Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Medically Reviewed on 8/11/2022
Doctor's Notes on Broken Collarbone
A broken collarbone is a fracture of the collarbone, medically known as the clavicle. Traumatic injury is the typical cause of a clavicle fracture. In particular, falling onto an outstretched arm or on the shoulder may create enough pressure to break the collarbone. Collarbone fractures are relatively common injuries.
Signs and symptoms of a broken collarbone include:
- pain,
- swelling,
- bruising, and
- tenderness over the collarbone.
The pain may cause an inability to raise the arm or move the shoulder. Other associated signs and symptoms may include:
- a lump or deformity visible at the area of the break,
- sagging of the shoulder downward and forward, or
- a grinding or crackling sound or feeling experienced when trying to raise the arm.
What Is the Treatment for a Broken Collarbone?
Treatment for a broken collarbone depends on the severity of the fracture.
- Some cases will heal with rest, ice, and using a sling for the affected arm.
- More complex fractures require surgical repair, which may involve the use of plates, screws, or pins to hold the fragments in place.
- Medications to control pain are also a part of the treatment for a broken collarbone.
Trauma and First Aid : Training and Supplies Quiz
QuestionEmotional trauma is best described as a psychological response to a deeply distressing or life-threatening experience.
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Broken Bone (Bone Fracture)
Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand the outside forces applied to the bone. Fractures can be open or closed. Types of fractures include: greenstick, spiral, comminuted, transverse, compound, or vertebral compression. Common fractures include: stress fracture, compression fracture, rib fracture, and skull fracture. Treatment depends upon the type of fracture. -
Bruises (Bruising)
A bruise is a common skin injury that results in a discoloration of the skin. Symptoms and signs include pain and discolored skin. Applying a cold compress may speed healing and reduce swelling. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be taken for pain. -
Colposcopy
Colposcopy is the direct magnified inspection of the surface of a woman's genital area, including the cervix, vagina, and vulva, using a light source and a binocular microscope, usually taken after an abnormal pap smear. A colposcopy is a relatively safe procedure. Major risks include bleeding, infection, and pelvic or abdominal pain. -
CT Scan (CAT Scan, Computerized Axial Tomography)
What is a CT scan? Computerized tomography scans (CT scans) are important diagnostic tools for a variety of medical conditions. Some areas of the body frequently evaluated by CT scans include the brain, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and sinuses. The CT scan process uses X-rays and a computer to produce cross-sectional images of the body. -
Cuts or Lacerations
Cuts and lacerations are both terms that apply to a tear in the skin, though a laceration implies a more jagged tear. These terms do not include abrasions where the skin is scraped away, or avulsions where the skin is torn from the flesh. Cuts and lacerations must be disinfected and sutured in more serious cases. Basic first aid may be all that is necessary for more minor wounds. Infection is the biggest medical concern when it comes to cuts or lacerations. Signs of infection include severe pain, draining pus, redness beyond the wound edges, fever and chills, and excessive wound swelling. -
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bone mass loss and affects mostly post-menopausal women. Medications are available to slow or help prevent this process, including estrogen replacement therapy. -
Osteoporosis FAQ
Osteoporosis (or porous bone) is a disease in which bone loss occurs, so bones become weak and are more likely to break. This FAQ includes information about treatment, prevention, medications, symptoms, and causes. -
Osteoporosis in Men
Osteoporosis (or porous bone) is a disease in which bones become weak and are more likely to break. Without prevention or treatment, osteoporosis can progress without pain or symptoms until a bone breaks. More than 2 million American men have osteoporosis and 12 million are at risk. Risk factors include: smoking, low calcium and vitamin D intake, small body frame, and low testosterone levels. Medications can treat bone loss, and exercise can prevent osteoporosis. -
Ultrasound
Ultrasound (sonography, Doppler study) is a non-invasive diagnostic medical procedure performed to exam the internal organs and tissues of the body. There are several types of ultrasound, including 2D, 3D and 4D. An abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to examine the fetus during pregnancy, while a transvaginal ultrasound may be used to assess non-pregnancy symptoms -
X-Rays
X-Rays are a form of radiation used to image solid forms inside the body. X-rays are administered by radiologists for many different routine tests, such as mammograms, checking for broken bones, upper GI series, and dental exams, among others. Radiologists carefully monitor the X-ray equipment to make sure the patient receives the smallest dose of radiation possible.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.