The collarbone, also known as the clavicle, is a bone connecting the breastbone to the shoulder blade. While a bone cannot be “sprained”—as sprains involve ligaments—the collarbone and its surrounding joints and ligaments are susceptible to various injuries. You can injure the ligaments that support it or even fracture the bone itself.
Common Collarbone Injuries
Collarbone fractures are a frequent type of injury, often occurring from a direct fall onto the shoulder or a fall onto an outstretched arm. These breaks can happen at different points along the bone, with the middle portion being the most common site for a fracture. The impact can cause the bone to crack slightly or break into multiple pieces, with varying degrees of displacement.
Another type of injury is an acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation, which involves the ligaments connecting the collarbone to the shoulder blade (acromion). This is technically a sprain of these specific ligaments, but it is commonly called a “separation” because the joint itself can separate. The severity ranges from a mild stretching of the ligaments to a complete tear, leading to noticeable displacement of the joint.
A less common, yet significant, injury is to the sternoclavicular (SC) joint, where the collarbone meets the breastbone (sternum). This joint is supported by some of the body’s strongest ligaments, so it takes substantial force to cause an injury. Injuries can range from a sprain to a dislocation of this joint, often resulting from high-energy impacts like those in motor vehicle accidents or contact sports.
Recognizing Collarbone Injuries
When a collarbone injury occurs, individuals experience localized pain that may sharpen with arm movement. Other common signs include swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the affected area. A grinding sensation or a visible deformity, such as a bump over the break or separation, might also be present.
It is important to seek prompt medical attention if a collarbone injury is suspected, as self-diagnosis is not recommended. Healthcare professionals diagnose these injuries through a physical examination to assess swelling, tenderness, or any visible deformities. Imaging studies, primarily X-rays, are often used to confirm a fracture and determine its extent. In some cases, more detailed assessments of soft tissues or complex fractures may require MRI or CT scans.
Treatment Approaches
Conservative treatments are often the first approach for many collarbone injuries, particularly for non-displaced fractures and less severe joint separations. These include rest, applying ice to the affected area, and managing pain with medication. Immobilization using an arm sling or a figure-eight brace helps support the injured area and allows the bone or ligaments to heal.
Physical therapy plays a significant role in rehabilitation once the initial healing phase has progressed. Therapy programs often start with gentle motion exercises to prevent stiffness and gradually incorporate strengthening exercises to restore range of motion and muscle strength. The goal of rehabilitation is to regain full function of the shoulder and arm.
Surgical intervention may be considered for severe injuries, such as significantly displaced fractures, open fractures, or cases involving damage to nerves or blood vessels. Surgery aims to realign bone fragments and stabilize the injured area, sometimes using plates and screws. Even after surgery, rehabilitation is an important step for achieving a complete recovery.
Preventing Collarbone Injuries
Collarbone injuries often result from specific scenarios, including falls directly onto the shoulder, impacts sustained during contact sports, or motor vehicle accidents. Falls onto an outstretched arm can also transmit force up to the collarbone, leading to injury. Certain activities carry a higher risk due to their nature.
Wearing appropriate protective gear, such as shoulder pads in contact sports, can help reduce the risk of these injuries. Practicing general safety measures, like being aware of surroundings to prevent falls, also contributes to prevention. While directly preventing all fractures can be challenging, maintaining overall shoulder stability through muscle strengthening can be beneficial.
Adopting safe practices in sports and recreational activities is also important for minimizing the risk of injury. This includes proper training techniques and avoiding overly risky maneuvers. General awareness and caution in situations where falls or impacts are more likely can help protect the collarbone.