Signs of a broken collarbone

A cracked or broken collarbone will be extremely painful. There may also be:

  • swelling or tenderness around the injured area
  • bruising to the skin
  • bleeding if the bone has damaged the tissue and skin(this is rare)
  • numbness or Pins and needles if nerves in the arm are injured

Yourshoulder may be slumped downwards and forwards under the weight of the arm, as the broken collarbone is no longer providing support.

You may have heard a snap or a grinding noise during the accident. In very severe cases, one end of the bone may poke through the skin.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018