What Is a Broken Collarbone (Clavicle Fracture)? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Recovery
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What is a broken collarbone?
A broken collarbone is a fracture of the clavicle, the long bone between the shoulder blade and breastbone, usually from falls, sports collisions, car accidents or birth trauma. [1] [2] It causes shoulder pain, swelling and difficulty moving the arm, and X-rays confirm it. [1] [2] Most heal without surgery using a sling, pain relief and therapy; surgery is reserved for complicated fractures. [1] [2]
Key takeaways
It happens in a moment, heals slowly: a sudden injury that takes weeks or months to recover.
Most fractures heal without surgery: a sling, pain relief, and physical therapy are usually enough. [1] [2]
Surgery is for displaced or complex breaks: pins, plates and screws reposition bone pieces when needed. [1] [2]
Recovery time depends on age: bones typically heal in 6–12 weeks in adults and 3–6 weeks in children. [1]
Complications are uncommon but possible: persistent pain, malunion, nonunion, a prominent callus, or long-term shoulder stiffness need follow-up. [1]
Rest and follow-ups are essential: rushing recovery can backfire and cause complications.
What the research says
In adults, surgery lowers the risk of nonunion for displaced midshaft fractures, with trade-offs. A meta-analysis of 11 studies (1,084 patients) found that surgery significantly reduced nonunion (odds ratio 0.23) and modestly improved early shoulder function, while longer-term DASH disability scores were similar and surgery carried higher risks of hardware-related complications and reoperation (Elsenosy et al., Cureus, 2025) [3].
In adolescents, nonoperative care matched surgery for function with fewer complications. A meta-analysis of 7 studies (578 adolescents) found similar DASH scores in both groups, while nonoperative treatment had fewer revision surgeries (risk ratio 0.15) and fewer complications (risk ratio 0.31) (Galán-Olleros et al., International Orthopaedics, 2025) [4].
For fully displaced fractures, surgery cut nonunion and symptomatic malunion, but function scores were similar. Pooling 11 studies (497 operative and 457 conservatively treated patients), surgery lowered the relative risk of nonunion to 0.17 and symptomatic malunion to 0.13, with no difference in Constant-Murley or DASH scores (Amer et al., Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, 2020) [5].
In adults, surgery has an edge for widely displaced breaks, but not for every break. A meta-analysis of 13 randomized and quasi-randomized trials found better arm function scores at one year or more, and lower nonunion and symptomatic malunion rates, with operative fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures; the authors did not support routine primary fixation for all displaced fractures in adults (Wang et al., Clinics, 2015) [8].
In children and teens, both approaches work very well. A systematic review of 12 studies (497 patients, average age 14.1 years) found excellent union rates and patient-reported outcomes with both operative and nonoperative care; surgery meant faster return to activity but more complications, including secondary operations mostly related to implant prominence (Gao et al., J Orthop Trauma, 2019) [9].
Even widely displaced breaks in teens did well without surgery. In 79 patients aged 10 to 18 followed for a median of 3.8 years, patient-reported outcomes were similar between operative and nonoperative care, there were no nonunions, refracture rates were 5% vs 3%, and 19% of the surgery group had implants removed (Swarup et al., JB JS Open Access, 2021) [10].
What Is a Broken Collarbone (Clavicle Fracture)?
A clavicle fracture (broken collarbone) is a common injury that happens when the bone between your shoulder blade and breastbone breaks [2]. Your collarbone connects to your shoulder joint, and trauma to your shoulder is one way to fracture it.
A clavicle fracture is a serious injury that can happen in a moment and take a long time to heal. Most clavicle fractures heal with conservative treatment. [1] But you may need surgery if pieces of your broken collarbone move out of place. [1] [2] Standard treatment is physical therapy and wearing a sling or immobilizer to keep the pieces of your collarbone in place while it heals. [1]
Types of Clavicle Fractures
Your healthcare provider might use various terms to describe your fracture:
Fracture type | What it means |
Singular | Your clavicle fractures in one place. |
Comminuted | Your collarbone breaks in more than one place. |
Displaced | Bone pieces that were lined up correctly move out of place. |
Nondisplaced | The broken pieces remain in their correct alignment. |
Providers may also use a specific classification system to label your fracture as a certain type. These types describe the fracture's location and whether it affects nearby tissue or ligaments. The classification systems help your provider plan your treatment. [1]
Broken Collarbone Symptoms
Symptoms of a broken collarbone may include the following:
Symptom | What you may notice |
Bone pain | Pain in your shoulder, close to the middle of your collarbone, or at the base of your neck. |
Difficulty moving your shoulder | Your shoulder or arm might feel stiff, hurt more when you try to move it, or you might feel or hear grinding or crackling when you move your shoulder. |
Bruising | Areas of skin along your clavicle may be darker than normal or discolored. |
Visible misalignment | Your shoulder may seem to slump unnaturally, or your collarbone may look higher or lower than the other one. |
Skin tenting | Pieces of bone may stick up under your skin to form what looks like a tent or bump over the broken section — this can happen with a displaced fracture. |
Swelling | The fracture can cause inflammation, making nearby muscles and soft tissues swell. Your clavicle is close to your skin, so you'll probably see and feel the swelling. |
Newborns who break a collarbone during birth often refuse to move the arm for days and cry when the arm is moved. [6]
What Causes a Broken Collarbone?
Most broken collarbones happen because of a traumatic injury [1]:
Cause | How it happens |
Falls | Falling on your shoulder or outstretched arm is a common way to break your collarbone. |
Collisions | Shoulder collisions are common sports injuries; children may also collide during play. |
Car accidents | An accident may cause you to hit the dashboard or may trigger an airbag injury. |
Birth trauma | Babies whose shoulders get stuck in the birth canal can get clavicle fractures. |
Teenagers and children are at higher risk than adults. The risk drops after age 20, then climbs again in older people as bones lose strength with age. [6]
Possible Complications
Most clavicle fractures heal completely and without any complications. But you should contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
Complication | What it involves |
Persistent bone pain | A break that doesn't heal may cause bone pain that doesn't go away. |
Bone deformity | A bump on your collarbone if sections heal in the wrong position. |
Prominent callus | A firm lump of new bone where the fracture heals, which is normal, especially in children. |
Shoulder pain and stiffness | A few people have long-term shoulder pain and limited range of motion. |
Joint pain | Damage to the cartilage in your shoulder can make your shoulder joint hurt. |
Rarely, the jagged ends of the broken bone damage nearby nerves or blood vessels, and numbness or coldness in the arm or hand calls for immediate medical attention. [6] A badly broken collarbone may heal slowly or not fully, and poor joining of the bones during healing can shorten the bone. [6] Most healing lumps disappear over time, but not all do. [6] A fracture that involves the joints connecting the collarbone to the shoulder blade or the breastbone may increase the risk of osteoarthritis in that joint later. [6]
How Is a Broken Collarbone Diagnosed?
Get help right away if you think you've broken your clavicle. A healthcare provider will ask how you got hurt, examine the area, and take X-rays to confirm the fracture. [2]
X-rays will show the break location and type. [2] Occasionally, other imaging tests, such as a CT scan, are needed. [2]
X-rays also show how severe the break is and whether the nearby joints are injured, and a CT scan may be ordered for more detailed images, especially before surgery. [7]
Diagnostic step | What it shows |
Medical history | How the injury happened. |
Physical examination | Pain location, swelling, misalignment, skin tenting. |
X-rays | Break location and fracture type. |
CT scan (if needed) | Occasionally needed for more detail. |
Clavicle Fracture Treatment Options
Most clavicle fractures heal well with conservative treatment. [1] Some types of fractures require surgery. [2] Standard treatment for a broken collarbone includes the following:
Treatment | What it involves |
Immobilization | Your provider will give you a sling or shoulder immobilizer to keep sections of your collarbone from moving around; you'll wear this for several weeks. |
Pain relief | Pain is controlled with pain relievers (analgesics), as directed by your provider. |
Observation | Regular checkups; your provider may do X-rays to confirm the collarbone is healing well. |
Physical therapy | Wearing a sling may make your soft tissues stiff; your physical therapist will show you gentle exercises as your clavicle heals, then help rebuild muscle strength once the bone has healed. |
Surgery | Needed if pieces of your collarbone move out of place or the fracture damages nearby tendons, ligaments, blood vessels or nerves; an orthopedic surgeon puts the broken pieces back in place and uses pins or plates and screws to keep them there. |
Pain medicine you can buy without a prescription might be all that is needed. People with intense pain might receive a prescription medicine with narcotics for a few days; because narcotics can be habit-forming, they should be used for only a short time and exactly as directed. [7] Surgery might also be needed if the collarbone has broken through the skin or is in several pieces, and surgical complications are rare but can include infection. [7] Children and teenagers younger than 16 rarely need surgery because they heal more quickly than adults do. [7]
Recovery Time
Clavicle fracture recovery times may depend on factors like your age and the kind of fracture you have. [1] On average, healing may take:
Age group | Average healing time |
Adults | 6 to 12 weeks. |
Children | 3 to 6 weeks. |
A newborn's collarbone that breaks during birth typically heals in about two weeks with only pain control and careful handling of the baby. [7]
Your healthcare provider will let you know when it's safe to return to your usual activities.
When Should You Seek Care?
A clavicle fracture is a serious injury. Call 911 (or your local emergency service number) or go to an emergency room if you think you may have one.
If you're recovering from a broken collarbone, contact a healthcare provider right away if you develop any new or unusual symptoms like faintness or feeling weak, new pain or pain that gets worse, numbness or tingling, or shortness of breath.
Living With a Broken Collarbone: Do's and Don'ts
If you're recovering from a broken clavicle, follow these guidelines:
Do | Don't |
Place ice on your shoulder for 20 minutes a few times a day to ease pain and swelling. | Mix pain medicines unless your provider instructs you to. |
Wear your sling or immobilizer all day and night (you can take it off to bathe). | Take more than the recommended dose of medications. |
Use pain medications as needed, but only as directed. | Drive while you still need your sling or immobilizer. |
Move your shoulder, arm and hand a little each day as instructed. | Use your arm to lift, push or pull until your provider says it's okay. |
Go to all your follow-up appointments so your provider can confirm the clavicle is healing. | — |
A clavicle fracture can happen in a moment, disrupt your daily routine and take weeks or months to heal. You may feel awkward about asking people to act as temporary chauffeurs because you can't drive, or reaching into a tall cupboard because you can't lift your arms — chances are, they're happy to help because they want you to get well quickly. Pushing your recovery can backfire and cause complications. Your healthcare provider will keep an eye on your recovery and let you know when you can get back to your daily routine.
Conclusion
A broken collarbone is one of those injuries that sneaks up on everyday life — a fall, a sports collision, or a car accident — and then asks for weeks of patience in return. The clavicle is the bridge between your shoulder blade and breastbone, and while its breaks are serious, the good news is that most heal completely with straightforward conservative care: a sling or immobilizer for several weeks, careful pain management, and physical therapy to rebuild strength. Some types of fractures require surgery, and age matters — bones typically heal in three to six weeks in children and six to twelve weeks in adults. The keys to a smooth recovery are simple: ice it, wear the sling, move gently as instructed, keep every follow-up appointment, and don't rush back. If something feels wrong along the way — new pain, numbness, weakness, or trouble breathing — reach out to your healthcare provider right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a broken collarbone?
A broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) is a break in the clavicle, the bone between your shoulder blade and breastbone that connects to your shoulder joint.
Is a broken collarbone serious?
Yes. It's a serious injury that happens in a moment and can take weeks or months to heal, though most heal with conservative treatment.
Where is the collarbone located?
The clavicle is the long, horizontal bone at the top of the chest, connecting the shoulder blade to the breastbone.
How common is a clavicle fracture?
A clavicle fracture is a common injury, especially in sports, falls and car accidents — and even during childbirth in newborns.
What causes a broken collarbone?
Traumatic injuries: falls on the shoulder or outstretched arm, shoulder collisions, car accidents (dashboard or airbag impacts), and birth trauma.
Can you break your collarbone by falling on your hand?
Yes. Falling on an outstretched arm can transmit force up to the clavicle and break it.
Can a baby be born with a broken collarbone?
Yes. Babies whose shoulders get stuck in the birth canal can get clavicle fractures during delivery.
How long does a broken collarbone take to heal in adults?
Typically 6 to 12 weeks.
How long does a broken collarbone take to heal in teenagers?
Bones typically heal in 3 to 6 weeks in children and 6 to 12 weeks in adults; your provider can tell you what to expect for a teenager.
How long does it take for a child's broken collarbone to heal?
Three to six weeks for children.
How fast does a baby's broken collarbone heal?
Bones typically heal in 3 to 6 weeks in children; your provider can tell you what to expect for a baby.
What does a broken collarbone feel like?
Pain in your shoulder, close to the middle of your collarbone, or at the base of your neck, plus stiffness and trouble moving.
Does a broken collarbone cause bruising?
Yes. Areas of skin along the clavicle may become darker or discolored.
Does a broken collarbone cause swelling?
Yes. The fracture causes inflammation, and since the clavicle sits close to the skin, swelling is usually visible and palpable.
What is skin tenting with a broken collarbone?
Bone pieces stick up under the skin forming a tent-like bump — a sign of a displaced fracture.
Can a broken collarbone cause a grinding sound?
Yes. You might feel or hear grinding or crackling when you move your shoulder.
Does a broken collarbone make your shoulder slump?
Yes. Visible misalignment — the shoulder slumping unnaturally or the collarbone sitting higher or lower than the other — is a symptom.
Can you still move your arm with a broken collarbone?
Movement is usually difficult and painful; the shoulder or arm feels stiff and hurts more when you try to move it.
What is a displaced clavicle fracture?
When bone pieces that were lined up correctly move out of place.
What is a comminuted clavicle fracture?
When your collarbone breaks in more than one place.
How is a broken collarbone diagnosed?
A provider asks how you got hurt, examines the area and takes X-rays to confirm the fracture.
Do you need a CT scan for a broken collarbone?
Occasionally, other imaging tests, such as a CT scan, are needed.
What does an X-ray show for a clavicle fracture?
The break location and fracture type.
How is a broken collarbone treated?
Most often conservatively: a sling or shoulder immobilizer for several weeks, pain relief, regular observation, and physical therapy.
Do you need surgery for a broken collarbone?
Some types of fractures require surgery — typically if bone pieces move out of place or the fracture damages nearby tendons, ligaments, blood vessels or nerves.
What happens during clavicle fracture surgery?
An orthopedic surgeon puts the broken pieces back in place and uses pins or plates and screws to keep them there.
How long do you wear a sling for a broken collarbone?
Several weeks, as directed by your provider.
Can you take a sling off to bathe?
Yes — you wear it all day and night but can take it off to bathe.
What pain medication is used for a broken collarbone?
Pain relievers (analgesics), used as directed by your provider.
Is ice good for a broken collarbone?
Yes. Place ice on your shoulder for 20 minutes a few times a day to ease pain and swelling.
Why do you need physical therapy after a broken collarbone?
Wearing a sling can stiffen soft tissues; physical therapy includes gentle exercises during healing and strength rebuilding after the bone heals.
When do you start physical therapy for a clavicle fracture?
Your physical therapist shows you gentle exercises you can do as your clavicle heals, then focuses on muscle strength once the bone has healed.
Can a broken collarbone heal on its own?
Most heal completely with conservative care and time, though they still need proper immobilization and monitoring.
Does a broken collarbone hurt more at night?
Pain can vary; using pain medication as directed and icing before bed may help — always follow your provider's guidance.
Can you sleep with a broken collarbone?
Yes, with the sling on and proper positioning; your provider can advise on comfortable sleep positions.
Can you drive with a broken collarbone?
No — don't drive while you still need your sling or immobilizer.
Can you lift things with a broken collarbone?
Not until your provider says it's okay; don't use the arm to lift, push or pull before clearance.
When can you return to sports after a clavicle fracture?
When your healthcare provider confirms healing and says it's safe to return to your usual activities.
What are complications of a broken collarbone?
Persistent bone pain, bone deformity, a prominent callus (a firm lump of new bone), long-term shoulder pain and stiffness, and joint pain — contact your provider if any occur.
Can a clavicle fracture cause long-term shoulder pain and stiffness?
A few people have long-term shoulder pain and limited range of motion.
Why does a bump form after a broken collarbone heals?
A bone deformity bump can form if sections of the broken collarbone heal in the wrong position.
Can a broken collarbone cause nerve damage?
Fractures can damage nearby nerves, blood vessels, tendons or ligaments — which is one reason surgery may be needed.
Should you go to the ER for a broken collarbone?
Yes. Call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to an emergency room if you think you may have one.
When should you call your doctor during recovery?
Right away if you develop faintness or weakness, new or worsening pain, numbness or tingling, or shortness of breath.
Is shortness of breath normal with a broken collarbone?
No — it's a warning sign. Contact your provider right away if it occurs.
Can a broken collarbone cause numbness in the arm?
Numbness or tingling during recovery is a warning sign — contact your provider right away.
What should you not do with a broken collarbone?
Don't mix pain medicines, don't exceed recommended doses, don't drive while in a sling, and don't lift, push or pull with the arm until cleared.
Can you take ibuprofen for a broken collarbone?
Ask your provider first. Pain is controlled with pain relievers (analgesics), as directed by your provider.
How should you sleep with a sling?
Wear the sling all day and night; your provider can suggest positioning tips.
Does age affect clavicle fracture healing?
Yes — bones typically heal in 3–6 weeks in children and 6–12 weeks in adults.
Can a broken collarbone cause long-term problems?
Most heal completely without complications, but some may have lingering pain, deformity or joint issues if healing goes wrong.
Is surgery the only way to fix a displaced fracture?
Surgery — with pins, plates and screws — is the standard approach when pieces move out of place.
Can a collarbone break twice in the same spot?
Reinjury is possible if the bone isn't fully healed; follow your provider's activity guidance.
How do you know your collarbone is healed?
Your provider confirms healing through follow-up appointments and X-rays.
Why shouldn't you rush recovery from a clavicle fracture?
Pushing your recovery can backfire and cause complications; your provider will tell you when you can return to routine activities.
Who treats a broken collarbone?
A healthcare provider, often an orthopedic specialist for displaced or complex fractures.
Will my collarbone look the same after it heals?
Most heal completely; some may have a small bump or deformity depending on how the bone pieces healed.
Related Reading
Understanding the Scapula: The Anatomy and Function of Your Shoulder Blade
The Sternum (Breastbone): Anatomy, Function, and Common Conditions
Physical Therapy: Enhancing Mobility, Strength, and Recovery
Bruises (Ecchymosis): What They Are, Why They Change Color, and When to See a Doctor
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment — Complete Guide
Shoulder X-Ray: Why It's Done, What It Shows and What to Expect explains the X-ray used first for shoulder pain and injuries.
References
Le MQT, Myers K, May T, et al. Clavicle fracture. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; updated March 27, 2026. PMID: 29939669. NCBI Bookshelf: NBK507892
Campagne D. Collarbone fractures (clavicle fractures). Merck Manual Consumer Version. Full review March 2025. Accessed October 15, 2026. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/injuries-and-poisoning/fractures/collarbone-fractures
Elsenosy AM, Hassan E, Al-Alawi M, et al. Surgical versus non-surgical management of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cureus. 2025;17(10):e93902. PMID 41200602. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.93902
Galán-Olleros M, Stitzman-Wengrowicz ML, Martínez-Álvarez S, et al. Nonoperative versus surgical treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies. Int Orthop. 2025;49(9):2227-2238. PMID 40560219. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-025-06589-y
Amer K, Smith B, Thomson JE, et al. Operative versus nonoperative outcomes of middle-third clavicle fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Trauma. 2020;34(1):e6-e13. PMID 31851115. https://doi.org/10.1097/BOT.0000000000001602
Mayo Clinic Staff. Broken collarbone - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. June 23, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-collarbone/symptoms-causes/syc-20370311
Mayo Clinic Staff. Broken collarbone - Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. June 23, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-collarbone/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370316
Wang XH, et al. Operative versus nonoperative treatment for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures: a meta-analysis based on current evidence. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2015;70(8):584-92. PMID 26247672. https://doi.org/10.6061/clinics/2015(08)09
Gao B, et al. Operative Versus Nonoperative Management of Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fractures in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Orthop Trauma. 2019;33(11):e439-e446. PMID 31633645. https://doi.org/10.1097/BOT.0000000000001580
Swarup I, Maheshwer B, Orr S, et al. Intermediate-Term Outcomes Following Operative and Nonoperative Management of Midshaft Clavicle Fractures in Children and Adolescents: Internal Fixation May Improve Outcomes. JB JS Open Access. 2021;6(1):e20.00036. PMID 33748645. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.OA.20.00036
Medical disclaimer
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
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