Collarbone (Clavicle) Fractures 

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The collarbone (clavicle) is one of the most commonly broken (fractured) bones.

One of the three main bones of the shoulder joint, the collarbone holds up the shoulder. Along with the shoulder blade (scapula) and acromioclavicular (AC) joint, it provides stability and strength to the shoulder. The collarbone also protects nerves and blood vessels from the neck to the shoulder.

Direct impact to the collarbone or to the outside of the shoulder are the most common causes of a broken collarbone. This often occurs when playing sports such as football, wrestling or ice hockey.

Young men 13 to 20 years old break their collarbone most often. Younger children also often break collarbones during play.

Symptoms of a broken collarbone include:

• Immediate pain after falling or being hit on the collarbone or in the shoulder area
• Inability to raise the affected arm because of pain
• A grinding feeling when trying to lift the affected arm

The affected shoulder does not always appear out of position, but if a deformity is present, it appears as a bump or swelling along the collarbone or at the AC joint. The bone rarely breaks through the skin, but it may push the skin out, causing it to have a tent-shaped look.

A broken collarbone is usually not a serious injury. In rare cases, the break can injure a lung or rib or pinch nerves or blood vessels. This may cause the affected arm to turn pale, tingle and feel cool or numb.

Your doctor can usually diagnose a broken collarbone by asking you questions and examining you. They will check:

• The affected area, looking for a lump or bump
• The muscle strength of your shoulder
• For damage to your nerves and blood vessels
• Blood flow, by taking your pulse and checking your skin color and temperature
• To see how well you can move your shoulder and other joints

Your doctor will also usually do an X-ray to pinpoint the location and severity of the break.

Many broken collarbones heal on their own. If you do not need surgery, you will use a sling to keep your arm and shoulder from moving while the bone heals. You will probably use the sling for at least three to four weeks. Sometimes, a figure-eight strap is used instead of a sling.

You can begin simple physical therapy exercises immediately and move on to strengthening exercises when they do not cause pain. Ask your doctor when it is safe to begin exercising. If you start too soon, the broken collarbone may not heal well. If you are active, do not play sports or other activities until you can move your shoulder easily and it feels strong.

To help relieve pain, try acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like naproxen. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Surgery may be recommended for severe collarbone breaks. When the ends of the broken bone are not lined up with each other (displaced), surgery is more likely. Many experts believe surgery is especially important in young, active people.

After surgery, you will use a sling for up to six weeks. Your doctor or physical therapist will teach you gentle exercises to keep your shoulder moving for about six weeks, until you can start exercises to get your strength back. Most people have returned to all their regular activities by three months after surgery.