A Lot Depends on Your Clavicle: How Orthopaedic Surgeons Treat Collarbone Fractures
Oct 31, 2012
Your clavicle, or collarbone, does more work than most people realise. It connects your arm to the rest of your skeleton and plays a role in almost every shoulder and arm movement, so a fracture here can have a noticeable effect on day-to-day function while it heals.
Clavicle fractures are common, particularly after a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm, or a direct blow during sport. They can range from a simple crack to a break where the bone fragments are significantly displaced.
Non-surgical management
For many clavicle fractures, particularly those where the bone is only mildly displaced, non-surgical treatment is appropriate. This usually involves supporting the arm in a sling and allowing the bone to heal on its own over several weeks, with the position monitored using follow-up X-rays.
It’s important to understand that with non-surgical treatment, the bone doesn’t always heal in perfect alignment. In some cases this can lead to a visible bump, some shortening of the bone, or, less commonly, ongoing discomfort or reduced function. Whether this matters for a particular patient depends on factors such as the degree of displacement, the patient’s activity levels, and their individual anatomy.
When surgery may be recommended
For fractures that are significantly displaced, shortened, or broken into multiple fragments, surgical fixation – typically with a plate and screws – may be recommended. Surgery aims to restore the normal length and alignment of the bone and can support a more predictable return to function.
As with any orthopaedic procedure, surgical repair carries risks, including infection, nerve or vessel irritation, hardware discomfort, and the possibility that further surgery may be needed. Outcomes vary depending on the nature of the injury, the patient’s general health, and how closely post-operative rehabilitation instructions are followed. Your surgeon will discuss whether surgery or non-surgical management is the more suitable option for your specific fracture.
Dr Mark Haber is a Sydney-based orthopaedic surgeon (FRACS) who assesses and treats clavicle fractures, including cases requiring surgical repair.
Consultation locations
Consultations are available at clinics in Sydney CBD, Macquarie University, Wollongong, and Campbelltown.
If you have suffered a clavicle injury and would like it assessed, you can contact our team on 1300 747 077 or by email at reception@so.com.au to arrange a consultation.
