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Broken collarbone

A broken collarbone or fractured clavicle is an injury that usually happens after a shoulder blow or fall. The injury takes around 6–8 weeks in adults and 3–6 in children. The collarbone is a slender, long bone that runs from the breastbone to both shoulders. You can touch or feel the collarbone at the top of your chest and below your neck. Hard bands of tissues connect the collarbone to the shoulder blades and breastbone. 

Broken collarbone symptoms

A broken or cracked collarbone can be very painful, and they might also be:

  • Swelling or tenderness around the injured area
  • Bruising to the skin 
  • Bleeding due to bone damaged the skin or tissue 
  • Pins, numbness, and needles, if the arm nerves injured

Your shoulder might be downwards and forwards under the arm’s weight since the collarbone can’t provide the proper support. Also, multiple grinding or snapping noises can occur when the collarbone breaks. In rare, severe cases, one end of the collarbone will poke through the skin. 

Broken collarbone treatments

Most broken collarbones are left to heal on their own, along with triangular sling support to the arm and to hold the bones together in the normal position. The hospital usually provides the sling after an X-ray confirms a broken collarbone. 

Broken collarbone symptoms A broken or cracked collarbone can be very painful, and they might also be: Swelling or tenderness around the injured area Bruising to the skin Bleeding due to bone damaged the skin or tissue Pins, numbness, and needles, if the arm nerves injured Your shoulder might be downwards and forwards under the arm's weight since the collarbone can't provide the proper support. Also, multiple grinding or snapping noises can occur when the collarbone breaks. In rare, severe cases, one end of the collarbone will poke through the skin. Broken collarbone treatments Most broken collarbones are left to heal on their own, along with triangular sling support to the arm and to hold the bones together in the normal position. The hospital usually provides the sling after an X-ray confirms a broken collarbone.

There will be a requirement for surgery and general anesthesia for severe cases; for example, the bones fail to line up, overlap significantly, or break through the skin. Fixing them with plates and screws is the most common method. 

Recovery 

  • Use an extra pillow at night to make yourself comfortable and sleep upright.
  • Place ice packs and use painkillers if swelling and pain continue.
  • Move your elbow, fingers, and hands regularly as soon as you are comfortable moving them. 
  • Remove the sling for short periods if it isn’t too painful. 
  • Don’t play contact sports for at least 10–12 weeks after the injury.

To explore your health concerns in detail and receive expert advice, you can easily access our free doctor consultation service, designed to provide you with the support you need.

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022