A clavicle fracture (broken collarbone) is a common injury, particularly in active individuals, because the clavicle (collarbone) is a thin, long bone that connects the sternum (breastbone) to the shoulder blade. It is prone to fracture due to its exposed position and its role in shoulder function.

Causes of a Clavicle Fracture

1. Direct Trauma
   • A direct blow to the shoulder or clavicle, such as during a car accident or contact sports like football or rugby.
2. Falls
   • Falling onto an outstretched hand or directly onto the shoulder is a common cause, particularly in activities like cycling, skiing, or skateboarding.
3. Sports Injuries
   • High-impact sports, especially those involving collisions or falls, can lead to clavicle fractures.
4. Birth Trauma
   • In newborns, a clavicle fracture can occur during a difficult delivery.
5. Pathological Fractures
   • Rarely, conditions like osteoporosis or tumors can weaken the clavicle, making it more susceptible to fractures.

Symptoms of a Clavicle Fracture

• Pain: Severe pain at the fracture site, worsened by arm movement.
• Swelling and Bruising: Visible swelling or discoloration over the clavicle.
• Deformity: A bump or irregularity along the collarbone due to misalignment of bone fragments.
• Reduced Shoulder Mobility: Difficulty or inability to raise the arm on the affected side.
• Grinding Sensation: A crepitus (grinding) sound or feeling when moving the shoulder.
• Numbness or Tingling: If nerves or blood vessels near the clavicle are affected.

Treatment for Clavicle Fractures

Treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture (e.g., midshaft, distal, or proximal) and whether it is displaced (bone ends are misaligned).

Non-Surgical Treatment

For most clavicle fractures, particularly non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures, conservative treatment is sufficient:

1. Immobilization
   • A sling or figure-of-eight bandage is used to support the arm and keep the shoulder immobile for 4–6 weeks.
   • Helps maintain alignment and promote healing.
2. Pain Management
   • Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) to reduce pain and inflammation.
3. Physical Therapy
   • After initial healing, gradual exercises are introduced to restore shoulder strength and range of motion.
   • Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities until fully healed (usually 6–12 weeks).
4. Regular Monitoring
   • X-rays are taken periodically to ensure proper bone healing and alignment.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is considered for severely displaced fractures, open fractures (where the bone pierces the skin), or fractures involving neurovascular compromise.

1. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
   • The surgeon aligns the bone fragments and stabilizes them using a plate and screws or a rod.
2. Intramedullary Pinning
   • A metal pin is inserted into the bone for stabilization.
3. Bone Grafting
   • In rare cases of bone loss or non-union, a bone graft may be required.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

• Initial Phase (Immobilization): Focuses on pain control and avoiding movement.
• Rehabilitation Phase: Begins after 4–6 weeks with gentle range-of-motion exercises, progressing to strengthening exercises.
• Return to Activities: Most individuals can resume normal activities by 8–12 weeks; full recovery for sports may take 3–6 months.

Potential Complications

• Non-Union or Malunion: Improper or incomplete healing of the bone.
• Shoulder Weakness: Due to prolonged immobilization or damage to surrounding structures.
• Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: Rare but possible if the fracture affects nearby structures.
• Infection: A risk associated with surgical treatment.

Prevention Tips

• Wear protective gear during high-risk sports or activities.
• Strengthen shoulder and arm muscles to reduce the risk of falls or injuries.
• Practice proper techniques in sports to avoid trauma.

If you suspect a clavicle fracture, seek medical attention promptly to confirm the diagnosis (via X-ray) and receive appropriate treatment.