Clavicle Fracture Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Overview

The clavicle is most commonly referred to as the collarbone. It is a long, thin bone that connects the sternum, the vertical bone at the center of the ribcage, to the shoulder. A clavicle fracture, also known as a broken collarbone, is a frequent injury, especially in contact sports, falls, and accidents, and can affect shoulder movement and strength

 

 

What causes Clavicle Fracture?

Clavicle fractures usually occur when you fall on an outstretched arm or directly on your shoulder. They can also result from collisions during contact sports. The clavicle (collarbone) is vulnerable because it is thin and lies just beneath the skin, making it susceptible to direct impact.

• How the Injury Occurs – A clavicle fracture happens when the bone experiences a sudden force greater than its strength, often from falls, direct blows, or collisions.
• Common Everyday Causes – Simple falls on an outstretched hand, slipping on stairs, car accidents, or tripping during daily activities can also lead to a fractured collarbone.

Clavicle fractures are common in these sports:

• Cycling – Falling off a bike or colliding with obstacles can break the clavicle.
• Skateboarding – Falls onto the shoulder or outstretched arms during tricks often cause fractures.
• Skiing or Snowboarding – High-speed falls or collisions with objects or other skiers can fracture the collarbone.
• Football – Tackles and collisions frequently apply direct force to the shoulder.
• Wrestling – Throws, falls, and body impacts can place extreme stress on the clavicle.
• Rugby – Heavy tackles and physical contact often lead to fractures of the collarbone.
• Lacrosse – Collisions and falls during play increase the risk of clavicle injury.
• Hockey – Body checks and falls on the ice can fracture the clavicle

Symptoms

Athletes with a clavicle fracture may experience several noticeable signs, including:

• Pain and swelling – Discomfort and puffiness around the collarbone area.
• Bruising – Discoloration over the fractured portion of the clavicle.
• Visible deformity – A bulge or misalignment where the bone has broken.
• Limited movement – Pain may make it difficult to lift or move the arm normally.

Non-operative treatment

Many clavicle fractures can be managed without surgery using conservative treatment. This typically includes:

• Icing – Apply ice to the fracture site every 2–3 hours for 20–30 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
• Immobilization – Use an arm sling or shoulder immobilizer to keep the clavicle aligned while it heals.
• Pain management – Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen can help control discomfort.

After initial healing, exercises may be recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Try these exercises to help address your condition:

Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program

Clavicular Fracture

Surgical Treatment

If the clavicle fracture is displaced, which means that the broken ends of the bone do not line up, your doctor may recommend surgery. The most common surgery used to treat clavicle fractures is open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). During this operation, the surgeon makes an incision over the break and shifts the broken ends of the clavicle bone into the correct position. He/she then applies a plate and screws to the bone to keep it aligned as it heals.