Sports Medicine, Injury Prevention, Shoulder
Packer Fans watched in dismay as Aaron Rodgers hit the ground after being tackled by a Vikings’ player on October 15, 2017.
As they watched the slow-motion replay, even fans without medical training knew the angle of Rodgers’ throwing arm and the force of the hit probably meant he would be out the game for a while.
And they were right.
The injury put Rodgers on the injured-reserve list with a fractured collarbone for most of the season.
While we do not know the exact details of Rodgers’ break, we can share some general information about broken collarbones.
First, everyone has two collarbones or clavicles. They are the thin bones extending from the top of each shoulder to join the top of the sternum (breastbone) in the middle of the chest. The clavicles lie just under the skin at the front of the neck, forming a boney collar -- hence the common name collarbone. Without the added padding of muscles and support of the ligaments, the collarbones are susceptible to fracture during an awkward fall.
Children and young adults, whose bones are still growing, are particularly vulnerable to clavicle fractures. When people fall and try to protect themselves by using their arms, the impact stresses the collarbone. Too much force buckles and breaks the bone.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), collarbone fractures account for approximately five percent of all adult fractures. A severe break that is not repositioned and stabilized correctly could result in permanent weakness and limited movement in the affected shoulder.
No matter the age or the situation, a broken clavicle often means breath-taking pain when the fracture occurs. It’s a clear sign something is wrong.
Sometimes, the broken bone is visible under the skin. It appears as a lump or a tent-like protrusion. At other times, a broken collarbone causes the following symptoms:
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your primary care provider or orthopedic specialist. Your healthcare provider will X-ray the area to pinpoint the location of the break and determine its severity before recommending treatment.
Since there is no easy way to immobilize the area, an orthopedic specialist will prescribe treatment based on the severity of the injury.
In both cases, your provider will recommend that you rest from activity.
There’s no hard and fast rule about timing. You cannot rush healing. Broken bones take 6 to 12 weeks to heal, depending on the severity and location of the break.
Whether you had surgery or not, you may find yourself wearing a sling to keep your arm from moving. Most orthopedic providers recommend immobilizing the shoulder for the first few weeks to ensure the body has time to repair the break and grow new bone.
After a few weeks, your provider may tell you to start gentle shoulder exercises. These small movements prevent muscle atrophy and preserve the movement of the shoulder joint. If your clavicle tolerates a small range of motion without pain, your healthcare provider may permit you to increase your activity.
If the movement hurts, stop the activity right away. Pushing past the pain could jeopardize the strength and future mobility of your shoulder. Working with a physical therapist during recovery helps you regain strength and maximize mobility. Sometimes, physical therapy helps people regain full range-of-motion.
Before you return to the field or the rink, you will need your healthcare provider’s permission. You may need another X-ray to confirm the collarbone has healed enough to tolerate activity.
If you notice any of the symptoms below after a fall, a collision or collarbone surgery, call your primary care provider or an orthopedic specialist.
With proper treatment, your collarbone injury should heal and allow full-range of shoulder motion.
If you experience a broken collarbone, contact your primary care provider or an orthopedic specialist for proper evaluation and treatment.
The orthopedic surgeons at Bone & Joint offer specialized care for fractured collarbones. Call 800.445.6442 to make an appointment or request an appointment online.
800.445.6442
Our receptionists
will take your calls
Monday through Friday,
7 am to 5 pm
Language Services Available
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Notice of Privacy Practices
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
We will never send unwanted email or spam.
Subscribe
Compliance Number 715.393.0322
Internal Extension x7410 Intranet Login
Medford
724 South 8th St.
Medford, WI 54451
715.748.2663
Merrill
100 Eagle Dr.
Merrill, WI 54452
715.536.7181
Plover
1767 Park Ave.
Plover, WI 54467
715.344.1260
Wausau
225000 Hummingbird Rd.
Wausau, WI 54401
715.359.6442
©2021 Bone & Joint