While a collarbone itself cannot be sprained, the term “sprained collarbone” commonly refers to an injury affecting the ligaments that connect the collarbone to other bones in the shoulder and chest. These injuries involve the stretching or tearing of the strong, fibrous tissues known as ligaments. Understanding these sprains involves recognizing which specific joints are impacted and how this differs from a bone fracture.
Understanding Collarbone Sprains
A sprain specifically indicates damage to ligaments, which are the tough bands of connective tissue that stabilize joints by connecting bones to other bones. The collarbone, or clavicle, forms two main joints where sprains can occur. One is the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, located at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the acromion, a part of the shoulder blade. The second is the sternoclavicular (SC) joint, found at the base of the neck where the collarbone connects to the sternum, or breastbone. An injury at either of these joints can lead to a “collarbone sprain” if the ligaments supporting them are stretched or torn.
Identifying a Collarbone Sprain
Symptoms of a collarbone sprain vary depending on the severity of the ligament damage, with pain directly at the affected joint often worsening with movement of the arm or shoulder. Tenderness to the touch, swelling, and sometimes bruising around the injured area are also common. A limited range of motion in the arm and shoulder often accompanies the pain. In some cases, a popping or clicking sensation might be felt at the joint, and a visible bump or change in the shoulder’s shape can occur, particularly with more severe sprains. Sprains are graded from 1 to 3: Grade 1 is a mild stretch, Grade 2 involves a partial tear, and Grade 3 indicates a complete rupture of the ligaments.
Causes of Collarbone Sprains
Collarbone sprains typically result from specific types of force applied to the shoulder area. A common cause is a direct fall onto the shoulder, which can forcefully push the shoulder blade away from the collarbone, stretching or tearing the AC joint ligaments. Similarly, a direct blow to the collarbone or shoulder, often seen in contact sports, can also lead to ligament damage at either the AC or SC joint. Falling onto an outstretched arm is another mechanism that can transmit force up the arm to the shoulder, causing a sprain. These incidents create forces that exceed the ligaments’ capacity, leading to injury.
Diagnosis and Recovery
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a collarbone sprain typically begins with a medical professional taking a detailed history of the injury and performing a physical examination. The doctor will assess the shoulder for swelling, tenderness, or deformity, and evaluate the range of motion and stability of the joint. Imaging tests are often employed to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out a fracture. X-rays can help determine if there is a bone break or if the bones at the joint are misaligned. In more complex cases, a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used.
Recovery
Recovery from a collarbone sprain depends on the severity of the injury. Initial treatment follows the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. A sling may be recommended to immobilize the shoulder and support healing for a few weeks. Pain is managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medications.
Physical therapy helps restore range of motion, improve muscle strength, and enhance stability. Grade 1 sprains may take 2 to 4 weeks, Grade 2 sprains can take 3 to 6 weeks. Grade 3 sprains might require 6 to 12 weeks, and some may necessitate surgical intervention for complete ligament tears.
Other Collarbone Injuries
A collarbone fracture, which is a break in the bone itself, is a common injury often resulting from a fall or direct impact. Symptoms of a fracture typically include severe pain, swelling, and often a visible deformity or bump where the bone has broken. The shoulder may sag, and movement can cause a grinding sensation.
Another type of injury is a joint dislocation, where the bones at a joint completely separate. This can occur at either the AC or SC joint. An AC joint dislocation, sometimes called a shoulder separation, involves the collarbone completely detaching from the shoulder blade, often creating a pronounced bump on top of the shoulder. SC joint dislocations are less common but can be serious, especially if the collarbone is pushed backward (posterior dislocation), as it can compress vital structures behind the sternum like blood vessels or the windpipe.