Introduction

A clavicle fracture, or broken collarbone, is a common injury that typically occurs after a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched hand. It’s especially frequent in contact sports, cycling accidents, or slip-and-fall injuries.  Most clavicle fractures result from direct trauma to the shoulder—such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury. The clavicle connects the breastbone to the shoulder, and its location makes it particularly vulnerable to breaks.

Non-Operative Treatment

Most clavicle fractures can be treated non-surgically with a sling, rest, and physical therapy. We treat clavicle fractures non-operatively when they are not severely displaced.  We also look at age, level of activity and demand on the shoulder to help determine if surgery may benefit you.  Luckily, over time, the bone typically heals well on its own. Pain and function usually improve within a few weeks.

Surgical Management

Picture showing a repair collarbone with a plate and screws

​Surgery may be recommended for severely displaced fractures, open fractures, or breaks that involve multiple fragments. The goal is to restore alignment and stability using a plate and screws. As with most orthopedic injuries, surgery is reserved for cases that won’t heal properly without it.