Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)
Broken collarbone care with Dr. Steven Ward in Tucson and Oro Valley — many clavicle fractures heal in a sling, and plate-and-screw fixation is an option when the bone is badly out of place.
Call 520-881-1394Typical ranges for general education. Dr. Ward’s plan for you may differ.
What it treats
The clavicle connects the arm to the body. It usually breaks from a fall onto the shoulder, a fall on an outstretched arm, a sports injury, or a vehicle collision. Most breaks are in the middle of the bone.
- Pain, swelling, and bruising over the collarbone
- A bump or deformity at the break, and a shoulder that sags down and forward
- Pain or grinding when trying to lift the arm
At your visit, Dr. Ward checks the skin over the break and the nerves and blood vessels to the arm, and reviews X-rays to see where the break is and how far the pieces have moved.
Is surgery right for you?
If the broken ends have not shifted much, the collarbone often heals without surgery:
- A simple sling for comfort
- Acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory medication when it is safe for you
- Hand, wrist, and elbow motion right away to prevent stiffness, then gentle shoulder exercises as the bone heals
- Follow-up X-rays to make sure the bone stays in good position
Surgery may be recommended when the pieces are far out of place, overlapped, or in several fragments, when the skin is threatened, or when the bone does not heal and remains painful (nonunion). Dr. Ward will talk through the trade-offs for your break and your activities.
How the surgery is done
The usual operation is open reduction and internal fixation. Through an incision over the collarbone, Dr. Ward puts the pieces back in line and holds them with a plate and screws on the surface of the bone. In some fractures, pins or screws alone are used.
Surgery is usually outpatient. A small patch of numb skin below the incision is common and becomes less noticeable over time. Because the collarbone is just under the skin, you may be able to feel the plate. It is usually left in place, but it can be removed after healing if it bothers you, for example under a seat belt or backpack strap.
Why not lift early?
Lifting or pushing with the arm before the bone has healed can make the fracture shift or the hardware fail, which can mean starting treatment over. Dr. Ward will tell you when X-rays show the bone is ready.
Recovery overview
Typical ranges with or without surgery. Healing is often slower with smoking or diabetes, and Dr. Ward’s plan for you may differ.
First weeks
- Sling for comfort
- Move the hand, wrist, and elbow every day
- No lifting with the injured arm
- Follow-up visits with X-rays
As the bone heals
- Pain eases as the fracture begins to heal
- Gentle shoulder motion exercises are added, at home or with a therapist
- Strengthening is added gradually, once healing allows
Around 3 months and beyond
- Most people return to regular activities within about 3 months
- Full bone healing can take several months
- Sports and heavy lifting resume once the fracture is completely healed and you are cleared
When to call the clinic
Call 520-881-1394 if you notice any of the following after surgery or while you are recovering:
- A fever of 101°F or higher, or chills
- Redness spreading around an incision, or drainage that is cloudy, foul-smelling, or keeps soaking the dressing after the first few days
- New or worsening numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand once the nerve block has worn off, or fingers that turn pale, blue, or cold
- Pain that is not controlled by your prescribed medication, ice, rest, and the sling
- Swelling, pain, or tenderness in the calf or arm that is new or getting worse
- The skin over the fracture or plate becomes red, thin, or broken
It is normal for the shoulder and arm to feel numb for roughly 12–24 hours after a nerve block, and for the shoulder to be sore and bruised for a while. Call if something feels different from what you were told to expect.
for chest pain, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing. These can be signs of a blood clot in the lungs and need emergency care.
If something does not match the instructions you were given, call the office. Dr. Ward or one of his physician assistants will get back to you.
Related resources
Shoulder post-op hub
All of Dr. Ward’s shoulder packets, rehab protocols, and anatomy guides in one place.
Open pageExercise guides
Printable home exercise programs to use with your physical therapist.
Open pageProximal humerus fracture
Treatment options for a break at the top of the upper arm bone.
Open pagePhysical therapy locations
Find a physical therapy clinic near you in Tucson and Oro Valley.
Open pageOrthoInfo: Clavicle fracture
Patient education on broken collarbones from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
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