Broken Collarbone: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Canada

A broken collarbone is one of the most common bone injuries seen across Canada, affecting everyone from young children on playgrounds to adult athletes on the field. Whether caused by a fall, a sports collision, or a car accident, this injury can be painful and disruptive — but the good news is that most cases heal well with proper care and timely treatment.

How Is a Broken Collarbone Diagnosed and Treated in Canada?

The collarbone, medically known as the clavicle, plays a critical role in connecting your shoulder to your chest. A clavicle fracture treatment plan depends on the severity of the break, your age, and your activity level. Understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms early, and knowing your options can help you recover faster and avoid complications that could affect your long-term mobility.

What Is a Broken Collarbone?

Treatment Options for a Broken Collarbone: Benefits and Considerations

Treatment Option	Best Suited For	Benefits	Key Considerations
Arm Sling / Conservative Management	Most broken collarbone cases; undisplaced or minimally displaced fractures	Non-invasive; low risk of complications; typically covered under provincial health plans	Worn for 4–8 weeks; requires follow-up X-rays; limited arm mobility during healing
Physiotherapy	All patients during and after immobilization	Restores range of motion, strength, and function; reduces stiffness	Usually begins 2–4 weeks post-injury; referral may be needed through family physician
Pain Management (NSAIDs / Acetaminophen)	All broken collarbone patients managing discomfort	Reduces pain and inflammation; available over the counter in Canada	NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) should be used cautiously; consult a pharmacist or physician
Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) Surgery	Severely displaced fractures; fractures with neurovascular involvement	Stabilizes bone with plates and screws; may shorten recovery time in complex cases	Risks include infection, nerve damage, and hardware irritation; performed in hospital under general anaesthesia
Plate and Screw Removal (Secondary Surgery)	Patients with hardware irritation following ORIF	Alleviates discomfort caused by prominent hardware under the skin	Typically considered 12–18 months after initial surgery once bone is fully healed

The collarbone, also called the clavicle, is a long bone that runs across the front of your shoulder. It connects your breastbone to your shoulder blade. Along with the shoulder blade and the acromioclavicular joint, the collarbone gives your shoulder its strength and stability.

The collarbone also protects an important bundle of nerves and blood vessels that runs from your neck down to your arm. This bundle is called the brachial plexus. Because of its position, the collarbone is exposed and vulnerable to impact. As a result, fractures here are quite common.

According to Mayo Clinic’s overview of broken collarbone injuries, this type of fracture makes up a significant portion of all shoulder injuries treated each year.

Common Causes of a Broken Collarbone

A broken collarbone usually happens from a sudden impact or fall. The injury often occurs when someone falls and lands on an outstretched hand. The force travels up the arm and puts pressure on the collarbone until it snaps.

Direct impact to the shoulder or collarbone can also cause a fracture. This is especially common in contact sports.

Sports and Activities That Increase Risk

In Canada, collarbone fractures are frequently seen in athletes who play high-contact sports. These include:

• Ice hockey
• Football
• Rugby
• Wrestling
• Cycling and mountain biking
• Skiing and snowboarding

Children are also at higher risk because their bones are still developing. A simple fall on the playground can result in a fracture. Newborns can even fracture their collarbone during a difficult birth.

Recognising the Symptoms

If you have fractured your collarbone, the symptoms are usually hard to ignore. The pain tends to come on suddenly and feels sharp. You will likely notice it right away after the injury.

Key Symptoms to Watch For

Common signs of a broken collarbone include:

• Sudden, sharp pain over the collarbone after impact
• Difficulty or inability to lift your arm because of pain
• A grinding or crackling sensation when you try to move your shoulder
• Swelling, bruising, or tenderness along the collarbone
• A visible bump or lump along the bone
• Your shoulder may look like it is sagging or drooping forward

In rare cases, the broken bone can push against the skin from the inside. This creates what doctors call a “tenting” effect. Very rarely, the bone breaks through the skin entirely. This is a more serious injury that needs immediate emergency care.

Serious Warning Signs

Occasionally, a broken collarbone can injure nearby structures. In rare cases, it may puncture a lung or damage nerves and blood vessels near the shoulder. Watch for these warning signs:

• A pale, cold, or numb arm or hand
• Tingling or pins-and-needles sensation down the arm
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain

If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department right away. These signs suggest a more serious injury that needs urgent attention.

How Is a Broken Collarbone Diagnosed?

A doctor can usually diagnose a broken collarbone through a physical exam and your description of how the injury happened. Your family doctor, a walk-in clinic physician, or an emergency doctor can carry out this assessment.

During the exam, the doctor will check the area for visible deformity or swelling. They will also assess the circulation in your arm by checking your pulse and looking at the colour and temperature of your skin. Nerve function and the range of motion in your shoulder will also be evaluated.

Imaging Tests

An X-ray is the standard next step. It shows the exact location of the fracture and how severe it is. In some cases, a CT scan may be needed to get a more detailed picture, especially if surgery is being considered. These imaging tests are covered under provincial health plans across Canada, so there is no direct cost to you.

Treatment Options for a Broken Collarbone

The good news is that most broken collarbone injuries heal without surgery. Treatment focuses on keeping the arm still and managing pain while the bone heals naturally.

Immobilisation and Rest

The most common treatment is wearing a sling to keep your arm and shoulder still. Adults usually need to wear a sling for a few days to about a week. Children may need to wear one for one to four weeks, depending on the severity.

For children, a figure-of-eight bandage or strap may also be used. This device gently holds the shoulders back in the correct position to help the bone align properly as it heals.

Pain Management

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. Your doctor may recommend:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) — a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces both pain and swelling
• Naproxen (Aleve) — another NSAID option for pain relief
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) — a good choice for pain relief without anti-inflammatory effects

Important note: Aspirin should not be given to anyone under 20 years of age. It carries a risk of causing a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome in children and teenagers. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before giving any pain medication to a child.

For more guidance on safe pain relief options, visit Health Canada’s information on medications and safe use.

Rehabilitation and Exercise

Once the pain starts to ease, your doctor or physiotherapist will guide you through gentle exercises. These help restore movement and strength in the shoulder. Starting too early can interfere with healing, so it is important to follow your healthcare provider’s advice on timing.

If you are an athlete or have a very active lifestyle, do not rush back to your sport. Wait until your shoulder has full strength and normal movement before returning to physical activity. Your doctor can help you set a safe timeline.

When Is Surgery Needed?

Surgery is only recommended for severe fractures. For example, surgery may be needed if the bone has broken into several pieces, shifted significantly out of place, or if it has broken through the skin. During surgery, a plate and screws are used to hold the bone in the correct position while it heals. Your orthopaedic surgeon will explain the risks and benefits based on your specific situation.

You can learn more about fracture treatment approaches through Healthline’s detailed guide to broken collarbone recovery.

When to See a Doctor

If you think you or your child may have a broken collarbone, it is important to get medical attention promptly. You do not always need to go to the emergency room. A walk-in clinic or your family doctor can assess the injury, order an X-ray, and recommend treatment for most uncomplicated fractures.

However, go to the nearest emergency department immediately if:

• The bone is visibly poking through or tenting the skin
• There is significant bleeding around the injury
• The arm feels numb, cold, or looks pale
• You are having trouble breathing
• The injured person is an infant or very young child

If you do not have a family doctor, walk-in clinics across Canada can handle collarbone injuries. Many provinces also offer virtual care options where you can speak to a doctor from home before deciding on next steps. Check your provincial health authority’s website to find a clinic near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

• A broken collarbone is a common injury caused by falls, direct impact, or contact sports like ice hockey and football.
• Symptoms include sudden sharp pain, swelling, a visible bump along the bone, and difficulty lifting the arm.
• Most cases heal without surgery, using a sling for immobilisation and over-the-counter pain relief.
• Do not give aspirin to anyone under 20 years of age due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
• Children generally heal faster than adults, but it is still important to follow medical advice on returning to activity.
• Walk-in clinics and family doctors across Canada can diagnose and treat most collarbone fractures.
• Seek emergency care immediately if you notice numbness, a pale arm, difficulty breathing, or if the bone breaks through the skin.
• Always speak with your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment or rehabilitation programme for a bone injury.