A swollen clavicle, or collarbone, indicates an underlying issue. This bone connects the sternum to the shoulder blade, forming a crucial part of the shoulder girdle. Understanding the potential causes, from common injuries to less frequent conditions, is important for seeking appropriate medical evaluation.
Understanding Common Causes
A frequent reason for clavicle swelling is injury, particularly a fracture. A broken collarbone often results from a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm, leading to immediate pain, bruising, and swelling over the bone. The bone can crack or break into multiple pieces, with fragments sometimes shifting out of place.
Sprains and dislocations of the joints connected to the clavicle can also cause swelling. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint, where the clavicle meets the breastbone, can dislocate, causing pain, tenderness, and swelling. Similarly, injuries to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, where the clavicle meets the shoulder blade, result from direct trauma to the shoulder and present with localized pain, swelling, and sometimes a visible deformity.
Inflammatory conditions also contribute to clavicle swelling. Arthritis, a common cause of joint inflammation, can affect both the SC and AC joints, leading to swelling, pain, and stiffness due to cartilage damage. Tendinitis, inflammation of a tendon, or bursitis, inflammation of fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints, can affect the tissues around the clavicle, causing localized swelling and discomfort. These conditions often arise from overuse or repetitive movements.
Identifying Less Common Causes
Less frequent conditions can also lead to clavicle swelling. Benign growths, such as bone cysts or osteochondromas, can develop on the clavicle, presenting as a painless swelling. These growths are typically slow-growing and may only cause symptoms if they press on surrounding structures.
Malignant conditions are a cause of clavicle swelling. Primary bone cancers can originate in the clavicle, or cancer from other parts of the body can spread to it through metastasis. These growths often present as a firm mass, sometimes with pain.
Infections of the bone, known as osteomyelitis, can also cause clavicle swelling. This serious condition occurs when bacteria or fungi spread to the bone, leading to pain, tenderness, warmth, and swelling, sometimes accompanied by fever. Swollen lymph nodes in the supraclavicular region can be mistaken for clavicle swelling. These lymph nodes swell in response to infections, inflammatory conditions, or certain cancers.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a doctor for clavicle swelling if certain symptoms are present. Persistent or worsening swelling, severe pain that does not improve with rest, or limited arm movement indicate a doctor’s visit. Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or pus around the swollen area, along with a fever, require immediate evaluation.
Other red flag symptoms include unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or a history of cancer, as these could suggest a more serious underlying condition. Any swelling that appears without an obvious injury or persists for an extended period should prompt a medical consultation.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosing clavicle swelling begins with a physical examination where the doctor assesses the area for tenderness, deformity, and range of motion. Imaging tests are necessary to visualize the bone and surrounding tissues.
X-rays are usually the first step, providing images of bone structures and helping to pinpoint fractures. Computed tomography (CT) scans offer detailed information for complex fractures, infections, or tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for evaluating soft tissue injuries, infections, and tumors, providing detailed images of muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Blood tests may be ordered to check for signs of infection or inflammatory markers. If a growth is suspected, a biopsy may be performed to determine if it is benign or malignant.
Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause of the swelling. For injuries like fractures or sprains, conservative management is often the initial approach, involving rest, ice application to reduce swelling, pain medication, and immobilization with a sling. Physical therapy is recommended to restore movement and strengthen the shoulder after the initial healing phase.
In cases of infection, a course of antibiotics is prescribed to eradicate the bacteria. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to manage conditions like arthritis or tendinitis, reducing pain and swelling.
Surgical intervention may be necessary for severely displaced fractures, certain dislocations, or for the removal of benign or malignant tumors. For malignant conditions, treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be part of a care plan.