Complete Guide to Clavicle Fracture Treatment: What You Need to Know

Summary: Clavicle fractures, commonly known as broken collarbones, are among the most frequent bone injuries I treat in my practice, affecting everyone from newborns to elderly adults. Most clavicle fractures heal well with proper treatment, which can range from simple sling immobilization for stable fractures to surgical repair for complex breaks. Understanding the different collarbone fracture types, treatment options, and recovery expectations can help you make informed decisions about your care and get back to your normal activities safely.

Understanding Your Clavicle: More Than Just a Collarbone

Your clavicle, or collarbone, is that prominent bone you can feel just below your neck. It's actually one of the most important bones in your upper body, even though it might seem small. I often tell my patients that the clavicle acts like a strut on a car – it keeps your shoulder blade in the right position and helps your arm move properly.

After treating hundreds of patients with clavicle injuries over the years, I've learned that most people don't realize how crucial this bone is until they break it. The clavicle connects your shoulder blade to your chest, and when it's fractured, your entire shoulder function can be affected.

Common Causes of Clavicle Fractures

In my experience, most clavicle fractures happen from:

• Direct falls: Landing on your shoulder or outstretched arm
• Sports injuries: Particularly in contact sports like football, hockey, or cycling
• Motor vehicle accidents: Often from the force of seatbelt restraint
• Birth injuries: Especially in larger babies during difficult deliveries

What I've seen in my practice is that younger patients typically get these injuries from sports or high-energy trauma, while older adults often fracture their clavicle from simple falls.

Types of Collarbone Fractures: Location Matters

Not all clavicle fractures are the same. The location of your break significantly affects your treatment options and recovery time. Here's how I classify them:

Midshaft Clavicle Fracture

This is by far the most common type I see – about 80% of all clavicle fractures occur in the middle third of the bone. A midshaft clavicle fracture usually happens when you fall directly onto your shoulder.

Key characteristics:

• Often visible deformity or "bump" over the break site
• Usually the easiest type to treat
• Generally heals well without surgery

Distal Clavicle Fracture

These occur near your shoulder joint, in the outer third of the clavicle. Distal clavicle fractures can be trickier because they're close to important ligaments that help stabilize your shoulder.

What makes them different:

• May involve damage to surrounding ligaments
• Sometimes require surgical treatment
• Can be associated with shoulder separation injuries

Proximal Clavicle Fracture

These happen near your chest, in the inner third of the clavicle. They're the least common type I treat, but they can be concerning because they're near important blood vessels and nerves.

Recognizing Clavicle Fracture Symptoms

When you break your clavicle, you'll know something's wrong right away. Here's what I typically see in patients who come to my office:

Immediate symptoms:

• Sharp, severe pain at the injury site
• Inability to lift your arm on the injured side
• Visible swelling and bruising
• Sometimes a visible bump or deformity
• Pain that worsens with arm movement

What patients tell me: Many describe feeling or hearing a "pop" when the injury happened. You'll likely find yourself holding your arm close to your body, and simple tasks like getting dressed become nearly impossible.

If you suspect a clavicle fracture, don't try to "tough it out." I've seen too many patients who waited days or weeks before seeking treatment, which can complicate healing.

Clavicle Fracture Treatment Options: From Simple to Surgical

The good news is that most clavicle fractures heal well with proper treatment. After examining thousands of these injuries, I can tell you that the right treatment depends on several factors: the type of fracture, its location, your age, activity level, and overall health.

Non-Surgical Treatment

About 85% of clavicle fractures I see can be treated without surgery. This approach works well for:

• Simple, non-displaced fractures
• Midshaft fractures in children and many adults
• Patients who aren't candidates for surgery

The treatment process:

1. Immediate care: Sling or figure-8 brace for 4-6 weeks
2. Pain management: Anti-inflammatory medications and ice
3. Gradual mobilization: Starting gentle movements as healing progresses
4. Physical therapy: Usually begins after initial healing

When Surgery Becomes Necessary

While most clavicle fractures heal well without surgery, there are times when I recommend surgical treatment. In my practice, I typically suggest clavicle fracture surgery for:

Absolute indications:

• Open fractures (bone breaks through the skin)
• Fractures with nerve or blood vessel damage
• Multiple displaced fragments

Relative indications:

• Significant displacement or shortening
• Elite athletes needing full strength restoration
• Fractures that aren't healing properly (nonunions)

Surgical Options I Use

When surgery is needed, I have several effective techniques:

Plate fixation:

• Most common approach I use
• Places a metal plate over the fracture
• Allows early motion and strong healing

Intramedullary nailing:

• Less invasive option
• Rod placed inside the bone
• Smaller incision and less tissue disruption

The choice depends on your specific fracture pattern and personal factors we'll discuss together.

Recovery and Rehabilitation: Getting Back to Normal

Recovery from a clavicle fracture is a process that requires patience. Here's what I typically tell my patients to expect:

Early Phase (0-6 weeks)

Your main goals:

• Protect the healing bone
• Manage pain and swelling
• Maintain range of motion in uninvolved joints

Most of my patients find that sleeping is challenging during this phase. I recommend using extra pillows to prop yourself up – lying flat is often too uncomfortable.

Intermediate Phase (6-12 weeks)

Once your bone shows signs of healing on X-rays, we'll start more active rehabilitation:

• Gentle range of motion exercises
• Gradual strengthening
• Return to light activities

Advanced Phase (3-6 months)

For patients who've had surgery or complex fractures, full recovery can take several months. This phase focuses on:

• Full strength restoration
• Return to sports or demanding activities
• Final range of motion optimization

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Don't wait if you experience any of these warning signs:

Red flags that need immediate attention:

• Numbness or tingling in your fingers
• Severe, worsening pain
• Signs of infection (if you've had surgery)
• Loss of pulse in your wrist
• Skin color changes in your hand

I always tell patients: when in doubt, call. It's better to check on something minor than to miss a serious complication.

Living with a Clavicle Fracture: Practical Tips

From years of treating these injuries, I've learned that small adjustments can make a big difference in your comfort and recovery:

Daily Activities

Dressing tips:

• Put your injured arm through sleeves first
• Choose shirts that button in front
• Avoid overhead reaching motions

Sleeping better:

• Sleep in a recliner if possible
• Use multiple pillows for support
• Consider a wedge pillow to elevate your upper body

Returning to Activities

I'm often asked when patients can return to specific activities. Here's my general timeline:

• Driving: Usually 2-4 weeks for non-surgical treatment
• Desk work: Often possible within days with proper support
• Exercise: Gradual return starting at 6-8 weeks
• Contact sports: Typically 3-4 months minimum

Remember, these are general guidelines. Your specific situation might be different, and we'll monitor your progress together.

Prevention: Protecting Yourself from Future Injuries

While you can't prevent all accidents, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Smart strategies:

• Wear protective gear during sports
• Maintain good bone health with calcium and vitamin D
• Practice fall prevention, especially as you age
• Use proper techniques in sports and activities

The Bottom Line: Your Clavicle Fracture Can Heal Well

After treating thousands of clavicle fractures throughout my career, I can confidently say that the vast majority of patients return to their normal activities without long-term problems. The key is proper initial treatment, following your recovery plan, and having realistic expectations about the healing process.

Most patients are surprised by how well they feel just a few months after their injury. With the right treatment approach – whether that's simple immobilization or surgical repair – your clavicle can heal stronger than before.

Your fracture is unique, and your treatment should be too. That's why I always recommend discussing your specific situation with an orthopedic specialist who can evaluate your injury and create a personalized treatment plan.

If you're dealing with a clavicle fracture, don't hesitate to seek professional evaluation. Early, appropriate treatment gives you the best chance for a full recovery and return to all the activities you enjoy.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you suspect a clavicle fracture or have concerns about your symptoms, please consult with a qualified orthopedic specialist for proper evaluation and treatment.

Ready to discuss your clavicle fracture treatment options? Contact Dr. Calendine's office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward recovery.