A clavicle fracture, commonly known as a broken collarbone, is a frequent injury that can occur as a result of falls, sports-related trauma, motor vehicle accidents, or direct impacts to the shoulder. Because the clavicle plays an important role in connecting the arm to the body and supporting shoulder movement, a fracture can cause significant pain, swelling, deformity, and difficulty using the affected arm. Dr. Salil Gupta, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity care, providing comprehensive treatment for clavicle fractures and related injuries.

Clavicle fracture or broken collarbone is a very common injury associated with contact sports such as football and martial arts, as well as impact sports such as motor racing. A direct blow over the shoulder, fall on an outstretched arm or motor vehicle accident may also cause the clavicle bone to break. A broken clavicle causes difficulty in lifting your arm because of pain, swelling and bruising.

How is a clavicle fracture diagnosed?

Clavicle fractures are diagnosed by reviewing your symptoms, performing a thorough physical examination and ordering imaging studies (X-ray and CT scan).

What are the treatment options?

Treatments include placing your arm in a sling to immobilize the bones and allow healing. Medication is prescribed to relieve pain, and physical therapy ordered to prevent stiffness and weakness of the shoulder.

A broken clavicle bone usually heals without surgery, but if the bone ends have shifted out of place (displaced) surgery is recommended. Surgery is performed to align the bone ends and hold them stable during healing. It may be considered for multiple fractures, compound (open) fractures, fractures associated with nerve or blood vessel damage and displaced fractures. During the surgical procedure, your surgeon will reposition the broken bone ends into normal position, and then use special screws, pins or metal plates to hold the bone fragments in place. Following surgery, your rehabilitation would include physical therapy, which designs specific exercises that will improve strength and increase your range of motion.