How long in the hospital for a fractured collarbone & rib?

Question

If you got hairline fractures in your collarbone and one rib, would you be able to sleep at your house the same night after getting treatment, or would you have to stay in the hospital for a night?

Also, what kind of treatment would be given? Would you just have bandages wrapped around your ribs/shoulders, or would you have to have some kind of body cast? (I assume painkillers would be given?)

(am writing a story, in case you couldn't tell...)

If you got hairline fractures in your collarbone and one rib, would you be able to sleep at your house the same night after getting treatment, or would you have to stay in the hospital for a night?

Also, what kind of treatment would be given? Would you just have bandages wrapped around your ribs/shoulders, or would you have to have some kind of body cast? (I assume painkillers would be given?)

(am writing a story, in case you couldn't tell...)

Edit: Thanks a LOT for the awesome and speedy answers, guys! <3

Answer 1

Nope, no body cast.

When you break your collar bone (clavical) all the way through, which is how it breaks in adults usually, they put this funny looking device around BOTH shoulders on your back (I always am reminded of a figure 8 laying on it's side, or the symbol for INFINITE). You could break it also, and just have it non-displaced, meaning, it didn't move out of place when it broke, or it is back in place when they Xrayed it.

Broken ribs, they just let them be (I know that from having several.) Taping them, they don't usually do anymore, as it keeps people from taking a deep enough breath. They are usually told to take it easy, and cushion the area with a pillow or blanket if they have to to help with breathing. Hairline fractures HERE are not uncommon.

Also, both of them get painkillers....they are both painful.

And, neither grant you an overnight stay on just those injuries. If they were worried about a concussion too....then perhaps.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

unless they feared some sort of internal damage or brain trauma you'd be home that same night and on pain killers for a hairline fracture. heck most people I know probably wouldn't even go to the doctor for that (assuming they were sure that was what was wrong).. they'd just take some Advil and tough it out.

Answer 3

you would be able to go home the same day. you will have to get x-rays to determine that it is broken. then you will have to wear a sling for your collarbone. there is not really anything you can do for broken ribs except to take pain meds and ice it. the bones will heal on their own and it usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks depending on your body.

Answer 4

probably go home after xrays and diagnosis, depends on visible bruising and/or other injuries. treatment would most likely be no physical activity, lifting, etc. the docs may not even tape or body cast. bedrest and icepacks(10-15 min intervals as needed to decrease swelling or bruising) for 24 -48 hours. pain killers may not be needed. acetominophine only..(such as tylenol)(aspirin may cause bleeding)

Answer 5

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