What Is a Fractured Clavicle?
Your clavicle, or collarbone, is the long, thin bone that connects your chest to your shoulder. You have one on each side of your body. These bones help hold up your shoulders and allow you to move your arms.
A fractured clavicle is a broken collarbone. Even though it may sound serious, most people heal well with rest and care. Sometimes, you may need surgery to help the bone heal the right way.
What Causes a Clavicle Fracture?
A broken collarbone is a common injury, especially from falls, sports, bike accidents, or other accidents that put sudden force on the shoulder. Older adults may break their clavicle bone more easily because their bones can be weaker.
Newborn Clavicle Fracture
Babies’ collarbones can break during birth. This is called a newborn clavicle fracture. These breaks heal quickly with time and gentle care. You usually don’t have to give your baby any special treatment besides keeping them comfortable.
Types of Clavicle Fracture
Your collarbone can break in several different areas, depending on how the fracture happens:
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Middle clavicle fracture—Near the center of your collarbone (most common)
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Lateral clavicle fracture—Near your shoulder
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Medial clavicle fracture—Near your chest (less common)
Where and how your bone breaks help providers decide what treatment you need. Your provider may use different terms to describe your fractured clavicle:
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Comminuted—Broken in multiple places
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Displaced—Broken in multiple places with pieces of bone out of place
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Nondisplaced—Broken in multiple places with pieces of bone still lined up correctly
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Singular—Broken in just one place
Clavicle Fracture Symptoms
A clavicle fracture usually causes pain and swelling. You may have a hard time moving your arm. Depending on where and how bad the break is, you may have one or more symptoms:
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A bump where the bone broke
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A grinding or popping feeling when you move your arm or shoulder
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Difficulty when you try to lift your arm
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Pain when you move your shoulder
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Swelling and bruising on your shoulder or chest
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Tenderness if you touch the area near the broken bone
What Does a Broken Collarbone Look and Feel Like?
A broken collarbone often causes a bump or bulge where your bone has broken. The area may look swollen or bruised, and one shoulder might seem lower than the other. It usually feels very painful, especially when you try to move your arm.
When to Get Medical Care
It’s important to see a provider if you think you may have broken your collarbone. Getting care early can help your bone heal the right way and prevent future problems. See a provider if you have certain symptoms:
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A lump or bump on your collarbone
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Numbness or tingling in your arm or fingers
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Pain that is severe, getting worse, or not improving
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Trouble moving your arm
Our Injury Clinic at University Orthopaedic Center provides same-day appointments for non-emergency orthopedic injuries. Schedule an appointment with us today.
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Fractured Clavicle Diagnosis
Your provider will examine your shoulder and collarbone to look for a clavicle fracture. They will ask how the injury happened and check how well you can move your arm.
You will likely need X-rays. These pictures show where your bone is broken and if the pieces have moved out of place. Sometimes, providers may order a CT scan if the fracture is complicated. It shows more detail than a regular X-ray and displays the bones from different angles. This helps your provider determine how serious the break is and make sure nothing else is injured.
After tests and a physical examination, your provider will make a treatment plan that fits your injury.
Clavicle Fracture Treatment
Your type of treatment for a fractured clavicle depends on where your bone broke, how far it moved, and what activities you need to get back to. Most broken collarbones heal well without surgery.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Most people do not need surgery. Non-surgical treatment for a clavicle fracture may differ from what you think of as broken bone treatment. Your provider will not put your broken collarbone in a cast. Your provider will suggest a sling instead. A sling provides enough comfort and support to help your arm during healing.
Avoid sleeping on your injured side. Wear your sling at night for comfort. Most people do not need physical therapy after breaking their collarbone. The injury heals and regains movement on its own.
At U of U Health, your providers will explain your choices clearly. We want you to understand the risks and benefits so you can decide what feels right for you.
Broken Collarbone Surgery
Sometimes, surgery is the best choice for helping your collarbone heal the right way. Your provider will look at your X-rays, the type of break, and how much the bone pieces have moved.
They will also consider your health, how active you are, and what kind of work or hobbies you do. Your provider may recommend surgery for several reasons:
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The bone is broken into several small pieces.
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The bone is not healing on its own.
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The bone pieces are far apart.
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You need to return to activities sooner.
What to Expect During Surgery for a Broken Collarbone
Fractured clavicle surgery uses a small metal plate and screws to hold your bone in place. This helps your bone heal in the correct position. Most people who have clavicle fracture surgery do not need the metal to be removed unless it causes problems.
Your surgeon will make a small cut over the collarbone to put in the plate and screws. This surgery is called open reduction internal fixation. It is done while you are under anesthesia, so you will not feel anything during the procedure. Most people go home the same day.
Clavicle Fracture Healing Time and Recovery
Healing time depends on your injury and treatment. Surgery can help some people heal faster and more predictably. Without surgery, clavicle fracture healing time still takes about 12 weeks.
During clavicle fracture recovery you will have follow-up visits to make sure the bone is healing as expected. After surgery, most people recover well with only a few weeks of downtime.
During the first six weeks, you’ll wear a sling with limited movement and lifting. After six weeks, you can slowly return to normal activities as tolerated. In most cases, you are considered fully healed three months after surgery.
You can return to activities like driving after you are out of the sling and can safely move your arm.
Why Choose University of Utah Health?
At U of U Health, our orthopedic providers are experts in shoulder injuries. You can expect care from providers who tailor your treatment plan based on the newest research. Our orthopedic specialists care for all kinds of injuries. We know how to help you heal and return safely to the things you love.
Make an Appointment
You do not need a referral to make an appointment at U of U Health Orthopaedics. But some insurance plans may ask for one. To schedule your visit, call 801-587-7109.
