Broken Collarbone

Overview

A broken collarbone, also called a clavicle fracture, is a break in the bone that runs from your shoulder to the top of your breastbone. It is one of the most common bone injuries and usually happens after a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm.

Yes. A broken collarbone is one of the most common fractures in children, teenagers, and young adults. It accounts for about 5% of all adult fractures.

It can happen at any age, but it is most common in children and teenagers, especially boys, and in active adults who play contact sports or have falls. Older adults with weaker bones can also break their collarbone from a simple fall.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain over the collarbone that worsens when you move your arm
• Swelling, tenderness, and bruising around the shoulder area
• A visible bump or droop where the collarbone is broken
• Difficulty raising your arm or lifting objects
• A grinding or crackling feeling when you move your shoulder

Symptoms in children

• Crying and refusing to move one arm
• Tenderness over the shoulder
• A small lump or dimple over the collarbone
• The child may hold the injured arm close to their body

Symptoms in older adults

• Deep, aching pain in the shoulder that may not be severe
• Bruising that spreads to the chest or upper arm
• Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back
• A feeling that the shoulder is out of place

Causes

Main causes

• Falling directly onto the shoulder (for example, during sports or a trip)
• Falling onto an outstretched hand with significant force
• Road traffic accidents or other high-energy injuries
• A direct blow to the shoulder, such as in rugby or football

Risk factors

• Playing contact sports like football, rugby, or hockey
• Participating in high-speed or high-impact activities like cycling or skiing
• Having weak bones due to osteoporosis or older age
• Being a child or teenager, especially boys, because the bone is still growing

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have sudden, severe pain after an injury to your shoulder
• You cannot lift your arm, or your shoulder looks noticeably different
• The injury happened during a serious accident, such as a car crash
• You have open fracture signs, severe swelling, or numbness in your arm

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have ongoing shoulder pain that does not improve within a few days
• You notice a small bump over the collarbone but can still move your arm
• You need advice on when you can return to work or exercise

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask how the injury happened and examine your collarbone and shoulder. They will look for tenderness, swelling, and any changes in shape. To confirm the break, they will usually order an imaging test.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray of the collarbone and shoulder (the most common test)
• CT scan (for more complex breaks that involve the shoulder joint)
• Ultrasound (sometimes used in infants or for special cases)

What to expect at your appointment

The examination may include gently pressing on the collarbone and asking you to move your arm. An X-ray is quick and painless. In many cases, the doctor can tell you right away if the collarbone is broken and how severe it is.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to let the bone heal in its correct position while helping you stay comfortable and keep your shoulder moving. For most people, a sling and pain relief are enough. A small number of fractures need surgery.

Self-care at home

• Wear your sling exactly as advised — usually during the day and while sleeping — to support the arm and allow healing.
• For the first few days, apply a cold pack (wrapped in a thin cloth) to the shoulder for 15–20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling.
• Keep your arm supported with pillows when sitting or sleeping to take the weight off the collarbone.
• Perform gentle hand, wrist, and elbow exercises as recommended to prevent stiffness.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about safe pain relief — they can suggest options that suit you.

Medical treatments

For most broken collarbones, treatment involves wearing a supportive sling or brace for 2 to 6 weeks. You may be given simple pain relief to take as recommended by your doctor. Once the acute pain settles, physical therapy (physiotherapy) is important to regain full shoulder strength and movement. In certain cases, an orthopaedic specialist may recommend surgery.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually considered if the broken ends of the bone are far apart, the bone is in multiple pieces, the skin is broken, or there is damage to nerves or blood vessels. Surgery is also an option if the bone does not heal after several months. The surgeon will use metal plates and screws to hold the bone in place while it heals.

Living with this condition

During the healing time, you may need help with daily tasks like dressing, bathing, and lifting. Plan ahead and take things slowly. Many people can return to work in a few weeks if their job is not physical. Driving may need to wait until you can move your arm safely and are no longer taking strong pain medication.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid carrying heavy bags, lifting weights, or doing contact sports until your doctor says it is safe.
• Do not sleep on the side of the injured collarbone until it feels comfortable.
• Try sitting up straight — hunching can pull on the collarbone.
• Use a cushion under your arm when resting to keep it comfortable.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with enough calcium and vitamin D helps your bone heal. Gentle exercises, like walking or using a stationary bike, are safe as long as they do not hurt your shoulder. Once your doctor allows, physiotherapy exercises can help restore movement and strength.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Recovering from a broken bone can be frustrating, especially if you are active or depend on your arm for work and hobbies. It is normal to feel anxious, sad, or irritable. Talk to people you trust, and don't be afraid to ask for emotional support. If you ever feel in crisis or have thoughts of harming yourself, reach out to a crisis service or your local emergency number right away.

Prevention

Not always, but you can lower your risk by wearing appropriate protective gear during sports, such as shoulder pads or body protectors. For older adults, maintaining bone strength through exercise, a healthy diet, and fall-prevention measures (like removing trip hazards) can reduce the chance of breaking a bone.

Complications

If left untreated

• The bone may heal in a wrong position, leaving a visible lump and long-term discomfort.
• The shoulder may become stiff and weak, especially if you avoid moving it for too long.
• In rare cases, the bone may not heal at all, leading to chronic pain.
• If nerve or blood vessel damage is not treated, it can cause lasting numbness or circulation problems.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for a broken collarbone is very good. Most people heal completely within 2–3 months and return to their normal activities without lasting problems. With the right treatment, rest, and rehabilitation, you can expect a full recovery.

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