Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)
A break in the collarbone
Quick Facts
- Type: Bone fracture (orthopedic injury)
- Location: The clavicle (collarbone)
- Common cause: Fall onto the shoulder or outstretched arm
- Usual treatment: Sling and rest; surgery in some cases
Overview
The clavicle, or collarbone, is the long, slightly curved bone that connects the breastbone to the shoulder blade. It sits just under the skin, which makes it easy to feel and relatively exposed to injury. A clavicle fracture is a break in this bone and is one of the most common fractures, especially in active children, teenagers, and adults who play contact sports.
Most clavicle fractures occur in the middle third of the bone. The great majority heal well with simple supportive treatment, although some breaks that are badly displaced or shattered may need surgery to align the bone and speed recovery.
Symptoms
A broken collarbone usually causes immediate and noticeable symptoms:
- Sharp pain over the collarbone that worsens with arm or shoulder movement
- Swelling, tenderness, and bruising along the bone
- A bump or deformity where the bone has shifted
- A grinding or popping sensation when trying to move the arm
- Holding the arm close to the body and supporting it with the other hand
- Drooping of the shoulder downward and forward
Numbness, tingling, or coldness in the arm or hand is uncommon and should be evaluated urgently, as it may indicate injury to nearby nerves or blood vessels.
Causes
Clavicle fractures result from a direct force or a fall that transmits force to the collarbone:
- Falls onto the shoulder: The most common cause, including sports falls and tumbles.
- Falls onto an outstretched hand: Force travels up the arm to the collarbone.
- Direct blows: Such as a hit during contact sports or a vehicle collision.
- Birth injury: The collarbone can break during difficult deliveries in newborns and usually heals quickly.
Risk Factors
- Participation in contact or high-speed sports such as football, cycling, and skiing
- Young age, as the collarbone is still developing
- Older age with weaker bones (osteoporosis)
- Activities with a high risk of falling
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually straightforward:
- Physical examination: Checking for tenderness, deformity, and a possible bump, and assessing the nerves, pulse, and circulation in the arm.
- X-rays: Confirm the fracture and show its exact location and how far the pieces are displaced.
- CT scan: Occasionally used for complex or shattered fractures to plan surgery.
Treatment
Most clavicle fractures heal without surgery:
- Arm support: A simple sling holds the arm and shoulder still while the bone knits.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain medicines and ice in the early days.
- Gradual movement and physical therapy: Gentle exercises begin as healing progresses to restore motion and strength.
- Surgery: Plates and screws or a rod may be used when the bone is badly displaced, broken into several pieces, has pierced the skin, or fails to heal.
Healing typically takes several weeks in children and longer in adults, with a gradual return to full activity.
Prevention
- Wear appropriate protective gear during contact sports and cycling
- Learn safe falling and landing techniques where possible
- Keep bones strong with adequate calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise
- Reduce fall hazards at home, especially for older adults
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor promptly after an injury if you have pain, swelling, or a visible bump over the collarbone, or cannot move the arm normally. Seek emergency care if:
- The bone has broken through the skin
- You have numbness, tingling, or coldness in the arm or hand
- You have severe difficulty breathing after a chest injury
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a broken collarbone take to heal?
Children often heal in about three to six weeks, while adults usually take six to twelve weeks. Full return to sports and heavy activity may take a bit longer, guided by pain and X-ray healing.
Does a clavicle fracture need surgery?
Most do not. A sling, pain control, and gradual rehabilitation are enough for the majority. Surgery is considered when the bone is badly displaced or shattered, pierces the skin, or does not heal on its own.
Will I have a bump after my collarbone heals?
A small bump where new bone forms is common and often permanent, but it usually does not cause problems. It tends to become less noticeable over time.
When is a broken collarbone an emergency?
Seek emergency care if the bone has broken through the skin, if you have numbness, tingling, or coldness in the arm or hand, or if you have trouble breathing after the injury. These can indicate damage to skin, nerves, or vessels.
Can I move my arm with a clavicle fracture?
You should rest the arm in a sling at first and avoid lifting or reaching, which is painful and can disturb healing. Gentle, guided movement is introduced gradually as the bone knits to prevent stiffness.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone).
- Mayo Clinic. Broken collarbone.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Clavicle fracture.