Definition

A clavicle fracture is a break in the clavicle bone (also called the collarbone). It connects the sternum (breastplate) to the shoulder.

The clavicle can fracture in 3 different places:

• Middle third—the middle portion of the clavicle, which is the most common site for a clavicle fracture
• Distal third—the end of the clavicle connecting to the shoulder
• Medial third—the end of the clavicle connecting to the sternum

Distal Third Clavicle Fracture Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

A clavicle fracture is caused by trauma to the clavicle bone. The trauma is usually caused by:

• Direct blow to the clavicle
• Falling on an outstretched arm or on the point of the shoulder
• Newborn babies can break a clavicle passing through the birth canal

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, condition, or injury.

• Increased age, because of the increased risk of falling
• Osteoporosis
• Certain congenital bone conditions
• Participating in contact sports
• Violence
• Large newborns have a higher risk of fracture during birth

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Pain, often severe
• Sagging shoulder, down and forward
• Inability to lift the arm because of pain
• A lump or visible deformity over the fracture site
• Tenderness and swelling of the affected area

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, physical activity, and how the injury occurred. The injured area will be examined.

Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:

• X-rays
• Ultrasound

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. Treatment may involve:

• Putting the pieces of the bone back in position, which may sometimes require anesthesia and more rarely surgery
• Keeping the pieces together while the bone heals itself
• Newborns and most children do not usually need to have the pieces of the bone put back in position unless the broken ends are very far apart

Prevention

To help prevent clavicle fractures:

• Do not put yourself at risk for trauma to the clavicle bone.
• Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
• Build strong muscles to prevent falls and to stay active and agile.