Question 1

What is the collarbone and why does it break so easily?

Accepted Answer

The collarbone (clavicle) is the long bone connecting your breastbone to your shoulder blade. It's the only bony connection between your arm and your body trunk. The clavicle is S-shaped and quite thin, making it prone to breaking. It's one of the most commonly broken bones (5-10% of all fractures) because when you fall onto your shoulder or outstretched hand, force is transmitted through to the clavicle. It breaks to absorb energy and protect deeper structures like nerves and blood vessels. Children and young adults break their clavicle most often, usually from sports or cycling falls.

Question 2

Do I need surgery for my broken collarbone?

Accepted Answer

Most clavicle fractures (75-80%) heal perfectly well without surgery using just a sling. Surgery is recommended if: 1) Bone ends significantly displaced (>2cm shortening or completely separated), 2) Bone tenting the skin from inside (risk of skin breakdown), 3) Open fracture (bone through skin), 4) Certain fracture patterns at outer end of clavicle, 5) Associated nerve/blood vessel injury (rare), 6) Multiple injuries requiring mobilization. The decision between sling and surgery for displaced midshaft fractures is sometimes controversial - studies show both work well. Surgery has slightly lower non-union rate but requires operation. Discuss with your surgeon.

Question 3

What's the bump on my collarbone after it healed?

Accepted Answer

The bump is normal bone healing (callus formation). When a bone heals, your body lays down extra bone around the fracture site to stabilize it - like internal scaffolding. This creates a visible and palpable lump. The bump is largest at 6-12 weeks, then gradually remodels over 1-2 years, often becoming less prominent. About 20-30% of people have a permanent visible bump, but this doesn't usually affect function. The bump may ache with weather changes or pressure (backpack strap). If the bump bothers you significantly, surgery to smooth it is possible but rarely needed.

Question 4

Why does my shoulder look droopy after the break?

Accepted Answer

When the clavicle breaks, your shoulder loses its bony support and drops downward and forward slightly. This is most noticeable with displaced fractures. The droopy appearance usually improves significantly as the bone heals and muscles strengthen. Even if there's slight permanent shortening of the clavicle (1-2cm), most people don't notice functional problems - studies show clavicle shortening up to 2cm doesn't affect shoulder function in most people. However, some athletes (swimmers, overhead athletes) may notice subtle weakness with significant shortening. This is one reason surgery is considered for athletes with displaced fractures.

Question 5

When can I return to sport?

Accepted Answer

Timeline depends on fracture healing and sport type. Non-contact sports (swimming, cycling): 8-12 weeks when bone healing on x-ray. Contact sports (rugby, AFL, football): 12-16 weeks minimum. Must have: x-ray showing solid bone healing, full pain-free shoulder range of motion, strength at least 90% of other side (tested by physiotherapist), completed sport-specific training without symptoms. Don't rush - returning before healed risks re-fracture which is more serious and harder to treat than original fracture. Some surgeons recommend protective padding for first few weeks back in contact sport.

Medical Disclaimer

Broken Collarbone (Clavicle Fracture)

📖What is Broken Collarbone (Clavicle Fracture)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention