Clavicle fractures are highly common and account for up to 10% of all fractures.

Here’s a closer look at the symptoms and causes of clavicle fractures, and how to request an appointment with University Orthopaedic Associates if you need treatment for this injury.

What Is a Clavicle Fracture?

A clavicle fracture, also known as a broken collarbone, occurs when trauma to the shoulder causes one of the two clavicles to break. The clavicles are the bones situated between the sternum (ribcage) and scapula (shoulder blade) that connect the arms to the body.

Clavicle fractures are typically described as simple or comminuted and displaced or nondisplaced. A simple fracture is broken in one place, while a comminuted fracture is broken in multiple places. A displaced fracture is when broken collarbone pieces are out of alignment, while a nondisplaced fracture is when the broken pieces are still lined up correctly.

Other signs and symptoms of a broken collarbone include:

• Stiffness in the arm or shoulder
• Crackling or grinding sound when moving the arm or shoulder
• Swelling and inflammation around the fracture
• Bruising and tenderness along the collarbone
• Visible sagging, asymmetry or misalignment of the shoulder
• Skin tenting, which is when broken pieces of bone stick up under the skin

What Are the Most Common Causes?

Most clavicle fractures are caused by a traumatic injury or direct blow to the shoulder. Common causes include:

• Falls, particularly on a shoulder or outstretched arm
• Car accidents and collisions
• Collisions that occur during sports and physical activities

How Is a Clavicle Fracture Diagnosed?

A clavicle fracture diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination of the shoulder. During the exam, your physician will look at your shoulder for signs of bumps and misalignment and gently press around your collarbone to check for pain and tenderness.

Many times, an X-ray may also be performed to confirm you have a fracture and to determine its exact location and severity.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Many clavicle fractures can heal without surgery, particularly nondisplaced fractures in which the bones are still in place. Nonsurgical treatments for clavicle fractures include:

• Arm support or immobilization. You may be provided with a sling to wear for several weeks to keep your arm and shoulder in place while the fracture heals.
• Ice. Applying ice to the fracture for 20 minutes at a time may help reduce pain and swelling.
• Pain medication. Your physician may prescribe opioids for a short period or suggest using over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Physical therapy. Your physical therapist can show you exercises that may prevent shoulder stiffness and help you maintain range of motion in your arm.

Surgery

Collarbone surgery may be needed if your fracture is severely displaced or you have injuries to nearby structures, including tendons, nerves and ligaments. Surgery for a clavicle fracture usually involves using pins or plates and screws to secure the broken pieces of your bones together. This method is known as open reduction and internal fixation.

Some patients may be candidates for the intramedullary fixation of the clavicle —an alternative to open reduction and internal fixation that requires fewer and smaller incisions and that poses a reduced risk for irritation. An orthopaedic surgeon can help you determine whether this procedure is right for you.

What Is Recovery Like?

The length of time it takes to recover from clavicle fracture treatment will vary from one person to the next based on factors including age, the fracture type and its severity. The average recovery time is eight to 12 weeks for adults and three to eight weeks for children and teens.

Many patients can resume their usual activities within three months following a clavicle fracture. Your orthopaedic specialist can talk to you in greater detail about what to expect from treatment and recovery based on your injury.

University Orthopaedic Associates (UOA) offers a full range of orthopaedic services, including clavicle fracture treatment. Contact UOA today at (732) 537-0909 to request an appointment if you need treatment for an orthopaedic injury.