Clavicle Fracture
A broken collarbone that may be visible on chest or shoulder radiographs
A clavicle fracture may appear on X-ray as a cortical break, step-off, displacement, or angulation involving the collarbone.
A clavicle fracture is a break in the collarbone, often caused by a fall or direct blow. Many fractures are visible on standard radiographs, though the exact pattern can vary.
Representative X-ray
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What it is
- This is a bony injury involving the clavicle
- Fractures can occur in the midshaft, distal clavicle, or medial clavicle, with different implications for alignment and management
How it appears on chest X-ray
- On X-ray, a clavicle fracture may appear as a lucent fracture line, cortical disruption, displacement, shortening, angulation, or overlap of fracture fragments
What radiologists look for
- Radiologists assess the fracture location, amount of displacement, shortening, comminution, joint involvement, and whether there are associated rib, lung, or shoulder injuries
How X-ray helps
- X-ray usually confirms the fracture and helps define displacement, location, and whether orthopedic follow-up is urgent
Common causes
- Common causes include falls, sports injuries, bicycle or vehicle crashes, and direct trauma to the shoulder
Symptoms / associated symptoms
- Symptoms often include focal shoulder or collarbone pain, tenderness, swelling, reduced arm movement, bruising, and visible deformity in more displaced fractures
Risk factors
- Risk factors include contact sports, falls, trauma exposure, and bone fragility depending on age and health status
Why it can matter clinically
- Complications can include nonunion, malunion, nerve or vessel injury, skin tenting, limited shoulder function, and associated chest injury in severe trauma
When to seek medical care
- Seek prompt care after trauma causing collarbone pain, visible deformity, numbness, arm weakness, or breathing difficulty
Evaluation and diagnosis
- Evaluation includes physical examination, radiographs, and in selected cases CT or specialist review when medial injury, neurovascular concern, or complex trauma is suspected
Treatment approaches
- Many clavicle fractures are treated with sling support, pain control, and follow-up
- Some displaced or complicated fractures need orthopedic fixation
Medication classes clinicians may use
Medication is supportive and focused on pain control rather than healing the fracture itself.
Treatment modalities commonly paired with medication decisions
- Sling immobilization
- Pain management
- Orthopedic follow-up
- Surgical fixation in selected cases
Analgesics
Used for pain control after fracture.
- acetaminophen
NSAIDs
Often used for short-term pain and inflammation support when appropriate.
- ibuprofen
- naproxen
FAQ
Can a clavicle fracture be missed on a chest X-ray?
Yes. Some fractures are subtle or incompletely shown on a chest film, so dedicated views may be needed if symptoms remain strong.
Do all clavicle fractures need surgery?
No. Many heal without surgery, but significant displacement, shortening, skin risk, or associated injury can change management.