stronger than left clavicle.
What is the recovery time for clavicle surgery?
– Remove the arm sling and stand beside a table. – Lean forward and rest the hand of the non-affected arm on the table. – Allow the affected arm to straighten and dangle freely. – Gently swing the affected arm forward, backward, and in a circle for 2 to 3 minutes.
How to relieve pain from clavicle fracture?
Pain medication: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce collarbone pain and discomfort. Ice or heat: A heat pack, ice-pack or cool washcloth can help with the discomfort associated with minor trauma or overuse injury.
Can you live without clavicle?
Can you live without a clavicle? Despite its location, the clavicles are not indispensable to protect these organs, even though they do contribute to this role. Some people don’t develop collarbones; they can be born without them, have defective ones, or grow them at an older age.