Like everyone else, you have two collarbones that extend from the center of your chest to each of your shoulders. The external location of your collarbones makes them exceedingly vulnerable to breaks during car crashes, slip-and-fall accidents and even animal attacks.
Because collarbone breaks are common injuries, doctors usually know how to treat them. Furthermore, a broken collarbone even might heal on its own with little or no medical intervention. Still, if you develop complications, your broken collarbone may become a life-threatening condition.
Your recovery
In most cases, individuals recover completely from collarbone breaks. For adults, recovery time usually ranges from 10 to 12 weeks. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, though, your recovery potential likely depends on many factors, including your age and overall health. The location and severity of the fracture also might affect your prognosis.
Possible complications
Like with any broken bone, a fractured collarbone should send you to the emergency room for x-rays and a comprehensive treatment plan. If you decide not to seek medical assistance, you might be at risk for complications. These include the following:
- Internal bleeding
- A permanent lump or bulge on your collarbone
- Incomplete or slow healing
- Osteoarthritis
Financial compensation
No one wants to have a lifetime of complications following a seemingly minor injury. Still, visiting the emergency room can be expensive, especially if you do not have good health insurance. You should not let the cost of seeking treatment prevent you from obtaining the care you deserve, though.
Ultimately, if someone else caused or contributed to your broken collarbone, you might have legal grounds to pursue substantial financial compensation.