Clavicle Fractures
A clavicle fracture is a break in the collarbone, commonly caused by a fall directly onto the shoulder, cycling accident, collision, or contact-sports injury.
Evaluation
The examination assesses the skin, deformity, shoulder alignment, nerves, and circulation. X-rays define the fracture location, displacement, shortening, comminution, and relationship to the AC or sternoclavicular joint. CT imaging may be useful for selected medial or distal fractures, complex shoulder-girdle injuries, nonunion, malunion, or surgical planning when standard X-rays do not fully define the anatomy.
Nonsurgical treatment
Nonsurgical care is often appropriate when alignment and stability are acceptable and the expected function is reasonable. A sling provides comfort and protection. Hand, wrist, and elbow motion begins early, while shoulder motion progresses according to pain and healing. Follow-up imaging is important because alignment can change. A visible bump often remains after healing and does not necessarily indicate poor function.
When surgery is considered
Surgery may be appropriate for an open fracture, threatened skin, major displacement or shortening, unstable distal fracture, associated nerve or vascular injury, floating shoulder or other shoulder-girdle disruption, symptomatic nonunion, or malunion that substantially affects function. Fixation usually uses a plate and screws to restore length and alignment. Selected distal fractures may require additional ligament stabilization. Bone grafting can be used in nonunion or bone-loss situations.
Patient Experience
“I broke my collarbone and two ribs in a scooter accident. The thoroughness of the care I received from Dr. Knudsen and his staff was the level of treatment I didn't even know existed anymore. The explanations I received left me without a single question as to how I could heal the quickest and with the least amount of complications.”
Patient treated for a clavicle fracture | Google review
These testimonials describe individual patient experiences. Treatment recommendations, recovery, and outcomes vary by patient.
Risks and tradeoffs
Potential risks include infection, wound problems, numbness below the incision, hardware irritation, delayed healing, nonunion, nerve or blood-vessel injury, lung injury, stiffness, and additional surgery. Because the clavicle lies directly beneath the skin, plates can be felt. Seatbelts, backpack straps, and athletic equipment may irritate hardware even after the fracture heals.
Return to activity
Daily activity returns before the bone is ready for heavy lifting, contact sports, cycling, or fall-risk activity. Return is based on pain, strength, examination, activity demands, and healing on imaging. Returning too early can cause displacement or fixation failure.
This information is educational and is not a substitute for an individualized medical evaluation. Written and medically reviewed by Michael L. Knudsen, MD | Last reviewed: July 2026
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