Final answer:
A clavicular fracture may form a callus within a week and natural healing often suffices without the need for immediate surgery. A figure-of-8 splint or arm sling can be used for support, depending on the fracture specifics. The fracture usually heals within two months through the body's own repair processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with a clavicular fracture, the body is capable of initiating natural healing processes. A callus will typically form within a week after the fracture occurs, signaling the beginning of bone repair. Treatment options can vary depending on the severity and type of the fracture; however, immediate surgery is not always required. For support and to aid the healing process, a figure-of-8 splint may be used, but in many cases, no further treatment is needed if the fracture is simple and well-aligned. The body will undergo a process where the fibrocartilaginous callus converts to a bony callus of spongy bone, eventually leading to the firm joining of the broken bone ends, typically within two months after the fracture.
Immobilization of the arm in a sling is another option that can help to decrease the movement of the broken fragments and promote healing. However, even with immobilization, the natural healing process, including the formation of a bony callus, is essential for the fracture to heal properly. Whether to use a splint, immobilize the arm, or refer for physical therapy should be based on the individual characteristics of the fracture and the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider.