Collarbone (Clavicle) Fracture What Is It? When a bone breaks or
cracks, the injury is called a fracture. In the collarbone
(clavicle), fractures can happen in three separate areas: - The
outer third of the collarbone is near the tip of the shoulder.
Fractures here usually are caused by an accidental fall or some
other type of direct impact (football tackle, hockey check, car
collision) that transmits force to the side or top of the
shoulder. Fractures in this area account for about 15% of all
collarbone fractures. - About 80% of all collarbone fractures
occur in the middle third of the bone. A fracture here usually
is related to a fall on an outstretched arm. This area also can
be fractured by a direct impact to the middle of the collarbone,
especially during stick sports, such as hockey or lacrosse. -
The third nearest the breastbone rarely fractures. Fractures in
this part of the collarbone almost always are caused by a direct
blow to the front of the chest, often from a steering wheel
impact during a car