A sharp impact to the shoulder—whether from a fall, car accident, or sports injury—can lead to one of the most common orthopedic injuries: a clavicle fracture. While it’s a frequent occurrence, not all collarbone breaks are the same. Understanding the different types of clavicle fractures is crucial for receiving the appropriate care and achieving a complete, safe recovery.

At AZ Orthopedic, we specialize in Clavicle Fracture Treatment tailored to the specific nature of your injury. Whether you’re an athlete, an active adult, or recovering from an unexpected accident, our team in Chandler, AZ, is here to help you heal correctly the first time, from diagnosis to rehabilitation. Knowing what kind of clavicle fracture you have plays a crucial role in determining your treatment path and your long-term outcome.

Not all collarbone fractures are the same. Where the bone breaks plays a significant role in determining the level of pain, the healing process, and whether surgery may be necessary. Orthopedic specialists generally group clavicle fractures into three types, depending on the location of the break.

The 3 Main Types of Clavicle Fractures—and What Sets Them Apart

1. Midshaft Fractures (Middle of the Collarbone)

Most common – accounting for 75–80% of cases

The middle portion of the clavicle is where fractures occur most frequently. It’s a thinner, more exposed area that tends to take the brunt of the impact when someone falls directly on the shoulder or stretches an arm out to break a fall.

What to expect:

• Pain and swelling around the middle of the collarbone
  
• A bump or visible change where the bone has shifted
  
• Limited shoulder movement
  
• Fractures may line up cleanly (non-displaced) or be out of place (displaced)
  

How it’s treated:

• If the bone stays aligned, a sling and rest are usually enough, followed by physical therapy.
  
• If the bone ends don’t meet correctly, surgery may be needed to hold everything in position for better healing.
  

Without proper care, these fractures can lead to lasting shoulder weakness or a noticeable deformity.

2. Distal Fractures (Closer to the Shoulder)

Less common – about 15% of fractures

These happen near the outer end of the collarbone, close to the shoulder joint. They can be trickier to treat because they sometimes involve ligament injuries.

What to expect:

• Shoulder discomfort or looseness
  
• Possible tearing of nearby ligaments
  
• Pain during movement
  
• More common in athletes or older adults
  

How it’s treated:

• Some cases heal with rest, ice, and limited activity.
  
• If the break is unstable or the ligaments are torn, surgery may be the better option to keep the shoulder stable.
  

3. Medial Fractures (Toward the Center of the Chest)

Rarest type – only about 5% of cases

Fractures on the inner third of the collarbone usually result from high-impact trauma, like a serious fall or car accident. Due to their location, these breaks can be more complex.

What to expect:

• Pain near the base of the neck or top of the chest
  
• May not show up easily without X-rays or advanced imaging
  
• Could be associated with other injuries, especially in high-impact accidents
  

How it’s treated:

• Stable fractures can often be treated without surgery.
  
• If the fracture is displaced or involves other nearby structures, surgery may be recommended.
  

Why Understanding Fracture Type Matters

Knowing the type of clavicle fracture is essential for several reasons:

• Treatment Decisions: Not all fractures require surgery. Non-displaced midshaft fractures can heal without it, while complex distal or medial fractures may need surgical intervention.
  
• Healing Timeline: A simple fracture typically heals in 6–8 weeks, while complex or surgically repaired fractures may take longer to heal.
  
• Potential Complications: Misaligned or improperly healed bones can cause permanent deformity, nerve compression, or restricted shoulder movement.
  

At AZ Orthopedic, we utilize accurate diagnostic tools, such as digital imaging and physical examinations, to determine the nature of your injury and provide effective treatment.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Clavicle fractures can happen to anyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable to specific types or complications:

• Athletes, especially those in football, cycling, snowboarding, or contact sports, are prone to midshaft and distal fractures.
  
• Children and Teens: Their bones are still growing and more flexible, but they still break with falls or trauma.
  
• Seniors: Bone density decreases with age, making older people more susceptible to clavicle fractures from even minor falls.
  
• Motor Vehicle Accident Survivors: Sudden high-impact trauma can lead to rare but serious medical fractures.
  

Regardless of your age or activity level, clavicle injuries should always be evaluated by a trained professional to prevent long-term complications.

Clavicle Fracture Treatment Options at AZ Orthopedic

AZ Orthopedic promotes personalized therapy tailored to each patient’s fracture type, activity level, and recovery goals. We treat as follows:

•  Non-Surgical Treatment

Ideal for non-displaced fractures or fractures with good bone alignment.

• Immobilization with a sling
  
• Pain management
  
• Cold compresses for swelling
  
• Gentle range-of-motion exercises after the initial rest phase
  
• Monitoring via follow-up X-rays
  

Timeline: Healing usually takes 6–8 weeks for uncomplicated cases. Return to full activity is typically 8–12 weeks.

•  Surgical Treatment

Recommended for:

• Severely displaced fractures
  
• Compound fractures (bone breaks the skin)
  
• Fractures involving ligaments or joints
  
• Nonunion (bone ends not healing together)
  

Procedure: Plates, screws, or pins are used to realign and stabilize the bone.

Post-surgical recovery: Physical therapy begins after the initial healing period to restore shoulder strength and mobility. Complete recovery may take 3 to 6 months.

What to Expect During Recovery

Healing from a clavicle fracture is not just about bone regrowth—it’s about regaining full strength and confidence in your shoulder movement.

Early Healing Phase

• Sling use to prevent arm movement
  
• Medication and icing to control pain and swelling
  

Mid-Healing Phase

• Gradual introduction of motion exercises
  
• Regular check-ins to assess bone alignment and healing
  

Final Recovery Phase

• Supervised physical therapy
  
• Strengthening exercises
  
• Return to regular activity with clearance from an orthopedic specialist.e
  

Let’s Get You Back to Strength—Without the Guesswork

A broken collarbone can disrupt your life in an instant—but with the proper care, recovery doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re an athlete aiming to return to the field or a parent healing from a fall, personalized Clavicle Fracture Treatment in Chandler, AZ, can help you heal properly the first time.

Ready to Start Healing the Right Way? Schedule Your Clavicle Evaluation Today and get expert care from AZ Orthopedic. Whether it’s a new injury or lingering shoulder pain, we’re here to help you feel stronger, sooner, with confidence and clarity.