Fracture of the Clavicle

What is a Fractured Collarbone?

A fractured collarbone refers to a break in the clavicle, the long bone that connects the shoulder blade (scapula) to the breastbone (sternum).

The clavicle helps:

• Stabilise the shoulder joint
• Support arm movement
• Transfer force from the arm to the body

Because the collarbone sits just under the skin and absorbs impact during falls or collisions, it is one of the most commonly fractured bones in the body.

Collarbone fractures can vary in severity:

• Hairline fractures – small cracks in the bone
• Displaced fractures – bone fragments move out of alignment
• Comminuted fractures – bone breaks into multiple pieces

Most collarbone fractures heal well with proper immobilisation and rehabilitation.

How Does a Fractured Collarbone Happen?

A fractured collarbone typically occurs due to direct trauma or force applied to the shoulder or arm.

Common causes include:

• Falling onto the shoulder
• Falling onto an outstretched hand
• Falling directly onto the elbow
• Direct impact during contact sports
• Collisions with another player during sports activities
• Accidents involving bicycles or vehicles

In many cases, the force travels through the arm and concentrates on the collarbone, causing it to break.

Collarbone fractures are especially common in:

• Contact sports such as football or rugby
• Cycling accidents
• Falls during sports or daily activities

What Are the Symptoms of a Fractured Collarbone?

Symptoms usually appear immediately after the injury.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the shoulder or collarbone
• Swelling around the collarbone
• Bruising in the shoulder area
• Difficulty moving the arm
• Tenderness when touching the collarbone
• Visible deformity or bump along the collarbone
• Grinding sensation during shoulder movement
• Reduced shoulder range of motion

Because the clavicle supports shoulder movement, a fracture can significantly limit arm mobility and strength.

What Should I Do If I Have a Fractured Collarbone?

If you suspect a fractured collarbone, seek immediate medical attention.

A doctor will typically confirm the diagnosis using:

• X-ray imaging
• Physical examination

Initial treatment usually involves immobilising the arm in a sling for several weeks to allow the bone to heal.

Once the fracture begins to heal, physiotherapy is recommended to restore shoulder mobility and strength.

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, physiotherapists assess the injury and develop personalised rehabilitation programmes to support full recovery.

Physiotherapy Treatment for a Fractured Collarbone

Physiotherapy plays a key role in restoring normal shoulder function after a collarbone fracture.

Following an assessment at ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, a personalised rehabilitation plan may include:

Mobility Exercises

Gentle exercises help restore shoulder movement and prevent stiffness after immobilisation.

Strengthening Exercises

Progressive strengthening exercises rebuild muscle strength in the:

• Shoulder
• Upper arm
• Upper back

Postural Realignment

Improving posture helps reduce strain on the healing collarbone and shoulder muscles.

Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy treatments may be used to help manage pain and support tissue healing.

Sports Injury Rehabilitation

For athletes, rehabilitation programmes focus on safely returning to sports activities.

These treatments help:

• Restore shoulder mobility
• Improve strength and stability
• Reduce stiffness and discomfort
• Support safe return to normal activities

What Should I Avoid If I Have a Fractured Collarbone?

If you suspect or have been diagnosed with a fractured collarbone, certain activities should be avoided.

Avoid:

• Using the injured arm before medical assessment
• Lifting heavy objects
• Sudden arm movements
• Contact sports during early recovery
• Applying heat or massage to the injury
• Hot showers immediately after injury
• Alcohol consumption that may increase bleeding

These actions may worsen the injury or delay healing.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Most collarbone fractures heal completely within several weeks with appropriate treatment.

In some cases, a small bump may remain at the fracture site after healing. This is usually harmless and does not affect shoulder function.

Rare complications may include:

• Non-union, where the bone fails to heal properly
• Persistent shoulder weakness
• Limited shoulder movement

If non-union occurs, surgery may sometimes be required to stabilise the bone and promote healing.

With proper physiotherapy and rehabilitation, most patients regain full shoulder strength and mobility.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

ACE Physio Sports – Singapore provides specialised physiotherapy treatment for fractures, shoulder injuries, and sports rehabilitation.

Our physiotherapists design personalised rehabilitation programmes to help patients recover safely and regain full shoulder function.

Patients benefit from:

• Experienced physiotherapists
• Personalised treatment plans
• Evidence-based rehabilitation techniques
• Sports and musculoskeletal specialists
• Modern physiotherapy facilities

Our East Coast Road clinic serves patients from nearby areas including:

• Marine Parade
• Katong
• Joo Chiat
• Siglap
• Bedok
• Telok Kurau

We help patients safely return to daily activities, work, and sports.

Book an Appointment

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.