| WHAT IS A BROKEN COLLARBONE? |
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| A broken collarbone is a break in the clavicle, the bone in your upper chest that connects your breastbone (sternum) to part of your shoulder blade (scapula). A broken collarbone is also known as a fractured clavicle. |
| HOW DOES IT OCCUR? |
| A broken collarbone can occur in several ways. You may fall on your outstretched hand, you may fall on your shoulder, or you may be hit directly in the collarbone. |
| WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? |
| You will have pain and swelling at the area of the break. It will be difficult to move your arm or shoulder. You may have heard a "crack" at the time of injury. |
| HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? |
| Your doctor will examine your collarbone, and find tenderness and swelling. An x-ray will confirm a fracture. |
| HOW IS IT TREATED? |
| To ease your discomfort, your collarbone may be immobilized in a "figure 8" splint or brace that holds your shoulders back (as if you were standing at attention). Your arm may be placed in a sling. It may take 6 to 12 weeks for your clavicle to heal. |
| WHEN CAN I RETURN TO MY SPORT OR ACTIVITY? |
| It is important that the clavicle is fully healed before you return to your sport or activity so your collarbone does not break again. You must be able to move your clavicle, shoulder, and arm without pain. Your doctor may order x-rays to be sure that the bone is healed. You may begin rehabilitation exercises after your broken collarbone has healed, and after you have seen your doctor. |
| HOW CAN I PREVENT A BROKEN CLAVICLE? |
| Clavicle fractures are usually the result of accidents that cannot be prevented. |
| BROKEN COLLARBONE - REHABILITATION EXERCISES |
