Broken Collarbone Treatment

The collarbone, also known as the clavicle, plays a pivotal role in connecting the arm to the body. It’s situated between the ribcage and the shoulder blade, which makes it particularly susceptible to injuries, especially due to falls, sports injuries, or car wrecks.

Collarbone injuries can range from minor fractures that require minimal treatment to severe breaks needing surgical intervention. Common broken collarbone treatments include arm support, pain management, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery to realign and affix the bones. 

Whether you’ve experienced a recent injury or are just curious about the treatment process, in this article, we’ll explore the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options available for clavicle fractures and breaks.

How do you know if your collarbone is injured?

The clavicle is a thin, long bone that connects your shoulder blades to your sternum (breastbone). Fractures on this bone can occur in three different areas:

1. Near the sternum, or the portion closest to the breastbone. They usually occur by a hard blow directly to the chest.
2. Between the sternum and the AC joint, or the middle portion. This type of fracture occurs when you fall on an outstretched arm, or by direct impact to this area of the bone.
3. Near the AC joint or the portion closest to the shoulder. This type of fracture usually occurs when you have a hard blow to the side or top of the shoulder.

Identifying an injured collarbone involves recognizing specific symptoms commonly associated with fractures or broken bones in this area. Some of the most notable broken collarbone symptoms include:

• Pain: Immediate and intense pain at the site of the injury, which intensifies with arm movements or pressure on the area.
• Swelling and bruising: Visible swelling, tenderness, and sometimes bruising over the collarbone.
• A sagging shoulder: The affected shoulder may appear lower than the other due to the disruption of the collarbone’s structural support.
• A grinding or cracking sensation: Movements may result in a noticeable grinding or snapping sensation if the broken ends of the bones rub against each other.
• Deformity or bulging: In some cases, the broken ends of the bone may cause a noticeable bulge beneath the skin.

Is a broken collarbone serious? Yes! Although many of the bones themselves are so small, if you experience any of these symptoms following trauma to your shoulder or collarbone area, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. However, if you’ve broken your collarbone, the pain itself will likely drive you to seek medical attention, as collarbone fractures and breaks can be particularly painful. 

A healthcare professional can conduct a thorough examination, potentially including  X-rays or other ER imaging tests, to accurately diagnose the extent of the injury and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

How do you treat a broken collarbone?

Treating a broken collarbone primarily focuses on pain management, supporting the bone as it heals, and restoring normal function. Broken collarbone treatment approaches will vary based on the severity and type of the fracture, but common treatments include:

• Arm support: Utilizing a sling or figure-eight strap to immobilize and support the arm and shoulder, alleviating strain on the collarbone as it heals.
• Medication: Pain relief can be achieved through over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), but you will likely need prescription medication for the intense pain of a collarbone break. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication.
• Physical therapy: After an appropriate period for bone healing, physical therapy may be recommended to restore movement, strength, and functionality to the shoulder and arm.
• Surgery: In cases where the bones are displaced or the fracture is complex, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign and secure the bones with plates, screws, or rods.

Throughout the healing process, it’s essential to follow up with your healthcare professional regularly to ensure the fracture is healing correctly and to adjust treatment plans as necessary. Recovery times can vary, with many people beginning to feel better within a few weeks and returning to normal activities within a few months.

Additionally, some lifestyle changes can aid in the healing process and prevent future injuries to the collarbone. These include:

• Proper nutrition: Consuming a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help strengthen bones and promote faster healing.
• Avoiding risky activities: Especially during the recovery phase, it’s crucial to avoid activities that put strain on the collarbone, such as heavy lifting or contact sports.
• Wearing protective gear: When participating in activities that may increase the risk of re-injury, wearing protective gear can help prevent further damage to the collarbone.
• Maintaining good posture: Poor posture can put added stress on the collarbone. Practicing good posture can help alleviate this strain and promote healing.

Breaking a bone, especially a major one like the collarbone, can be a painful and challenging experience. However, with proper treatment and care, most people can fully recover and return to their normal activities. 

Continue reading: When to go to the ER for shoulder pain

What is the recovery time for a broken collar bone?

The recovery time for a broken collarbone can vary significantly depending on the severity of the break, the method of treatment, and the individual’s overall health. 

Generally, broken collarbone recovery time for adults may take 6 to 12 weeks, whereas children often heal faster, typically within 3 to 6 weeks. 

It’s important to note that while the bone may heal within this timeframe, regaining full strength and mobility in the surrounding muscles and joints can take longer, sometimes several months. Adhering to a rehabilitation program under the guidance of a healthcare professional is crucial for a speedy and efficient recovery. Regular follow-up appointments are also essential to ensure the collarbone is healing correctly and to adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Complications associated with a broken collarbone

While many people recover from a broken collarbone without any lasting issues, complications can occasionally arise, impacting the recovery process. These complications might include:

• Malunion or nonunion: Sometimes, the bone fragments fail to heal together properly (nonunion) or heal in an incorrect position (malunion). This can lead to prolonged discomfort or a deformity, necessitating further medical intervention.
• Nerve or blood vessel damage: The trauma from a collarbone fracture can sometimes injure nearby nerves or blood vessels, leading to issues such as numbness, tingling, or circulatory problems in the affected limb.
• Osteoarthritis: If the break extends into the shoulder joint, it may increase the risk of developing post-traumatic osteoarthritis in that joint over time.
• Frozen shoulder: Prolonged immobility of the arm during recovery can lead to stiffness and reduced mobility in the shoulder, known as frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis.
• Hardware complications: In cases where surgery is required and hardware like pins, plates, or screws are used to fix the bone fragments, there can be complications such as irritation, infection, or the need for additional surgery to remove or adjust the hardware.

Prompt attention to any signs of complications and adherence to follow-up care are crucial for managing these issues effectively.

Think you might have broken your collarbone? Don’t wait to visit a Complete Care location near you!

Broken collarbone treatment typically involves rest, immobilization with a sling or brace, pain management, and physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility. In cases of severe pain, visible deformity, or any signs suggesting nerve or blood vessel damage, it is essential to seek emergency care immediately to prevent further complications.

At Complete Care, we’re committed to providing you with the highest standard of treatment for your collarbone fracture. From the moment you walk through our doors, we strive to ensure a smooth, comforting, and efficient healing process. Our expert medical team is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools to accurately assess your injury and tailor a treatment plan that aligns with your unique recovery needs.

With locations across Texas (Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, and San Antonio) and in Colorado Springs, you’re never far from receiving top-notch care for your collarbone injury at a Complete Care facility — ensuring you get back to full health as quickly as possible.

More Helpful Articles by Complete Care:

• The Difference Between Snake Bite vs. Spider Bite
• Award Winning Emergency Room Services
• Common Soccer Injuries: Prevention and Treatment
• Should I Go To the ER for Shortness of Breath?
• 7 Most Common Basketball Injuries