Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone) In Singapore

A clavicle fracture, commonly known as a broken collarbone, can be a painful and limiting injury that affects your ability to move your arm and shoulder freely. Whether from a sports injury, fall, or accident, this common fracture requires proper medical attention to ensure healing and restore full function. At our clinic, our Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon treats clavicle fractures using evidence-based approaches tailored to each patient’s specific needs and lifestyle requirements.

Dr Zackary Chua

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Adult & Paeds)

MBBS (Aus)MMed (SG)MRCS (Glasgow)FRCSEd (Orth)

Clavicle Fracture Broken Collarbone w alpha

Types Causes & Risks Symptoms When to see a Doctor Diagnosis Treatment Complications Prevention FAQ Conclusion

What is a Clavicle Fracture?

A clavicle fracture is a break in the collarbone, the long bone that connects your shoulder blade (scapula) to your breastbone (sternum). The clavicle plays a crucial role in shoulder movement and stability, acting as a strut that keeps the shoulder in proper position. In Singapore, these injuries are prevalent among cyclists, contact sport athletes, and individuals involved in road traffic accidents.

Types of Clavicle Fractures

Middle Third Fractures

Middle third fractures occur in the central portion of the clavicle. These breaks typically happen at the bone’s thinnest point and can range from simple cracks to complex breaks with multiple fragments.

Lateral Third Fractures

Lateral third fractures affect the outer portion of the clavicle near the shoulder joint. These fractures often involve the ligaments that connect the clavicle to the shoulder blade and may require different treatment approaches due to their proximity to the joint.

Medial Third Fractures

Medial third fractures occur near where the clavicle meets the breastbone and are the least common type. These fractures can be concerning due to their proximity to major blood vessels and require careful evaluation.

Causes

Direct impact to the shoulder from falls or collisions
Falling onto an outstretched hand that transmits force up through the arm
Motor vehicle accidents with dashboard or seatbelt impact
Sports-related trauma, particularly in rugby, football, and cycling
Birth trauma in newborns during difficult deliveries

Risk Factors

Participation in contact sports or high-risk activities
Osteoporosis or decreased bone density
Previous shoulder injuries or fractures
Age extremes (young children and elderly adults)
Certain medical conditions affecting bone strength
Inadequate protective equipment during sports

Signs & Symptoms

Immediate Symptoms

Sharp, intense pain at the time of injury
Audible crack or pop during the trauma
Immediate difficulty moving the affected arm
Visible deformity or bump over the fracture site
Swelling that develops within minutes

Progressive Symptoms

Bruising that spreads across the chest and down the arm
Grinding sensation (crepitus) when attempting movement
Sagging shoulder on the affected side
Inability to lift the arm above shoulder level
Muscle spasms around the shoulder and neck

Associated Symptoms

Numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers
Weakness in the affected limb
Difficulty breathing deeply (if severe)
Skin tenting or compromise over the fracture

Most symptoms appear immediately after injury, though bruising may take 24-48 hours to develop fully. The severity of symptoms often correlates with the degree of displacement and soft tissue damage.

Experiencing these symptoms? Please don’t wait for them to worsen.

Schedule a consultation with our Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon for a timely diagnosis and evidence-based treatment plan.

Book Appointment

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe pain in your collarbone area after trauma, visible deformity, or inability to move your arm. Red flag symptoms requiring emergency care include numbness in the arm, skin breaking through the fracture site, difficulty breathing, or signs of nerve or blood vessel damage, such as a cold, pale arm.

During your first consultation, our orthopaedic surgeon will perform a thorough physical examination and review your injury mechanism. Early treatment within the first week of injury typically leads to positive outcomes and reduces the risk of complications such as malunion or non-union.

Diagnosis & Testing Methods

Clinical examination forms the foundation of clavicle fracture diagnosis. Our orthopaedic surgeon will assess the injury site for deformity, tenderness, and crepitus while evaluating shoulder movement and neurovascular status.

Standard X-rays in multiple views confirm the diagnosis and reveal fracture location, pattern, and displacement. These images help determine whether conservative or surgical treatment is appropriate. Special angled views may be necessary for fractures near the joints.

CT scans provide detailed three-dimensional images for complex fractures with multiple fragments or when planning surgical intervention. This imaging helps identify the exact fracture pattern and any associated injuries.

For certain cases, particularly those involving the lateral clavicle, ultrasound examination can assess ligament integrity and guide treatment decisions. Results are typically available immediately, allowing prompt treatment planning.

Treatment Options Overview

Conservative Management

Conservative treatment remains the primary approach for uncomplicated clavicle fractures. This involves immobilisation using a sling or figure-of-eight brace for 6-8 weeks. The sling supports the arm’s weight, reducing stress on the healing bone while allowing some gentle movement to prevent stiffness.

Pain Management Strategies

Effective pain control facilitates healing and rehabilitation. Initial management includes ice application for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first 48 hours. Prescribed pain medications follow a stepwise approach, starting with paracetamol and NSAIDs, with stronger medications reserved for severe pain. Proper positioning with pillows while sleeping reduces discomfort.

Physiotherapy

Rehabilitation begins with gentle pendulum exercises within pain tolerance, usually starting within the first week. As healing progresses, range-of-motion exercises prevent shoulder stiffness. Strengthening exercises commence once bone healing is confirmed, typically after 6-8 weeks. Full rehabilitation programmes continue for 3-4 months to restore complete function.

Surgical Fixation

Surgery is indicated for significantly displaced fractures, fractures with skin compromise, multiple fragments, or non-union after conservative treatment. Open reduction and internal fixation using plates and screws provides stable fixation, allowing earlier mobilisation. The procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes under general anaesthesia.

Intramedullary Nailing

This minimally invasive technique involves inserting a rod through a small incision to align and stabilise the fracture. Suitable for certain midshaft fractures, this approach offers cosmetic advantages and preserves more soft tissue. Recovery times are often shorter compared to traditional plating.

Bone Grafting

For fractures with bone loss or delayed healing, bone grafting promotes union. Grafts may come from the patient’s own body (autograft) or processed donor bone (allograft). This technique is often combined with fixation methods for complex cases.

Every patient’s condition is unique.

Our Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon will assess your specific situation and recommend the suitable treatment approach for you.

Schedule Consultation

Complications if Left Untreated

Untreated clavicle fractures can lead to malunion, where the bone heals in an incorrect position, causing permanent deformity and functional limitations. This may result in chronic pain, reduced shoulder strength, and difficulty with overhead activities.

Non-union, where the bone fails to heal completely, occurs in 5-10% of conservatively treated fractures. This complication often requires surgical intervention and prolonged rehabilitation. The risk increases with smoking, poor nutrition, and certain medical conditions.

Long-term complications may include arthritis in nearby joints, particularly after lateral fractures. Prominent hardware or bone callus can sometimes irritate surrounding nerves, leading to ongoing discomfort. In certain cases, thoracic outlet syndrome may develop if the healing bone compresses nearby nerves and blood vessels.

Prevention

While not all clavicle fractures are preventable, certain measures can be taken to reduce risk. Proper protective equipment during sports, including shoulder pads for contact sports, do provide crucial protection. Maintaining good bone health through adequate calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise strengthens bones against fracture.

Fall prevention strategies become increasingly important with age. This includes home safety modifications, balance training, and addressing vision problems. For athletes, proper technique training and conditioning reduce injury risk during sports participation.

Road safety measures such as seatbelt use and defensive driving prevent high-energy trauma. Cyclists should wear appropriate protective gear and follow traffic rules to minimise accident risk.

Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a clavicle fracture take to heal?

Clavicle fractures heal within 6-12 weeks with proper treatment. Simple, non-displaced fractures typically heal faster, while complex or surgically treated fractures may require 3-4 months. Complete bone remodelling continues for up to a year. Return to sports or heavy activities usually occurs at 3-4 months, depending on healing progress and rehabilitation compliance.

Can I avoid surgery for my broken collarbone?

Many clavicle fractures can heal successfully without surgery. Non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures are often managed with conservative treatment, such as sling immobilisation. Fractures with significant displacement (more than 2 cm), shortening, or multiple fragments may be considered for surgery. Our orthopaedic surgeon will assess your specific fracture pattern and lifestyle needs before recommending the appropriate treatment.

What activities should I avoid during healing?

In the first 6 weeks of healing, it is best to avoid lifting anything heavier than a cup of coffee with the affected arm. Contact sports, swimming, and overhead activities should be postponed until your surgeon confirms it is safe to resume. Driving is usually restricted for 4–6 weeks, or until you can perform emergency manoeuvres comfortably. Activity recommendations are tailored to each patient, depending on fracture type and healing progress, therefore it is advisable to check in with your surgeon throughout your recovery.

Will I have permanent restrictions after healing?

Patients regain full function after proper treatment and rehabilitation. Some may notice mild weather-related discomfort or a small bump at the fracture site. Patients who underwent surgery might feel the plate, though modern low-profile implants minimise this issue. Long-term restrictions are rare with appropriate treatment.

When can I return to sports after a clavicle fracture?

The timing of return to sports depends on the severity of the fracture and the type of activity. Non-contact sports, such as running, may be resumed around 8–10 weeks if healing is on track. Contact sports generally require 3–4 months before it is safe to return. Your orthopaedic surgeon will confirm healing with clinical examination and X-rays before giving clearance. Returning too early increases the risk of re-injury and is best avoided.

Is physiotherapy necessary for all clavicle fractures?

While not every patient requires formal physiotherapy, guided exercises are important for recovery. Simple fractures may heal well with home exercises. For patients with stiffness, weakness, or those planning to return to demanding activities, structured physiotherapy can be helpful. Our orthopaedic surgeon will monitor your progress and recommend physiotherapy if needed to optimise your recovery.

Conclusion

Clavicle fractures, while common, will require proper medical evaluation and treatment to ensure healing and return to full function. With proper care, patients can recover well and gradually return to their usual activities. Our clinic offers comprehensive fracture management, from initial assessment to full rehabilitation, using evidence-based treatments tailored to each patient’s needs and goals.

Take the First Step Towards Better Health

Living with a clavicle fracture can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon has experience diagnosing and treating clavicle fractures using current evidence-based approaches.

Book Your Consultation Today

Dr Zackary Chua (蔡克祥医生)

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Adult & Paeds)

MBBS (AUS)|MMed (Singapore)|MRCS (Glasgow)|FRCSEd (Orth)

A senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon with dual specialisations in Foot & Ankle Surgery and Paediatric Orthopaedics. Backed by his extensive years of training and experience, Dr Chua brings the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure a smooth recovery journey.

Rooted firmly by two fundamental philosophies: “When one’s feet hurt, one hurts all over” and “Children are not little adults”, Dr Chua’s approach to patient care reflects his compassionate care for adults and children.

Singhealth Quality Excellence Award – Silver (2011)
Service From the Heart Award (2021)
Singapore Health Quality Service Award – Gold (2023)
NUS Medicine Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2023)

His active participation in the medical community extends to mentoring, research supervision, and contributions to key professional forums and symposiums, both locally and internationally.