Dr. Mark
My son broke his collarbone tonight, I didn't get to see the x-ray but it looks like the sternal end is over the other portion. They put a figure 8 brace on him. I've been reading that an arm sling is just as effective. Also they section where the straps tighten is at the base of his neck and is actually pulling his head forward. I asked the nurse and nurse practitioner about this and they assured me that it was on correctly. I'm a PTA but I deal with home health patients and we just don't see many shoulders other than the occasional rotator cuff repair. Are slings usually as effective as the figure 8? Also do you know where i could find a picture of a figure 8 brace in use?
                                                   Thanks Ed

sling is better.
figure of 8 has been proven useless.

Dr. Mark,  Thanks so much for the quick reply. He will be wearing a sling when he goes to our regular doctor today.  Thanks again.   Ed

when i had a broken collarbone i learned to pull my soulders back all the way "pinching" my scapulas together and hold that all the time . that felt better than any sling

Hi Dr Mark,

Is this still the case?  Figure 8 has really been proven useless??

13 y/o broken collerbone.  Currently in sling. Going to appt today to see if figure 8 is needed

Should I argue against it?

I hope you see this soon

Thanks,

The figurre of eight bandage has been proven to be useless.  This one is shortened, and I would repair it.  If I lived on a desert island, I would put it in a sling, and forego the figure of eight stupidity.