Broken Collarbone (Clavicle Fracture)

What Is a Broken Collarbone?

Your collarbone (or clavicle) is the bone that runs horizontally between the top of your breastbone ( ) and shoulder blade (scapula). You can feel your collarbone by touching the area between your neck and your shoulder. A broken collarbone, also called a clavicle fracture, is when this bone breaks.

How Do Broken Collarbones Happen?

People can get a collarbone fracture by falling hard on a shoulder or an outstretched arm, or if their shoulder hits against something or someone (for example, while playing contact sports like football, wrestling, rugby, lacrosse, and hockey).