Injury: Broken Collarbone
What is a Broken Collarbone?
A broken collarbone is most often caused by a direct blow to the shoulder. A broken collarbone injury is most often suffered during high contact sports such as football, hockey and cheerleading. The medical terminology for collarbone is clavicle, so medical professionals will often diagnose this shoulder injury as a fractured or broken clavicle. You will be able to make a general assumption of whether or not you may have suffered a broken collarbone if you notice that their is pain running from the shoulder across the the collarbone or clavicle. In many cases you will be able to see a visual impairment in the clavicle where the break occurred.
Medical Definition of a Broken Collarbone
A broken collarbone or clavicle fracture is the most common bone related injury suffered by individuals. The most common location of the shoulder injury is towards the middle third of the clavicle. Approximately 80% of broken collarbones occur at this location, 15% occur in the lateral one third, and 5% involve towards the medial end.
Synonyms
- Clavicle Fracture
- Broken Clavicle
What are the symptoms of a Broken Collarbone?
- Injury history linked to a significant injury such as falling on the shoulder or being struck over the clavicle.
- Pain at the site of the clavicle fracture.
- Unable to lift arm due to the pain at the site of the clavicle fracture.
- Deformity or bump at the site of the clavicle fracture.
- Grinding sensation felt when raising the arm.
Related Injuries
- Shoulder Separation
- Proximal Humeral Fracture
Treatment of Broken Collarbone
- Usage of arm sling or brace for 4-6 weeks in adults and 3-4 weeks in children younger than age 12.
- After 2-3 weeks you should begin gentle shoulder exercises as pain allows.
- Proper usage of NSAIDS to help alleviate painful symptoms.
- Application of ice to the site of the broken collarbone to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Related Anatomy
- Clavicle
- Shoulder Blade
- Humerus
Sports
- Football
- Hockey
- Cheerleading
References
Greene W.B. (Ed). (2001). Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care.Rosemont, Il: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (127-128)