Broken Collarbone

Overview

A broken collarbone, also known as a clavicle fracture, occurs when the collarbone experiences a break. The collarbone connects the shoulder blade to the breastbone, and this injury is common due to falls, sports accidents, and traffic accidents. Symptoms of a broken collarbone include pain that worsens with shoulder movement, swelling and tenderness, a bump on or near the shoulder, stiffness, and limited shoulder movement. If you suspect a broken collarbone, it is important to seek medical attention promptly for proper treatment and healing.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

Symptoms of a broken collarbone include:

• Pain that increases when moving the shoulder.
• Swelling, tenderness or bruising.
• Skin over the break might look like a tent when gently pinched.
• A bump on or near the shoulder.
• A grinding or crackling sound when moving the shoulder.
• Stiffness or not being able to move the shoulder. Newborns often will not move their arm for days after breaking the collarbone during birth and will cry if someone moves the arm.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing a broken collarbone include:

1. Age: Teenagers and children are more likely to experience a broken collarbone than adults. The risk decreases after age 20 and then increases again in older individuals due to age-related bone loss.
2. Gender: Males are more susceptible to broken collarbones than females.
3. Participation in sports or physical activities: Engaging in sports or activities that involve physical contact or a higher risk of falling, such as football, soccer, gymnastics, skiing, and skateboarding, can increase the risk of a broken collarbone.
4. Certain medical conditions: Medical conditions that weaken bones, such as osteoporosis or bone tumors, can increase the risk of a broken collarbone. It is important to note that while these risk factors may contribute to a greater likelihood of sustaining a broken collarbone, anyone can experience this injury under the right circumstances.

Development

The various types of broken collarbones develop due to different causes. Broken collarbones are most commonly caused by falls, sports accidents, and traffic accidents. Infants may also break their collarbones during birth, particularly during a difficult vaginal delivery. There are different types of broken collarbones, including mid-shaft breaks, distal (near the end) breaks, and stress fractures. Mid-shaft breaks are the most common type, usually caused by high-impact force or direct blows to the shoulder. Distal breaks often occur during falls onto the outstretched arm. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that can develop over time due to overuse or repetitive motions, such as in athletes. In some cases, the jagged ends of a broken collarbone may injure nearby nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications. Poor healing, slow healing, or nonunion of the bones can also occur. However, most broken collarbones heal without difficulty with proper medical care, including ice, pain relievers, a sling, physical therapy, and time. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to implant plates, screws, or rods to help the bone heal correctly.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

You should see a doctor if you suspect a broken collarbone if you experience any symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, tenderness, a bump or deformity near the shoulder, or if you hear a grinding or crackling sound when moving the shoulder. Additionally, if you are unable to move the shoulder or experience stiffness, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Waiting to be treated can lead to poor healing, and in some cases, complications may arise.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a broken collarbone, a healthcare provider will typically perform a physical exam, inspecting the area for tenderness, swelling, or an open wound. X-rays are often used to determine the location and extent of the break, and in some cases, a CT scan may provide more detailed images. A healthcare provider may also ask about previous medical conditions, medications being taken, and any other relevant information to help determine the best course of treatment.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Potential complications of a broken collarbone may include nerve or blood vessel injury, poor or slow healing, a lump in the bone, and a bump on or near the shoulder. Additionally, newborns may experience stiffness or unwillingness to move the arm if they break their collarbone during birth. Immediate medical attention should be sought if there are symptoms of a broken collarbone or significant pain that impairs arm usage.

Home Remedies

It is important to seek medical attention for a broken collarbone to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Ice, pain relievers, and a sling can help manage symptoms, but the healing process typically requires professional medical intervention.

Treatment

For a broken collarbone, treatments typically include:

1. Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain.
2. Rest: Refrain from activities that cause pain or stress to the affected area.
3. Ice: Apply ice packs to the area for 15-20 minutes, several times a day, to reduce swelling.
4. Sling: Wear a sling to support the arm and keep it immobile, except when needed for necessary activities like going to the bathroom or washing.
5. Physical therapy: Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, a physical therapist may guide you through exercises to regain strength and mobility.
6. Surgery: In some cases, particularly with severe breaks, surgery might be necessary to properly align the bone fragments and stabilize the bone with plates, screws, or rods. It is essential to seek medical help promptly for a broken collarbone and follow the advice of your healthcare provider for the appropriate treatment plan.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for a broken collarbone, you should make a list including:

1. Details about symptoms, what caused the injury, and when it happened.
2. Information about past medical problems.
3. All medicines, vitamins, and dietary supplements you take, including doses.
4. Questions to ask the healthcare provider, such as:
   • What is the likely cause of my broken collarbone?
   • How severe is the break?
   • Will I need surgery?
   • What is the expected healing time?
   • How can I manage pain and swelling?
   • What exercises or physical therapy will be part of my treatment plan?
   • Are there any activity restrictions I should follow during the healing process?
   • What are the potential risks and complications of the treatment?
   • When can I expect to return to my normal activities? Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you receive during the appointment.