Patient education: Clavicle fracture (The Basics)

What is a clavicle fracture? — A "fracture" is another word for a broken bone. The clavicle, also called the "collarbone," connects the breastbone to the shoulder blade (figure 1). A clavicle fracture is when a person breaks their clavicle.

There are different types of clavicle fractures. The type of fracture depends on the part of the clavicle that breaks and how it breaks.

What are the symptoms of a clavicle fracture? — Symptoms of a clavicle fracture can include:

●Pain in the area of the clavicle, especially when moving the arm

●Swelling over the injured area

●Bruising over the injured area

●Feeling the bone snap or crack (when the fracture happens)

A clavicle fracture can also make the clavicle look like it's out of position or crooked.

Is there a test for a clavicle fracture? — Yes. Your doctor or nurse will ask about your injury and symptoms, do an exam, and order an X-ray.

How are clavicle fractures treated? — Treatment depends on the type of clavicle fracture you have and how severe it is.

Your doctor will treat your pain. If you have a lot of pain or a severe fracture, they will prescribe a strong pain medicine. If you have a mild fracture, they will recommend that you take an over-the-counter medicine for your pain. Over-the-counter medicines include acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).

Severe clavicle fractures, in which the broken ends are far apart or severely out of place, are treated with surgery. During surgery, the doctor will put the clavicle back in the correct position.

Clavicle fractures that are not severe are usually treated with:

●Ice – You can put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on the injured area every 1 to 3 hours, for 20 to 30 minutes each time. You should put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and your skin. You should use the ice (or other cold object) for at least 6 hours after your injury. Some people find it helpful to keep using ice for up to 3 days after their injury.

●A sling or bandage – The main part of treatment involves keeping your clavicle from moving too much so that your fracture can heal. To hold your clavicle in place, your doctor will probably recommend that you wear a sling. A sling holds the arm bent and close to the body. Some people might wear a bandage that goes around the shoulders and upper back instead of a sling.

The main downside of wearing a sling is that it keeps you from using your shoulder, elbow, and arm. Not using these parts of the body can make them stiff or weak. To prevent these problems, your doctor will show you exercises and stretches to do. They will tell you when to start them and how often to do them.

After your fracture heals, your doctor might recommend that you work with a physical therapist (exercise expert). They can show you other exercises and stretches for your shoulder, elbow, and arm.

What can I expect as the bone heals? — Clavicle fractures take weeks to months to heal, depending on the type of fracture. As they heal, they often develop a bony bump, which you can see and feel. This is called a "callus" and is a normal part of healing. In children, the callus usually disappears, while in adults, the bump often stays even after healing is complete.

Healing time also depends on the person. Healthy children usually heal much more quickly than older adults or adults with other medical problems.

Can I do anything to improve the healing process? — Yes. It's important to follow all of your doctor's instructions while your clavicle fracture is healing. They will probably recommend that you:

●Avoid certain activities

●Eat a healthy diet that includes getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein (figure 2)

●Stop smoking. A fracture can take longer to heal if you smoke.

When should I call my doctor or nurse? — After treatment, your doctor or nurse will tell you when to call. In general, you should call if:

●You have severe pain, or your pain or swelling gets worse

●You have numbness or tingling in your fingers, or your fingers look blue or purple

●You have weakness or swelling in your hand or arm

●Pus drains from the injury

●The skin around the injury changes color, is irritated and thin, or is raised up

More on this topic

Patient education: Fractures (The Basics)
Patient education: Calcium and vitamin D for bone health (The Basics)
Patient education: Quitting smoking (The Basics)
Patient education: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (The Basics)

Patient education: Quitting smoking (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Calcium and vitamin D for bone health (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (Beyond the Basics)