Medical expert of the article
New publications
Torn clavicle ligaments
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
A torn collarbone ligament is one of the most common injuries. Especially when it comes to sports, in this case it is even a common occurrence.
Treatment must be mandatory, it is forbidden to let things slide. Below we will describe the main symptoms, possible degrees of this "disease" and, naturally, the methods of treatment.
[ 1 ]
Causes of clavicle ligament rupture
Why does this phenomenon occur and what are the causes of clavicle ligament rupture? This mainly occurs during various sports competitions. Especially when it comes to active sports. For example, a goalkeeper can rupture a clavicle ligament if he lands on his shoulder unsuccessfully. But not only athletes are at risk of such a combination of circumstances. So, if you simply fall unsuccessfully on an outstretched arm, you can also get this unpleasant phenomenon. This can happen when falling not on your back, but on your shoulder. It is quite possible to damage the clavicle when injured in particularly specific sports. For example, people involved in judo and sumo are susceptible to this negative phenomenon. And finally, even those who simply lead an active lifestyle can rupture a clavicle ligament. Ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, etc. Therefore, it is still worthwhile to exercise some caution.
Symptoms of a torn collarbone ligament
What is typical for such a phenomenon, and what are the symptoms of a ruptured clavicle ligament? Naturally, the first thing that appears is unpleasant pain. Moreover, it can manifest itself both at rest and during movement. There is a limitation of movement, a person cannot do what he used to. It is uncomfortable for him to turn, the place of the rupture hurts. He cannot bend his arm, bruises and even swelling of the joint appear. With some movements, you can hear a pronounced crack or clicks. There is a slight tingling in the place where the rupture is located, a feeling of numbness appears. In general, everything depends solely on a separate joint. So, there are other symptoms, but in this case it depends on the damaged area and the severity of the damage. So, a rupture of the clavicle ligaments is considered a rather serious injury that needs to be dealt with.
Dislocation of the clavicle with ligament rupture
How to determine that a collarbone dislocation with ligament rupture has occurred? A sharp pain will immediately appear. Over time, it may subside a little, but will manifest itself with the slightest movement. Swelling or bruising will appear at the site of the bruise. It will no longer be possible to move your hand as usual, because all this will be accompanied by aching pain. In some cases, you can feel numbness and tingling. Therefore, if such a phenomenon occurs, you should immediately seek help from a doctor. After all, you can’t just leave it like that. In the future, it can cause harm to a person. After all, a rupture of the collarbone ligaments can be considered a serious injury.
Diagnosis of clavicle ligament rupture
How is a clavicle ligament rupture diagnosed and what can it determine? If the deformation is significantly noticeable, then it will be quite easy to determine what happened and make a diagnosis. But if there is no displacement, you will have to resort to an X-ray. Only with it will it be possible to understand what happened and prescribe treatment. You should also pay attention to the location of the pain. Sometimes the victim is given a weight in the hand, and if the displacement increases significantly, then there is a ligament rupture. After this, high-quality treatment is prescribed. It is definitely impossible to let things slide. A rupture of the clavicle ligaments can lead to serious consequences.
Treatment of clavicle ligament rupture
How is a clavicle ligament rupture treated? There are several types of treatment, conservative and surgical. The first involves applying a special bandage, as well as taking medications. In some cases, cold compresses are prescribed. All this allows a person to cope with the pain. Sometimes the doctor must resort to more serious methods of fixation, such as a bandage. This allows not only to reduce pain, but also simply to limit mobility. The second type of treatment involves surgical intervention. But this is done only in particularly difficult situations. After any type of treatment, good rehabilitation is needed, so many sports will be prohibited for some time. A clavicle ligament rupture requires high-quality and timely treatment.
Surgery for torn clavicle ligaments
Surgery is performed for a ruptured clavicle ligament only in particularly serious cases. So if the injury is caused by severe pain or serious deformation. In this case, an operation is prescribed during which the doctor must cut off the tip of the clavicle. In this case, he will not put pressure on the acromion. Such an intervention is quite effective. What is its main advantage? Even if quite a lot of time has passed since the operation, the effect will still be there. After such an intervention, a rehabilitation period follows, it depends on the complexity of the case. In any case, this will help restore mobility and help the person return to their usual activities. A ruptured clavicle ligament should always be accompanied by a doctor's consultation!
Prevention of clavicle ligament rupture
Is it possible to somehow predict the development of an injury, or what should be the prevention of a ruptured clavicle ligament? People cannot know something in advance, but at the same time, some measures can still be taken. So, you should follow some rules. If we are talking about rollerblading, then you need to wear protection. You just need to be more careful when moving on a slippery road. In general, we can actually talk about this for quite a long time. But this is not always able to help in a particular situation. Therefore, it is simply recommended to exercise some caution and that's it. Especially when it comes to sports. A ruptured clavicle ligament cannot be predicted, but if this happens, you should immediately seek help from a doctor.
Prognosis for clavicle ligament rupture
What is the prognosis for a clavicle ligament rupture and is it serious? Much depends on the severity of the injury itself. If there is a pronounced deformation, then you will have to resort to surgical intervention. When it comes to a simpler form, then everything can be limited to drug treatment. In any case, the prognosis is positive. Only the rehabilitation period is inevitable. Its duration directly depends on the severity of the injury. If you do not seek medical help in time, the situation can become significantly more complicated. Therefore, do not delay. A clavicle ligament rupture does not pose any danger, only if you start treatment in time.