You felt the impact. Maybe you hit the ground hard on your bike, fell onto your shoulder while playing soccer or landed awkwardly after a collision. Now your shoulder hurts a lot and something doesn’t feel right.
If you have sharp pain in your collarbone, notice swelling or can’t move your arm normally, you might have broken your collarbone (also called a clavicle fracture). Most of these breaks heal well with the right care but some may need surgery.
Here’s what you should know about collarbone breaks and what to do next.
What is your collarbone?
Your collarbone (clavicle) is a long, thin bone that stretches across the front of your shoulder. It connects your breastbone (sternum) to your shoulder blade (scapula). You can feel it just below your neck.
“The clavicle helps hold up your shoulders and allows you to move your arms,” said Anuj Netto, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Banner Health. “It keeps your arm in the right position for activities like lifting your arms overhead and helps your muscles maintain the correct tension.”
Common causes of collarbone fractures
Clavicle fractures usually happen in these ways:
- Falling directly onto the shoulder
- Landing hard on an outstretched arm or hand
- Getting a direct hit to the collarbone
- At birth, when the baby is injured during a difficult delivery
Many collarbone injuries happen during contact sports like football, hockey or lacrosse. They can also occur in activities like biking, skateboarding and skiing.
How do I know if my collarbone is bruised or broken?
The symptoms of a broken collarbone can range from subtle to obvious. Your collarbone can break in several different areas: near the center (middle clavicle), near your shoulder (lateral clavicle) or near your chest (medial clavicle).
A minor fracture might feel like a bruise or strain at first. A more serious break leaves little room for doubt.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp collarbone pain that gets worse when you try to move your arm or shoulder
- Swelling and bruising around the collarbone, shoulder or upper chest
- Difficulty lifting your arm over your head
- A visible bump or deformity along the collarbone (skin tenting)
- A popping, grinding or cracking sound when you try to move your shoulder
- Tenderness over the clavicle, even with light pressure
“In more significant fractures, there will be obvious deformity, skin tenting and even a popping or cracking type sound as the broken ends rub against each other,” Dr. Netto said.
What should you do if you think your collarbone is broken?
If you think you might have a broken collarbone, act quickly. Here’s what to do before seeing a health care provider:
- Stop what you’re doing: Don’t try to keep going or ignore the pain.
- Support your arm: Keep it close to your body. Use a scarf or a makeshift sling to hold it still.
- Apply ice: Wrap ice or a cold pack in a cloth and put it on your shoulder. Keep it there for 15 to 20 minutes to help reduce swelling.
- Take a pain reliever: Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with the pain while you wait to see a provider.
- See a health care provider: A broken collarbone needs an X-ray to check the break and proper care to heal.
Should you go to urgent care or the emergency room?
For most people with a suspected broken collarbone, urgent care is a good first stop, especially if it offers X-rays. Call or check online to confirm that the urgent care location near you has imaging.
You should go to the ER if you have:
- The bone pressing against or breaking through the skin
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in your arm or hand
- Been in a serious accident (car crash, high fall, major impact) with possible injuries beyond your clavicle
- Pain that is severe and unmanageable
How is a broken collarbone treated?
Once a health care provider confirms the fracture with an X-ray, your treatment plan depends on the fracture's location and severity.
A sling (non-surgical treatment)
Most mild to moderate breaks heal without surgery. Your provider will give you a sling to keep your arm and shoulder still while your bone heals. You will wear it for several weeks, depending on the severity of the break.
Along with wearing a sling, rest, ice, pain medication and follow-up visits are important. Your provider might also send you to a physical therapist to help you regain your movement and strength.
You should not play sports until the pain is gone, your strength has returned and a health care provider has cleared you to return to physical activity.
Surgery for a broken collarbone
If you have a serious clavicle fracture, your provider might recommend surgery. The surgery usually involves putting a plate and screws on the bone to keep it in the right position while it heals.
According to Dr. Netto, surgery is more likely if:
- The bone pieces are far apart
- There are many pieces of bone
- The skin is stretched tight or the bone is at risk of breaking through the skin
- Nerves or blood vessels near the injury are damaged
- There are other broken bones in the same arm or shoulder
How long does a broken collarbone take to heal?
Recovery time for a broken collarbone varies depending on your age, the type of fracture and whether surgery is needed. Usually, children heal faster than adults.
“Children typically heal within four to six weeks and usually don't need surgery," Dr. Netto said. "For adults, it can take about three months for mild fractures or those treated with surgery and longer for more displaced fractures.”
First six weeks: Protection and gentle movement
- Wear a sling for about two weeks
- Limit arm movement
- Avoid lifting, pushing or pulling
- Begin gentle range-of-motion exercises
Weeks six to 12: Rebuilding strength
- The sling is usually no longer needed
- Physical therapy may begin
- Gradually return to daily activities
- Add strength exercises
After 12 weeks: Return to normal activity
- Most people can resume full activity
- Sports and heavier use are allowed with clearance
- Strength and flexibility continue to improve
Returning to sports and activity
If you’re active, you might be eager to get back to your normal activities. The good news is that once your fracture heals, most people can do their usual activities without restrictions.
“Once the fracture has healed, there are no special precautions to follow, except to avoid falling on the affected shoulder,” Dr. Netto said.
If you had surgery, keep in mind that the metal plate used to fix your bone is sometimes close to the surface of the skin and can cause irritation over time. If this happens, removing the hardware is an option to discuss with your surgeon.
When to follow up with a specialist
You may need to see an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist if:
- Pain is not improving
- You have limited movement after healing
- The bone does not heal properly
- You want guidance on returning to sports
Takeaway
A broken collarbone can be painful and make it hard to move your arm. Most people heal fully if they get the right treatment. If you have pain, swelling or trouble moving your arm after an injury, see a health care provider or a Banner Health specialist. With early care, proper treatment and a good recovery plan, you can heal safely and return to the activities you enjoy.
Frequently asked questions about broken collorbones
How do I know if my collarbone is broken or just bruised?
It can be hard to tell. Pain, swelling and bruising happen in both cases. A visible deformity, severe pain or limited movement raises concern for a fracture. An X-ray will confirm if it is broken.
Can I move my arm if my collarbone is broken?
You may be able to move it slightly but it will likely be painful. Avoid using the arm until you see a health care specialist.
Do all clavicle fractures require surgery?
No. Many breaks heal with a sling and rest but severe fractures may need surgery.
Can a broken collarbone heal on its own?
Yes. With proper support and care, many fractures can heal without surgery.
