Broken Clavicle
(Collar Bone)
Broken Clavicle (Collar Bone) Overview
The clavicle or collar bone is one of the main shoulder bones. A clavicle break is a serious injury that requires medical treatment. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) shoulder specialist should be made as soon as possible.
Symptoms & Causes
Clavicle break symptoms include:
- A visible bony bump
- Bruising
- Difficulty raising the arm
- Grinding when moving the arm
- Pain
- Shoulder sagging
- Swelling
- Tenderness
Common clavicle break causes are:
- Direct blows to the shoulder
- Falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports injuries
Common Treatments:
Nonsurgical treatment options treat most clavicle breaks. After a thorough evaluation, a CONA shoulder specialist may recommend:
- Immobilization is a shoulder sling
- Pain and anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
Surgery may be recommended to treat severe clavicle breaks. During an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), a CONA specialist aligns and fixates the clavicle. Â