Broken Collarbone – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
A broken collarbone (clavicle) is a frequent injury. It occurs where the bone connecting the shoulder blade to the breastbone fractures. This injury commonly results from falls, sports activities, and vehicle accidents. Even newborns can experience collarbone fractures during birth.
Treatment should be sought promptly. Most fractures heal successfully with conservative treatment. This includes:
- Ice application
- Pain medication
- Wearing a sling
- Physical therapy
- Sufficient healing time
Some more complex fractures may require surgical intervention. During surgery, medical hardware such as plates, screws, or rods might be inserted to properly align the bone fragments while healing takes place.
Signs of a Broken Collarbone
Pain is the main sign of a broken collarbone. The pain gets worse when you try to move your shoulder. You might also notice:
- Swelling in the area
- Tenderness when touched
- Bruising around the collarbone
- A visible bump near your shoulder
- Skin that tents up when gently pinched
- A grinding sound when moving the shoulder
- Stiffness or inability to move the shoulder normally
For babies who break their collarbone during birth, they typically won’t move their arm for several days. They will cry if someone moves the affected arm.
When You Should Get Medical Help
See a doctor right away if you have symptoms of a broken collarbone or if pain prevents normal use of your arm. Don’t wait to get treatment – delayed care can lead to poor healing and longer recovery time.
Causes
A broken collarbone often happens in several common ways:
- Falls onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm.
- Sports impacts that deliver direct blows to the shoulder.
- Vehicle accidents involving cars, motorcycles, or bicycles.
- Birth complications during difficult vaginal deliveries.
These injuries typically occur when force travels through the shoulder area. The collarbone, being relatively thin and exposed, can break under sudden pressure or impact.
Risk Factors
Children and teens break their collarbones more often than adults. After age 20, the risk decreases for a while. However, older people face higher risk again as their bones naturally become weaker with age.
This pattern shows how bone strength changes throughout life.
Complications
While most broken collarbones heal well, some patients may experience complications during the recovery process. Being aware of these potential issues can help you seek timely medical attention when needed.
Nerve or blood vessel damage can occur in rare cases. The sharp edges of the broken bone might injure nearby nerves and blood vessels. If you notice numbness or coldness in your arm or hand, get immediate medical help.
Healing problems sometimes develop with severe fractures. The bone might:
- Heal slowly
- Not join completely
- Heal in a shortened position
Bony lumps often form at the fracture site during healing. These lumps are easily visible because the collarbone sits close to the skin. Many lumps get smaller over time, but some may remain permanently.
Arthritis risk increases when the fracture extends into joints. Breaks that involve the joints connecting the collarbone to the shoulder blade or breastbone can lead to osteoarthritis in those joints later in life.
The healing process for a broken collarbone varies from person to person. Most people recover without issues, but it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Regular follow-up appointments help ensure your collarbone is healing properly and allow your healthcare provider to address any complications early.
If you experience unexpected symptoms during recovery, such as increased pain, swelling, or difficulty moving your shoulder, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
