How to Identify a Broken Collarbone

The collarbone, otherwise known as the clavicle, is the bone that connects the shoulder to the chest bone. It is on either side of the body. A broken collarbone is a medical emergency, and should be treated by a doctor or other medical professional immediately. It is fairly easy to identify, and can be easily treated.

Instructions

• 1

  Note any severe pain. A broken collarbone, like any other broken bone, usually hurts very badly. Persistent pain that is not severe is another sign of a broken collarbone.

• 2

  Listen for a popping sound at the time of the injury which if often reported when the collarbone breaks.

• 3

  Observe how the injured person is holding their hand. Usually one arm is held close to the body, supported by the uninjured arm. A broken collarbone still allows mobility of the joints, so this is not a precise indicator.

• 4

  Feel along the clavicle. Identify the area that is painful to the touch. This is most likely where the break is. Also, a crunching sound may be heard when the collarbone is touched at the breaking point.

• 5

  Observe any slumping. Gravity causes the arm to hunch forward due to the broken collarbone.

• 6

  Look at the skin. A broken collarbone usually causes the skin around the break to turn a red or purple hue. It is the beginnings of bruising from the broken bone.

• 7

  See a doctor. He can confirm a broken collarbone through examination and x-rays. If there is any question as to whether the collarbone is broken, see an emergency professional immediately.