Broken Collarbone

A broken collarbone is a break in the clavicle, the bone in the upper chest that connects the breastbone to the shoulder blade. Such breaks are relatively common, especially in babies, adolescents, and athletes.

The clavicle can break a few different ways. Mostly fractures occur in the middle portion of the clavicle. The bone can just have a slight fracture, crack, or a bigger break that may also be in many pieces. If the pieces are far apart and out of place this is known as a displaced fracture.

 

Symptoms

• Pain

• Inability or trouble with moving of the arm

• Sagging of the shoulder

• When raising the arm there could be a grinding sensation

• Deformity or bump over the break

• Bruising 

• Swelling

• Tenderness over the collarbone

• “Piano Key” Sign

 

Causes

Most fractures occur when there is a fall onto the shoulder and or outstretched arm and that causes enough pressure on the bone to cause it to break. Can also occur with a direct blow to the shoulder or during a car collision. 

 

Risk Factors

• Falls on an outstretched hand

• Sports Injuries

• Direct hit to the shoulder

• Vehicle Trauma

 

Those at Risk Include:

• Babies

• Adolescents

• Athletes 

 

Diagnosis

Doctor will do a physical exam and also inquire of your symptoms and medical history. 

• X-rays

• CT Scan

 

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical

• Most fractures can be treated with the patient simply wearing a sling to keep the arm and shoulder from moving while the bone heals. A figure-8 brace may be used in some cases.

• Pain Medications

• Physical Therapy

 

Surgical

• For more complicated fractures surgery may be required to realign the collarbone.

• Broken Collarbone Surgery

 

Either treatment option usually takes several months to heal and start to return to normal activities usually within 3 months.