Clavicle Fractures (Broken Collarbone)

Dr Marcus Chia - Shoulder Surgeon

Learn about clavicle fracture causes and treatment options.

What are clavicle fractures?

Clavicle fractures are broken collarbones. The collarbone connects the breastbone and the shoulder.

What causes clavicle fractures?

The collarbone can become fractured from a direct blow or a fall onto the shoulder. This is a common injury in athletes, especially rugby players and cyclists.

Clavicle fractures can occur anywhere along the collarbone and have many different forms. They can also involve the joints at either end, the acromioclavicular (AC) joint and the sternoclavicular joint.

What are the symptoms of clavicle fractures?

Most people who have a clavicle fracture will notice pain, swelling and deformity (a lump over the collarbone) shortly after a fall on the shoulder.

The skin over the fractured area may be tenting (this is when the bone fragment pushes the skin into a ‘tent’ formation).

There may be bruising or a graze over the shoulder. Your shoulder movements will be painful, particularly if you move your arm above shoulder level. Rarely, clavicle fractures are associated with damage to the blood vessels and nerves that supply the arm.

How do I know if I have a clavicle fracture?

If you have had a fall or injury to the shoulder and are experiencing some symptoms of a clavicle fracture, you will need an X-ray. An X-ray will assess the severity of your injury and help your specialist determine the best treatment approach.

Depending on the type of fracture you have, you may also need a CT scan.

What are the treatment options for clavicle fractures?

The treatment options for clavicle fractures include rest and surgery.

Rest

Most clavicle fractures heal over time with a sling and avoiding activities for around six to ten weeks. You can use ice and pain-relieving medications to reduce pain and swelling. When the fracture has healed, there may be a noticeable bump.

Surgery

You may need surgery if your clavicle fracture does not line up well or is in multiple fragments. Surgery does not make the fracture heal faster; it ensures that the bone heals correctly.

During surgery, Dr Chia will fix your fracture with a plate and screws. Surgery with a plate and screws is minimally invasive with a small skin incision just below the clavicle.

After surgery, you will need to wear a sling for comfort. You can use ice to relieve pain and swelling. You’ll also need to avoid any activities above shoulder level are for six weeks.

Once bony union has occurred, you can return to contact sports. This usually takes ten weeks. As Dr Chia uses new pre-contoured, low profile plates, you don’t need to have the plate removed after your fracture has healed.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only. For more information on clavicle fractures or to learn more about clavicle fracture fixation, please contact the office of Dr Marcus Chia - Sydney Orthopaedic Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon.

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