A broken collarbone happens when you fracture your clavicle, the bone that runs from your shoulder to the center of your chest. This injury often happens during sports, falls or other direct impacts to the shoulder and usually causes pain right away.
It’s often easy to notice and may cause:
- Pain when moving your shoulder or arm
- Swelling or bruising near your shoulder
- A visible bump or uneven appearance
- Difficulty lifting or using your arm
How serious is it?
The severity of a broken collarbone depends on where your bone breaks and how much it moves out of place.
- Less severe breaks may still allow some arm movement, even though activities can be uncomfortable.
- More severe breaks can make it difficult or impossible to use your arm until the bone heals.
What does recovery look like?
Most broken collarbones heal without surgery, but recovery depends on the type of fracture.
- Imaging, such as X-rays, is used to confirm the break and guide treatment.
- Treatment often includes wearing a sling to support the arm while the bone heals.
- Recovery can take several weeks, and physical therapy may help restore strength and movement.