Overview
A clavicle fracture is a break in the collarbone, a curved bone that connects the shoulder to the upper chest. It commonly occurs from a fall onto the shoulder or an impact that transfers force through the arm to the clavicle. Pain, swelling, and limited shoulder motion happen because the fracture can irritate soft tissues and make the shoulder joint mechanics unstable while healing. In some cases, the bone may look deformed or move abnormally under the skin.
Symptoms
You may notice sharp pain over the collarbone, tenderness to touch, and swelling or bruising around the shoulder. Many people hold the arm close to the body because moving the shoulder increases pain. A visible bump or deformity can occur, especially with more displaced fractures. Over time, stiffness and weakness of the shoulder and arm are common until the fracture heals and rehabilitation restores motion.
Causes
Clavicle fractures most often result from direct trauma, such as falling onto the shoulder, being hit during sports, or injuries from motor vehicle crashes. The bone may break at the midshaft or near the ends of the clavicle depending on the direction and intensity of the force. Sometimes an indirect mechanism, such as a fall onto an outstretched hand, can transmit force to the shoulder girdle and still cause a clavicle break.
Risk Factors
Risk is higher in children and teens during sports and in adults with a history of falls. Osteoporosis or low bone density increases the chance that minor trauma can cause a fracture. Participation in contact sports, cycling or motorcycling without adequate protection, and working in high-risk environments can increase the likelihood of shoulder impacts.
Prevention
To reduce risk, use appropriate protective gear for sports and consider fall-prevention strategies such as strength and balance training, proper footwear, and home safety checks. For contact sports, technique coaching and using sport-appropriate equipment can lower the chance of a direct shoulder impact. Maintaining bone health through adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing activity, and managing osteoporosis risk can help reduce fracture likelihood.
How the Diagnosis Is Evaluated
Clinicians usually start with a history of the injury mechanism and a physical exam focused on pain location, swelling, skin appearance, and shoulder range of motion. They also check circulation and nerve function in the arm, because rare complications can affect sensation or strength. X-rays of the clavicle and shoulder are the main test to confirm the fracture and determine its location and displacement; additional imaging is sometimes ordered if the exam or X-ray findings are unclear.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
Most clavicle fractures are treated without surgery using immobilization to let the bone heal. A sling or figure-of-eight style immobilizer may be used to support the arm and reduce painful motion, along with ice and elevation during the early period. Pain control typically includes acetaminophen and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications if safe for you, and gradual activity modification to avoid stressing the fracture. As pain improves, physical therapy or a home exercise program often focuses on restoring shoulder range of motion, then rebuilding strength and posture. Follow-up visits with repeat exam and sometimes repeat imaging help ensure the fracture is healing in acceptable alignment.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical care after a suspected clavicle fracture if you have significant shoulder pain after trauma, visible deformity, or bruising and swelling over the collarbone. Go to urgent or emergency care if there is worsening numbness or weakness in the arm or hand, increasing pain out of proportion, skin that appears threatened over the fracture, or uncontrolled bleeding. Immediate evaluation is also warranted with signs of infection (fever with spreading redness), severe shortness of breath, or any rapidly progressing neurologic symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many clavicle fractures heal in about 6 to 12 weeks, but full strength and comfortable activity can take longer.
Many clavicle fractures can be managed with conservative treatment, but the need for surgery depends on factors like displacement, skin risk, and function.
Watch for worsening numbness, weakness, increasing pain, or changes in skin color or temperature in the arm, and contact a clinician if these occur.
Next Steps
If you suspect a clavicle fracture, arrange an in-person evaluation so your clinician can examine the arm and order the right imaging. Follow immobilization and pain-control guidance closely, and ask when it is safe to start gentle shoulder motion and strengthening. If you develop numbness, worsening weakness, or increasing severity of symptoms, seek urgent medical attention promptly.