Exams and Tests

The doctor will take a brief history to determine how the injury occurred. If necessary, a thorough physical exam will be conducted to evaluate for any other injuries.

• Specifically, the shoulder will be touched and inspected to identify signs of a broken collarbone. The nerves in the arm will be tested to make sure no injury has occurred there. Also, the doctor will listen to the lungs to make sure they were not injured by the broken bone.

• An x-ray of the clavicle is usually ordered to determine what type of break occurred. Sometimes, the break can be very difficult to see on x-ray, and several views of your shoulder may be needed. You may ask to have your doctor show you the break on the x-ray.