Broken Collar Bone

A broken collar bone is generally caused by direct contact or a fall. Sports injuries are the most common cause of broken clavicles, but it can occur from any fall or direct hit that is severe enough to damage the bone. This is one of the most common fractures that people have, and males between the ages of 13 and 20 are the most common patients seen with this injury. The younger you are, the more likely you are to break the collar bone because the bones are still growing and more susceptible to damage.

Symptoms of a broken collar bone

• Immediate pain after being hit or falling
• Limited motion in the arm, specifically when attempting to raise the arm
• Grinding feeling when the arm is used
• Occasional deformity or dislocation
• Bumps or swelling, along with bruising or discoloration
• If a nerve or vessel is pinched, the arm may turn pale, feel cool, tingle, or go numb

Treatment of a broken collar bone

A broken collar bone will be diagnosed by a physical exam, followed up by an x-ray to determine the exact location and severity of the fracture in question. In most cases, clavicle fractures heal on their own with the aid of a sling to keep the arm still until the bone heals. An adult will wear a sling for a week or so while a child might need to be in a sling for 3-4 weeks. A figure-8 strap might also be used in helping the healing process, which is especially common in children. Exercising will help heal the injury, but they should not be done if they cause pain. Discussing the injury with a medical professional will help to determine when exercise is permitted. OTC pain medications are used to manage the pain.

Only when a broken collar bone is severe will it require surgery, and this is very rare. Patients need to disclose their exact pain and condition to the doctor to determine when being examined to receive the proper treatment for their fracture. Occasionally, breaks that appear to be minor will turn out to be more serious, but again this is rare.