A collarbone fracture is a break that occurs in the collarbone, also called the clavicle. The collarbone is the bone that connects the breastbone, also called the sternum, to the shoulder blade.
The collarbone is a long, narrow, S-shaped, solid bone. Because of its location and shape, it can be injured when the arm, elbow, or shoulder suffers any trauma. The collarbone is located in front of a number of key nerves and blood vessels. Rarely, these nerves and blood vessels may be injured when the collarbone is broken.
A collarbone fracture is often caused by a fall. Trauma may also occur during contact sports, such as ice hockey, football, or wrestling. Other causes may include:
A newborn's collarbone may be broken during birth as the child travels through through the birth canal.