Introduction

A broken collarbone, or fractured clavicle, is a common injury. Itusuallyhappens after a fall or a blow to the shoulder.

It takes about six to eight weeks to heal in adults, and three to six weeks in children.

The collarbone, or clavicle, is a long slender bone that runs from the breastbone to each of the shoulders. You should be able to feel it running across the top of your chest, just below your neck. It is connected to the breastbone and shoulder blade via tough bands of tissue called ligaments.

See your doctor (GP) straight away if you've injured your collarbone. If your GP thinks it's fractured, they'll refer you to hospital for an X-ray to confirm the injury and have it treated with a sling and brace.

If you can't see your GP or if the injury is severe for example, the bone is poking through the skin or the pain is unbearablego straight to your nearest hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department.

This page summarises the signs of a broken or cracked collarbone, and explains what you can do while you wait to see the doctor and how this injury is treated.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017