Clavicle Fractures: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Clavicle Fractures?
An orthopedic surgeon, a bone specialist, usually treats a broken collarbone. Many broken collarbones can be treated with a sling. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a clavicle fracture?
A clavicle fracture is a break in the collarbone, one of the main bones in the shoulder girdle and chest. The collarbone is also called the clavicle. It is a long, thin bone between your breastbone (sternum) and your shoulder. About 5% of all adult fractures are clavicle fractures. A broken collarbone is a common injury in young children and teenagers.
The broken pieces of bone may line up straight or may be far out of place. When they are far out of place, it is called a displaced fracture.
Symptoms
A clavicle fracture can be very painful and may make it hard to move your arm. Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Sagging of the shoulder downward and forward.
- Inability to lift the arm because of pain.
- A grinding sensation when you try to raise the arm.
- A deformity or bump over the break.
- Bruising, swelling, or tenderness over the collarbone.
Signs of a more serious break are:
- Decreased feeling or a tingling feeling in your arm or fingers.
- A bone pushing against or through the skin.
- Deformity along the bone.
- Difficulty breathing.
Causes and who gets it
Clavicle fractures are most often caused by a direct blow to the shoulder. This can happen if you fall directly onto the shoulder or have an accident, such as a motor vehicle collision or a sports injury. In a baby, a clavicle fracture can occur during the passage through the birth canal.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask how the injury happened and about your symptoms. Your doctor will then carefully examine your shoulder. Your doctor will also perform tests to make sure that no nerves or blood vessels were damaged.
Your doctor will order an X-ray to identify the location of the fracture.
Treatment
Many broken collarbones can heal without surgery, especially breaks in the middle portion of the bone. If the broken ends of the bones have not shifted much out of place, you may not need surgery. Casts are not used for broken collarbones.
Pain medicine, including acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), can help relieve pain as the fracture heals. Talk with your provider before using these medicines if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or have had stomach ulcers or internal bleeding in the past.
Although there will be some pain, it is important to keep your arm moving to prevent shoulder and elbow stiffness. You will need to see your doctor regularly until your fracture heals. If the fracture does not heal, it is called a nonunion.
If the broken ends of the bones are very displaced, which means out of normal alignment, your doctor may recommend surgery. Risks that are specific to surgery for clavicle fractures include difficulty with bone healing, lung injury, numbness below the clavicle, and hardware irritation. Patients who smoke or use tobacco products, have diabetes, or are elderly have a higher risk of complications both during and after surgery.
Whether or not your treatment involves surgery, it can take several months for your collarbone to heal. Returning to regular activities or lifting with your arm before your doctor advises may cause the fracture fragments to move or the hardware to break.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider or orthopedic surgeon if you have questions or concerns about the healing of your collarbone.
Get care right away or go to the emergency room if:
- Your arm is numb or has a pins and needles feeling.
- You have pain that does not go away with pain medicine.
- Your fingers look pale, blue, black, or white.
- It is hard to move the fingers of your affected arm.
- Your shoulder looks deformed and the bone is coming out of the skin.
- You have redness around the collarbone.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can ask how the injury happened and examine your shoulder. If you have a broken collarbone, you should follow up with a bone specialist, called an orthopedic surgeon.
Common questions
Can a broken collarbone heal without surgery?
Yes, many broken collarbones can heal without surgery. If the broken ends of the bones have not shifted much out of place, you may not need surgery.
How long does it take for a collarbone to heal?
It can take several months for a collarbone to heal.
Do you wear a cast for a broken collarbone?
No, casts are not used for broken collarbones.
When is surgery needed for a broken collarbone?
Surgery may be recommended when the broken ends of the bones are very displaced, which means out of normal alignment.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)
- MedlinePlus - Broken collarbone - aftercare
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
