Performed by – Ankit Desai, Gareth Hill, Philip Rosell

What Is a clavicle fracture?
A clavicle fracture—commonly called a broken collarbone—is a break in the long bone that connects your breastbone (sternum) to your shoulder blade (scapula). This bone plays an important role in shoulder movement and support. Clavicle fractures are quite common and often happen after a fall onto the shoulder, a direct blow during sports, or an accident like a bike or car crash. Even newborns can experience a clavicle fracture during delivery.

Many people know something is wrong right away. A clavicle fracture typically causes immediate pain in the shoulder area, along with swelling, bruising, or a visible bump. You may notice that moving your arm is difficult or painful and in some cases, there’s a grinding or popping sensation. If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s important to have your injury assessed by a specialist.

Clavicle fracture treatment options
The good news is that most clavicle fractures heal well with proper treatment. The approach we recommend at Joint Reaction depends on how severe the break is, how much the bones have moved out of place and your activity level or lifestyle goals.

Fractures of the clavicle can be subdivided into those occurring in the middle portion of the bone (or mid-shaft fractures) and those occurring at either end of the clavicle (medial or lateral fractures).

Mid shaft fractures
Fractures of the mid shaft are the most common, and the vast majority will heal on their own if treated with simple rest, sling support and pain relief.

If they are displaced or separated by the initial force of the injury or the muscles pulling against the bone then it may delay or interfere with healing.

Typically it is considered that more than 2cm of separation between the bone fragments can reduce the chances of healing. In addition it may lead to long term weakness because if the bone heals in a shortened position then the lever arm of the muscles is shorter, which can reduce the strength and effectiveness of the muscles.

The bone fragments can also be held separated if there is soft tissue or muscle caught between them. This is likely to stop the bone healing and a wide separation is a reason to consider surgery.

Lateral clavicle fractures
These are slightly more complex as they often involve the ligament attachments which stabilise the clavicle onto the scapula (shoulder blade). If these ligaments are disrupted or the fracture is close to them then the medial fragment can be displaced as there is nothing to hold it down laterally and the bones are more widely separated. This pattern has a higher rate of not healing and we are more likely to recommend surgery.

Medial clavicle fractures
These are less common and usually caused by higher energy injuries. It is more likely that these will be investigated with CT scans, and they are more likely to need surgery.

Non-surgical care
For many patients, especially those with minor or well-aligned fractures, surgery is not necessary. These injuries can heal with rest, support and a guided return to activity. We typically use an arm sling to keep the shoulder stable for a few weeks while the bone heals. Pain can be managed with medication and once healing has progressed, we introduce physical therapy to restore shoulder strength and mobility. Most patients recover in about 6 to 12 weeks and can return to normal activities without complications.

When surgery is needed
Where it may be necessary to perform a surgical fixation, at Joint Reaction, we can assess you and your fracture to see if you would benefit from open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), which involves securing the broken bone with plates and screws. This helps the bone heal in the correct position and can lead to a faster and more reliable recovery. After surgery, we’ll closely guide you through rehabilitation to ensure you regain full shoulder function.

Why choose Joint Reaction for treatment of clavicle fractures?
At Joint Reaction, we focus on the treatment of shoulder and upper limb injuries—and we understand how a clavicle fracture can disrupt your daily life. Our orthopaedic specialists are highly trained and experienced in managing these injuries, whether they require surgery or not. We take the time to carefully assess your fracture, explain your options clearly and recommend the treatment that’s right for you.

You’ll have access to advanced imaging, personalized care plans and a full team to support you every step of the way. We also work closely with skilled physical therapists to make sure your recovery is smooth and complete. Our goal is to help you heal properly and get back to doing the things you love—with confidence.

Book your clavicle fracture review
If you’ve recently injured your shoulder or been told you have a clavicle fracture, don’t leave your recovery to chance. Getting the right advice and treatment early can prevent long-term problems and get you back on track faster.

Contact Joint Reaction today to schedule a review with one of our shoulder specialists. Whether you need reassurance, a second opinion, or a treatment plan, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and care.