Shoulder conditions
Clavicle fractures
A break of the collarbone, one of the most common fractures, frequently from a fall or sports collision, and often treatable in a sling.
Collarbone break
Common in falls & sport
Many heal without surgery
What is a clavicle fracture?
The clavicle, or collarbone, links the arm to the body and sits just under the skin, which makes it vulnerable to injury. A clavicle fracture is a break of this bone, usually in its middle third.
Many clavicle fractures heal well in a sling. Fractures that are badly displaced, shortened, or broken into several pieces may heal better and faster with surgery to realign and plate the bone.
Overview
At a glance
Two good options
Both sling treatment and plate fixation reliably heal the collarbone. Dr. Cohn helps you weigh comfort, cosmetic appearance, and your activity goals.
Symptoms & signs
Signs of a clavicle fracture
These injuries are painful and usually obvious.
Sharp pain over the collarbone, worse with any arm movement
A visible bump, deformity, or sagging of the shoulder
Difficulty or inability to lift the arm
A grinding sensation with movement
Bruising and swelling over the collarbone
Causes & risk factors
What causes them
Most result from a direct impact to the shoulder.
Falls
A fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched hand is the most common cause.
Sports collisions
Cycling, football, and contact sports frequently break the collarbone.
High-energy trauma
Motor vehicle accidents cause more severe, displaced fractures.
Birth and youth
Clavicle fractures are also common in newborns and active children.
Treatment options
How clavicle fractures are treated
Treatment depends on how far the bone has moved and your activity needs.
- A sling to support the arm while the bone unites
- Pain control and ice in the early days
- Early gentle motion to prevent stiffness
- Regular X-rays to confirm healing
- Realigning the bone and holding it with a plate and screws
- For displaced, shortened, or multi-fragment fractures
- Restores length and a more reliable, faster union
- Allows an earlier return to function for active patients
Related procedure
When the fracture needs surgery, Dr. Cohn repairs it with plate fixation, read about clavicle fracture fixation.
Recovery
What recovery looks like
Most collarbones heal within a few months.
Protect
A sling supports the arm while early healing begins.
Gentle motion
Therapy restores motion as the fracture stabilizes.
Build strength
Strengthening returns as the bone unites.
Full activity
A staged return to sport and heavy lifting once healed.
FAQ
Common questions
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Most clavicle fractures heal well in a sling. Surgery is considered when the bone is badly displaced, shortened, or broken into multiple pieces.
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Gentle motion starts early, with most people regaining comfortable use over six to twelve weeks depending on the fracture and treatment.
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Plates are usually left in place permanently. They are occasionally removed later if they cause irritation under the skin.
Related procedures