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Clavicle Fracture - Broken Collar Bone

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Clavicle fractures are a common orthopedic injury, especially among infants and young children.  The clavicle, known as the collarbone, is a long bone located at the top of the chest.  A clavicle fracture most frequently results from trauma.  The majority of clavicle fractures can heal without surgery.  If surgery is necessary, the bone is secured with surgical hardware, such as plates and screws.

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Introduction

Clavicle fractures are a common orthopedic injury, especially among infants and young children.  The clavicle, known as the collarbone, is a long bone located at the top of the chest.  A clavicle fracture most frequently results from trauma.  The majority of clavicle fractures can heal without surgery.  If surgery is necessary, the bone is secured with surgical hardware, such as plates and screws.
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Anatomy

The clavicle is a long bone located on the upper chest.  It is part of the shoulder joint.  The clavicle provides stability for arm movements.  The clavicle is not fully developed (ossified) until the late teens or early 20s.
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Causes

Trauma is the main cause of clavicle fracture.  A forceful impact to the shoulder area during a motor vehicle collision, a fall, or sports can break the clavicle.  Newborns can experience a fractured clavicle as the result of a difficult birth. 
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Symptoms

You may hear a snapping sound and feel immediate pain when the clavicle breaks.  The pain may increase and become sharp with movement.  Bruising and swelling are common.  If the bone has moved out of position, it may appear as a bump under the skin.  Your shoulder area may not look as upright as usual.  It may appear slumped forward and downward.
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Diagnosis

You should contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency department if you suspect you have broken your clavicle.  Your doctor will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination.  X-rays are taken to see the location and extent of the fracture.
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Treatment

Clavicle fractures are most commonly treated with slings or a figure eight splint.  A sling supports the arm and positions the shoulder to allow the fracture to heal.  A figure eight splint wraps around the front of the shoulders and crosses in the back.  It helps to maintain shoulder posture while the bone heals.  Over-the-counter or prescription medications are used for pain relief. You may participate in rehabilitation therapy to help regain strength and motion following splinting or surgery.
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Surgery

The majority of clavicle fractures can be treated without surgery.  However, opinions about surgery are ever changing.  Recent research shows that many patients that were not treated with surgery have had persistent problems.  Your doctor will discuss the benefits of both procedures with you.
 
Surgery may be needed for fractures that fail to heal, broken bones that come through the skin, or broken bones that are a threat to nearby nerves, blood vessels, soft tissues, or joints.  The surgery involves aligning the bone in the proper position and securing it in place with surgical hardware, such as screws and plates.  The surgical hardware may or may not be removed after the bone has healed.
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Recovery

Recovery from clavicle fracture is individualized and somewhat influenced by the age of the person.  Children may heal in three weeks, and adults may take four to six weeks to heal.  People can generally return to their full activity level in about 12 weeks.

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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

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Dr. Reznick did major surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel and 3 trigger fingers). Prior to the surgery, I could not hold a pen or write my name legibly. I was in constant pain. After the surgery, while the stitches were still in and the brace still in place, I had more flexibility in my fingers than I had before the surgery. I am six weeks out from the surgery and I continue to progress. I have more functionality and strength in my hand than I have had in the last year. I can't even see the scars on my hand. Dr. Reznick not only did a spectacular job of restoring the use of my hand, but she is a very likable person. Her staff is friendly and professional. I cannot say enough good things about this experience!

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Anonymous

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Dr. Reznick is one of the most professional, sensitive and caring physicians I have visited. She is a teacher--patient and informative, and she made sure I understood just exactly what was necessary for my particular problems. She took care of both my left and right carpal tunnel surgeries, and I couldn't have asked for a better recovery. Everything went just as planned. She is my ‘go to’ hand doctor!

Anonymous

healthgrades.com

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healthgrades.com

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Kevin M.

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Don L.

Dr. Reznick is very to the point and no nonsense. She tells you what options there are in your treatment and advises you accordingly. I had hand surgery four years ago and it was a complete success. I actually went back to work one week early. I have recommended Dr. Reznick to many friends and associates. Frankly, I won’t go to anyone else when it comes to muscles or bones. I have complete faith in her.

J. Schully

via vitals.com

Dr. Reznick did major surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel and 3 trigger fingers). Prior to the surgery, I could not hold a pen or write my name legibly. I was in constant pain. [Now] I have more functionality and strength in my hand than I have had in the last year. I can't even see the scars on my hand. Dr. Reznick not only did a spectacular job of restoring the use of my hand, but she is a very likable person. Her staff is friendly and professional. I cannot say enough good things about this experience!

~ Nancy L. via md.com

Lisa R. Reznick MD, PA

Board Certified Orthopedic and Hand Surgeon

4100 Fairway Court, Suite 120
Carrollton, TX 75010
Phone: (972) 395-9000
Fax: (972) 395-9002

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In Carrollton, TX, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lisa Reznick offers conservative treatment options for all types of general orthopedic issues, while specializing in surgeries of the hand, wrist, and elbow.