Clavicle Fracture

Clavicle fractures are among the most common bone injuries. Your collarbone can break from sudden impact or pressure. This bone connects your shoulder to your chest. Most people break their collarbone after falling on their shoulder or trying to catch themselves with an outstretched arm.

Anyone can suffer this injury, but it happens more often to children and teenagers. The numbers show that one-third of males aged 13-20 will experience this type of break.

This article covers everything you need to know about clavicle bone fractures. You will learn about symptoms and examination methods including X-rays. 

What is a Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)?

Your collarbone (clavicle) runs horizontally from your breastbone to your shoulder. Doctors call a break in this bone a clavicle fracture. The healing process takes weeks or months, though the actual break happens in an instant. The middle part of your collarbone proves most vulnerable, with the majority of all breaks occurring in this section. 

Types of Clavicle Fractures

Doctors group clavicle fractures by their location:

• Middle third (most common): The majority of cases
• Distal third: The second most common place
• Proximal third: Rare cases

These fractures can be:

• Non-displaced: The bone ends stay lined up
• Displaced: The bone pieces move out of their normal position
• Comminuted: The bone shatters into multiple pieces

Symptoms of Clavicle Fractures

You might have a broken collarbone if you experience:

• Sharp pain that gets worse with shoulder movement
• A shoulder that droops downward and forward
• A noticeable bump or deformity above the break
• Swelling, tenderness or bruising around the area
• A grinding feeling while lifting your arm
• Difficulty moving the affected arm

Causes of Clavicle Fracture

Direct falls onto the shoulder cause most fractures. Other common causes include:

• Landing on outstretched hands
• Hard hits during contact sports
• Car accidents
• Trauma during childbirth

Risk factors

Several groups have a higher chance of getting this injury:

• Kids and teenagers lead the statistics for this type of fracture
• Men make up two-thirds of all cases
• Young adults under 25 often get these injuries playing sports
• People over 55 usually break their collarbone from falls
• Athletes who play contact sports
• Babies during complicated deliveries

Complications of Clavicle Fractures

Though uncommon, these complications can occur:

• The bone might not heal properly or at all 
• The bone could heal with an abnormal shape
• A visible bump might remain at the break site
• Damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels
• Ongoing pain after the bone heals
• Reduced shoulder movement

Diagnosis

Doctors can easily identify a broken collarbone through careful examination and proper imaging tests. Quick treatment becomes essential to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications.

Doctors identify clavicle fractures through:

• A physical exam that shows pain, swelling, and often a visible bump
• X-rays taken from multiple angles to confirm the break and assess displacement
• The patient's 45-degree cephalic tilt view gives a better picture by reducing overlap with other structures
• CT scans that help evaluate complex cases, particularly with proximal or distal fractures

Clavicle Fracture Treatments

The severity of the fracture determines recovery options:

• The non-surgical approach works best for most breaks and has these steps:
  • Support through an arm sling or figure-of-eight brace
  • Relief with pain medication 
  • Gentle shoulder exercises after initial healing
  • X-ray monitoring during regular follow-up visits
• Surgical intervention becomes essential with:
  • Bone ends are displaced by a lot
  • Skin tenting or breaking above the fracture
  • Signs of neurovascular compromise
  • Severe bone angulation

When to See a Doctor

Get medical help right away if you notice:

• Changes in your shoulder's shape or appearance
• Bone protruding through skin
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Severe bleeding around the injury site
• Numbness or tingling sensations in your arm

Conclusion

Clavicle fractures occur suddenly but take quite a while to heal the right way. The middle part of the collarbone breaks most easily, which makes it especially vulnerable during falls or impacts. Most broken collarbones heal successfully with proper care, even though they cause pain and limit movement. 

Kids, teens and young adults face a bigger chance of injury especially when they play sports or do active things. Most people heal without needing surgery. Rest, using slings to keep the bone steady and slowly getting back to normal movement. Some cases just need surgery, especially when you have bone pieces that change position by a lot or break through the skin. 

Recovery needs patience. Stick to your doctor's advice and show up for all follow-up visits to heal properly. Your shoulder movement and strength should return fully with the right care. A collarbone might break quickly, but giving it enough time to heal will give the best results for your shoulder's health and overall wellness.

FAQs

1. How long does a clavicle fracture take to heal?

Your age and fracture complexity determine healing times. Kids under 8 usually heal within 3-6 weeks. The healing takes about 6-8 weeks for teenagers. Adults need 10-12 weeks or more to recover fully. Newborns heal quickly from birth-related fractures in just two weeks.

2. What should you not do after a broken clavicle?

Your recovery requires avoiding these activities:

• Lifting anything heavier than 1-2 pounds
• Raising your arm above 90 degrees
• Driving with a sling
• Playing contact sports without your doctor's approval
• Taking extra medication doses
• Combining pain medicines without consulting your doctor

3. How do doctors fix a broken clavicle?

Natural healing happens with a sling or figure-of-eight brace in most cases. Doctors recommend surgery when bone ends break through skin, fragments move too much or nearby tissues get damaged. The surgical process involves putting the bone back in place and securing it with plates, screws, or rods.

4. How can I speed up clavicle fracture healing?

• Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D boost recovery. 
• Your body needs proper hydration and enough sleep. 
• Ice packs help reduce pain - apply them for 20 minutes several times daily during the first few days. 
• Your doctor will guide you through shoulder exercises once the pain reduces. 
• Smoking slows down bone healing, so it's best to avoid it.

5. How long do you wear a sling after breaking your clavicle?

Adult patients wear slings continuously for 2-3 weeks. You might need the sling for another 2-3 weeks during movement and standing. Children usually need less time. Your healing progress helps your doctor decide the exact duration.

CARE Medical Team