Collarbone dislocation is a condition where the collarbone or clavicle is separated from the joints. It is caused by a direct blow on the shoulder and result to severe pain. It damages the surrounding structures, injuries to the muscles and ligament tears. People playing contact sports, adventure sports, high impact sports and other activities involving falling have a high risk of developing this condition.
Symptoms of collarbone dislocation
- Mild dislocation – mild injury to the ligaments with minimal collarbone dislocation
- Moderate dislocation – complete tear on the ligaments and complete dislocation of the collarbone.
- Severe dislocation – complete dislocation of the collarbone with severe symptoms
- Trauma to the joint of the shoulder or the upper area of the body
- Hitting hard on the shoulder or a direct blow or hit by a person
- Falling on the ground
- Falling due to loss of balance from a height
- Vehicular accidents
- Pain in the shoulder area and spread to the front area, chest, upper and middle back and to the arms and hands.
- Swelling and bruising
- Tender when touched
- The area is bruised and bluish black in color when there is a direct blow to the shoulder
- Difficulty with movement especially raising the arms
- Overhead reaching causes pain
- Weakness of the arms
- Shortness of breath, choking sensation, and difficulty in talking and swallowing with movement of the chest and throat.
- Take the prescribed anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxants medications to reduce the swelling and the pain.
- Adequate rest for the affected area. Avoid engaging in activities that involves the moving the shoulders, arms and chest. Avoid moving the injured joint for rapid healing of the condition.
- Apply an ice pack on the affected area to alleviate the swelling, the inflammation and the pain. Put a few ice cubes in plastic bag.
- Consult a physical therapist for rehabilitation exercises to reduce the swelling the pain and the discomforts of the affected collarbone. Perform exercises to strengthen the muscles, restore joint mobility and improve range of movement.
The details posted on this page on a collarbone dislocation is for learning purposes only. To learn how the injury is properly managed, enroll in a first aid course with one of our training providers.