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Broken collarbone

Overview

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Symptoms of a broken collarbone affect your shoulder and can include severe pain, swelling, bruising and a change in the shape of your shoulder.

Get medical help if you think you've broken your collarbone. While waiting for help, put the affected arm in a sling and try not to move it.

A broken collarbone needs to be treated in hospital. Your arm will usually be put in a sling to help it heal, and you'll be given painkillers.

A broken collarbone usually heals in 6 to 8 weeks. You'll need to wear a sling for 2 to 3 weeks and do shoulder and arm exercises until it heals.

Get medical advice as soon as you can if you think you've broken your collarbone. Any possible breaks need to be treated as soon as possible.

Page last reviewed: 01/08/2023
Next review due: 01/08/2026