Broken Clavicle Bone (Collarbone Fracture)
What is a broken collar bone, and how is it treated?
Topic at a Glance
- A clavicle fracture (broken collarbone) is a common injury that often occurs after a direct blow to the shoulder or a fall on an outstretched arm.
- Symptoms may include pain, swelling, visible deformity, limited arm movement, and difficulty lifting the affected arm, which can interfere with normal and physical activities.
- Most clavicle fractures heal with non-surgical treatment, such as immobilizing the shoulder and medication for pain relief. Displaced clavicle fractures may require surgery with metal plates to stabilize the broken ends of the bone.
- Recovery usually takes several weeks, and patients may benefit from physical therapy with a physical therapist to restore arm movement, support the healing process, and prevent stiffness in the shoulder joint.
A clavicle fracture, also known as a broken clavicle, is an injury to the collarbone that affects people of all ages. Clavicle fractures are fairly common and account for between 2% and 5% of all fractures.
If you have had a recent injury in the shoulder area and/or are experiencing pain in your clavicle, then schedule a consultation with one of our shoulder specialists at OrthoNeuro to get an accurate diagnosis. Our board-certified orthopedic and sports medicine specialists in Columbus, OH, have helped thousands of patients with clavicle fractures return to an active and healthy lifestyle.
What is a Broken Clavicle?
A broken clavicle (or collarbone) is a type of fracture in which the bone breaks into two or more sections. It may appear as a crack or as separated bone fragments.
The collarbone is one of the most important bones in the body. It connects the arm to the torso and helps provide stability to the shoulder joint. The clavicle plays an important role in activities like lifting objects overhead, throwing a ball, or swinging a bat.
Causes of a Broken Collarbone
A broken collarbone is a common injury that can occur when direct trauma or force is applied to the shoulder area. Many clavicle fractures occur near the middle of the bone and are usually caused by a fall onto an outstretched arm or impact from contact sports.
It’s also possible for a fracture to occur near where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade (acromial end) or where it connects with the breastbone (sternal end). In some cases, repetitive activities such as heavy lifting may lead to stress fractures in the collarbone, which can cause pain over time as opposed to sudden trauma. Other causes of a broken collarbone include road traffic accidents, other high-impact collisions, sports injuries, and birth trauma.
What Are the Different Types of Collarbone Fractures?
There are four primary types of collarbone fractures: stable, comminuted, displaced, and distal clavicle fractures.
- Stable collarbone fractures occur when the broken ends of the bone line up correctly and no displacement has occurred. This type of fracture is relatively easy to treat with non-surgical techniques like immobilization using a sling or splint.
- A comminuted fracture is when the collarbone breaks into multiple pieces. This type of fracture requires a more complex healing process and can take longer than other types of collarbone fractures to heal completely.
- A displaced fracture is when the broken pieces of the bone move very far apart from each other, making it difficult for them to align correctly during the healing process. Depending on the severity, surgery may be required to realign the bones.
- Distal clavicle fractures, also known as AC joint separations, occur near where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. This type of fracture is often caused by a direct impact on the shoulder and requires treatment for the bone to heal properly.
Symptoms of a Broken Collarbone
The primary symptom of a broken collarbone is pain at the fracture site. It may feel like a sharp, stabbing sensation that worsens when lifting your arm or pushing on the fracture site.
Other symptoms of a broken collarbone include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Shoulder pain
- A bump or lump on the collarbone
- Tenderness around the fracture site
- Difficulty moving the affected arm
- Limited range of motion
- A grinding feeling when trying to move the arm
In severe cases of fracture, it is possible for the broken bone to protrude from under the skin. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately, as prompt treatment can help reduce complications and speed up recovery.
How Are Broken Collarbones Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a broken collarbone usually begins with a physical examination. Your doctor will likely inspect your shoulder area for any tenderness, swelling, deformity, or limitation in motion. They may also ask you to move your arm in certain directions to assess the extent of your pain and range of motion.
Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to determine the specific location and severity of the break. Additionally, an MRI is sometimes used to look at the soft tissues around your collarbone.
What Are the Treatment Methods for Broken Clavicle Fractures?
The most common treatment for broken clavicle fractures is to keep the fracture immobilized with a sling and swathe dressing. This will help protect the fracture while it heals, allowing it to recover more quickly and properly.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you wear a brace or cast instead of a sling to provide additional support and stability.
In severe cases or if the fracture is not healing properly, surgery may be necessary. During this procedure, your surgeon will insert metal plates or screws into the fracture to hold the bones in place until they heal.
Surgery is often recommended for displaced fractures (where the bone pieces have moved out of alignment), as it can help put them back in their proper position so they can heal correctly. No matter what treatment option you choose, the healing process for a broken clavicle fracture can take several weeks to complete.
Your doctor will likely recommend limiting your physical activity until your fracture heals fully and practicing good fracture care at home (such as avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities). With proper care and treatment, most fractures will eventually heal on their own.
Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Shoulder Surgeon Today!
If you have been experiencing symptoms of a clavicle fracture, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified orthopedic specialists at one of our many convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus. We will evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine which treatment is best for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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Related Services
- Shoulder Pain
- Shoulder Fracture
- Shoulder Arthritis
- Shoulder Tendonitis
- Shoulder Instability
- Shoulder Bursitis
- Clicking in Shoulder
- Bankart Lesion
- Shoulder Tendinopathy
- Shoulder Dislocation
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Biceps Tendon Tear
- Brachial Neuritis
- SLAP Tear
- AC Joint Injury
- Acromion Pain
- Broken Clavicle (Collar Bone)
- Frozen Shoulder Syndrome
- Shoulder Impingement
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Total Shoulder Replacement
- Reverse Shoulder Replacement
FAQs About Fractured Collarbones
What are the most common symptoms of a fractured clavicle?
The most common symptoms of a fractured clavicle include intense pain at the fracture site, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected arm. Some people may also notice a visible deformity, a lump along the collarbone, or reduced arm movement. In more severe injuries, the bone may break into fragments, making movement more painful.
How long does it take for clavicle fractures to heal?
Most broken collarbones heal within several weeks, although the exact healing time depends on the severity of the injury and whether the fracture is displaced. Bone healing may take longer for complex injuries or fractures involving multiple bone fragments.
When is surgery recommended for a clavicle fracture (broken collarbone)?
Doctors may recommend surgery when there is a displaced clavicle fracture, when the broken ends of the bone are far apart, or when the bone has broken into several pieces. In these cases, surgeons may use metal plates or screws to stabilize the bone as the clavicle heals.
What treatments are used for a broken collarbone?
Many patients recover with conservative treatment, which may include a shoulder immobilizer, pain medication, and over-the-counter pain relievers for pain management. After the bone begins to heal, physical therapy with a physical therapist can help restore strength and flexibility while helping prevent stiffness in the shoulder.
Shoulder Specialists
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