Broken Collarbone (Clavicle Fracture)

A clavicle fracture is a break in the collarbone, which is one of the shoulder's primary bones. This is a rather common fracture, accounting for around 5% of all adult fractures. The most common cause of clavicle fractures is a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm that causes the bone to snap or break. A fractured collarbone can be excruciatingly painful, making it difficult to move your arm.

The most common treatment for clavicle fractures is to use a sling to keep the arm and shoulder immobile while the bone heals. The shards of bone in some clavicle fractures, on the other hand, travel significantly out of place when the injury occurs. Surgery to realign the bones in these more severe fractures may be required.