Understanding Broken Collarbone (Clavicle Fracture): Symptoms, Types, and Treatment

What is a Broken Collarbone (Clavicle Fracture)?

A broken collarbone or clavicle fracture occurs when the clavicle bone, connecting the shoulder to the sternum, is cracked or broken. It's often caused by falls, sports injuries or accidents. Symptoms include pain, swelling and difficulty moving the arm. Treatment usually includes immobilization, pain management and sometimes surgery.

What are the types of Clavicle Fractures?

Clavicle fracture types are typically classified on their location:

• Midshaft Fractures: These fractures occur in the middle third of the clavicle and are the most common type, often resulting from direct trauma or falls.
• Distal (Lateral) Fractures: These fractures occur near the shoulder joint and are less common. They may be more complex due to the possible involvement of ligaments and acromioclavicular joints.
• Medial (Proximal) Fractures: These fractures are rare and occur near the sternum. They often require careful assessment of injuries associated with adjacent structures such as the chest or lungs.

Each clavicle fracture type varies in severity and treatment approach.

How common are Clavicle Fractures?

The frequency of clavicle fractures is highest during adolescence and decreases after the age of 20. However, in older adults this frequency increases again due to the weakening of bone strength with age.

What are the symptoms of a Broken Collarbone?

A broken collarbone, or clavicle fracture, is revealed through several distinct symptoms, which are primarily localized around the shoulder and upper chest area.

• Common clavicle fracture symptom includes severe pain at the fracture site, often exacerbated by shoulder movement. The pain is usually immediate and severe, making it difficult to move the affected arm or shoulder.
• Swelling and tenderness around the collarbone are typical, with visible bruising or a bump over the break area as the blood vessels and soft tissues around the fracture are affected.
• In some cases, the broken ends of the bone may protrude against the skin, creating a noticeable deformity or even breaking through the skin in severe cases.
• A grinding or clicking sensation may be felt when attempting to move the shoulder, indicating bone fragments rubbing against each other.
• The affected arm may also appear shorter because the shoulder is collapsed inward toward the chest.
• Additionally, clavicle fracture symptoms could include numbness or tingling in the shoulder and arm, indicating potential nerve involvement.
• Decreased mobility is common, as pain and mechanical disturbance prevent normal movement of the shoulder.
• In case if the injury is severe, there may be associated injuries to nearby structures, such as the lungs or major blood vessels, which can cause additional collarbone fracture symptoms like shortness of breath or a feeling of chest tightness.

What are the causes of Clavicle Fractures?

Now that we have explored the symptoms, let's look at clavicle fracture causes.

Some of the common causes include:

• Falls: Landing directly on your shoulder or onto an outstretched arm
• Sports injuries: A direct blow to the shoulder while playing a sport
• Traffic accidents: Accidents involving cars, motorcycles, or bicycles
• Birth injury: Infants sometimes suffer clavicle fractures during difficult vaginal births

How is a Broken Collarbone diagnosed?

If you show clavicle fracture symptoms, your doctor will examine the area and likely order an X-ray. Imaging tests can provide detailed views of dense structures, like bones, and will help your doctor determine the type and severity of the clavicle fracture.

How is a Broken Collarbone treated?

Treatment options for a broken collarbone or clavicle fracture depends on the fracture's severity, location, and alignment. Most clavicle fractures can be treated non-surgically, while more severe cases may require surgical intervention.

Non-Surgical Clavicle Fracture Treatment

For less severe fractures, especially those where the bone fragments remain aligned, non-surgical treatment is often effective. This involves:

• Immobilization: Using a sling or figure-of-eight bandage to immobilize the arm and shoulder to allow the bones to heal. It is usually worn for several weeks.
• Pain Management: Using over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are effective for managing discomfort and alleviating inflammation.
• Ice Application: Applying ice packs to the injured area helps reduce swelling and pain.
• Physical Therapy: Once the initial healing phase is over, physical therapy exercises are introduced to restore shoulder strength and range of motion.

Surgical Clavicle Fracture Treatment

Surgery may be necessary for more severe fractures, especially if the bone fragments are significantly displaced or if the fracture has broken through the skin.

Surgical options include:

1. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): This procedure involves moving the bone fragments and fixing them with plates, screws, or pins to ensure proper alignment and healing.
2. Post-Surgical Care: After surgery, a period of immobilization is followed by physical therapy to regain shoulder function and strength.

Recovery time for a broken collarbone varies from person to person, but most patients can resume normal activities within a few months. Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider ensure proper healing and address any complications that may arise.

What happens if a Broken Collarbone Goes Untreated?

If left untreated, a broken collarbone can lead to complications such as:

• Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury
• Poor or Slow Healing
• Shortening of the bone due to improper healing
• Increased risk of Osteoarthritis in the affected joint

How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Broken Collarbone?

Recovery from a broken collarbone varies by age: adults typically heal in 8-12 weeks, adolescents in 6-8 weeks, children under 8 in 3-6 weeks, and infants in about 2 weeks. Your healthcare provider will advise when you can resume normal activities.

Will a Broken Collarbone Cause Any Long-Term Complications?

With proper clavicle fracture treatment, long-term complications are rare. However, some people may develop lumps over the bones, which usually subside over time.

What Should I Do and Not Do with a Broken Collarbone?

Healing a broken collarbone requires patience and following doctor's recommendations.

Do's:

• Use a sling and immobilizer as advised
• Take prescribed medications
• Attend physical therapy sessions

Don'ts:

• Avoid moving the injured arm without medical advice
• Do not lift heavy objects
• Avoid activities that could lead to another fall

When to see a doctor?

If you experience persistent pain in your collarbone region, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Seeing a doctor immediately can help to prevent complications associated with untreated clavicle fractures.

Conclusion

A broken collarbone might be painful and uncomfortable, but with early diagnosis, effective collarbone fracture treatment, and careful rehabilitation, a full recovery is the norm. While, prioritizing your health and don't ignore discomfort or possible symptoms. Remember, with accurate knowledge and professional medical care, your health is within your reach.

For reliable diagnostic services, consider Metropolis Healthcare. Our advanced diagnostic labs offer accurate pathology testing services right at your doorstep. Results are made available online for easy access. Trust us for personalized care dedicated to empowering you to prioritize your health.