A broken collarbone can make it painful to lift the arm, move the shoulder, or complete everyday activities. While many clavicle fractures heal with a sling and rehabilitation, displaced or unstable fractures may require surgery to restore alignment and support shoulder function.
With more than 20 years of orthopedic experience, Dr. Brian Cohen provides individualized clavicle fracture treatment in Columbus, OH. He considers the location and severity of the break, the position of the bone fragments, skin condition, and the patient’s activity needs when recommending care.
What Is a Clavicle Fracture?
A clavicle fracture is a break in the collarbone, the curved bone that extends between the sternum, or breastbone, and the scapula, or shoulder blade. The clavicle helps connect the arm to the chest and supports normal shoulder movement.
Clavicle fractures vary in severity. The bone may develop a small crack, break completely, or separate into multiple fragments. The broken pieces may remain properly aligned or move out of position, which is known as a displaced fracture.
Clavicle Fracture Locations
Clavicle fractures are classified according to where the break occurs:
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Middle-third fracture: The break occurs in the shaft, or middle portion, of the clavicle. This is the most common location.
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Distal clavicle fracture: The break occurs near the outer end of the collarbone, where it meets the shoulder.
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Medial clavicle fracture: The break occurs near the inner end of the collarbone, where it meets the sternum. This location is less commonly fractured.
The fracture location, displacement, and condition of the surrounding ligaments and skin can influence the recommended treatment.
Clavicle Fracture Causes
Clavicle fractures are usually caused by trauma that places significant force on the shoulder or collarbone. Common causes include:
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Falling directly onto the shoulder
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Falling onto an outstretched arm
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Motor vehicle or bicycle collisions
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Contact sports injuries
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A direct blow to the collarbone
The severity of the fracture depends on the amount and direction of force, as well as the patient’s bone strength.
Clavicle Fracture Symptoms
Symptoms vary according to the location and severity of the fracture. They may include:
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A snapping or cracking sensation at the time of injury
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Sudden pain over the collarbone
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Swelling and bruising
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A visible bump or deformity
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Sagging of the shoulder downward and forward
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Difficulty lifting or moving the arm
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A grinding sensation during shoulder movement
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Tenderness over the fracture
A wound over the fracture, bone visible through the skin, severe skin tenting, numbness, weakness, difficulty breathing, or a pale or cold arm requires immediate medical evaluation.
Anyone who suspects a broken collarbone should avoid using the injured arm and seek prompt assessment. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department when the injury involves an open wound, breathing difficulty, major trauma, or signs of impaired circulation.
Clavicle Fracture Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a discussion of how the injury occurred and the symptoms that followed. Dr. Cohen or one of his orthopedic colleagues will examine the collarbone, shoulder, upper chest, arm, and hand for swelling, bruising, tenderness, deformity, wounds, circulation, and sensation.
X-rays are typically used to confirm the fracture and show its location, alignment, and degree of displacement. A CT scan may occasionally be ordered when the fracture is complex or located near the shoulder or sternum. The examination may also assess the ribs, lungs, nerves, and blood vessels when the injury resulted from significant trauma.
Clavicle Fracture Treatment Options
Treatment depends on several factors, including:
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The location and pattern of the fracture
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The amount of displacement or shortening
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Whether the bone is broken into multiple fragments
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The condition of the skin over the fracture
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Whether the fracture is open or closed
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The presence of nerve, blood vessel, or other shoulder injuries
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The patient’s age, health, and activity demands
Dr. Cohen reviews the imaging findings and treatment options with each patient before recommending nonsurgical care or surgery.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Many clavicle fractures can heal without surgery, particularly when the bone fragments remain reasonably aligned and the skin, nerves, and blood vessels are not threatened.
Nonsurgical treatment may include:
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A sling to support the arm and limit painful movement
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Ice to reduce pain and swelling
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Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
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Follow-up examinations and X-rays to monitor alignment and healing
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Gentle elbow, wrist, and hand movement to reduce stiffness
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Physical therapy as healing progresses
Shoulder exercises are introduced gradually according to the stability of the fracture. Returning to lifting, contact sports, or other demanding activities too early may cause the fracture to shift or delay healing.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be recommended when the fracture is open, severely displaced or shortened, divided into multiple unstable fragments, threatening the skin, or associated with nerve or blood vessel damage. It may also be considered when the fracture does not heal or causes persistent pain and loss of function.
During surgery, Dr. Cohen realigns the clavicle and stabilizes it while the bone heals. Fixation most commonly involves a plate and screws. In selected fracture patterns, an intramedullary device placed within the center of the bone may be considered.
After surgery, the arm is typically supported in a sling for a period of time. Follow-up imaging is used to monitor healing, and physical therapy gradually restores shoulder motion and strength.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery depends on the fracture pattern, treatment performed, age, bone health, and activity demands. Bone healing may take several weeks to several months, and discomfort can improve before the fracture is strong enough for unrestricted activity.
During recovery, patients should follow restrictions on lifting, overhead movement, driving, work, and sports. Physical therapy may begin with gentle range-of-motion exercises before progressing to shoulder and upper-back strengthening.
Dr. Cohen uses follow-up examinations and X-rays to determine when the fracture has healed sufficiently for increased activity.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Clavicle Fracture Care in Columbus, OH
A clavicle fracture can affect shoulder movement, arm strength, and the ability to work or participate in sports. Dr. Cohen evaluates the fracture location, alignment, skin condition, and activity needs before recommending a sling, rehabilitation, or surgical fixation. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.
