Collarbone dislocation: Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more

Your collarbone (also called the clavicle) is the slim bone that runs from the center of your chest to your shoulder.
When everything is lined up, you don’t think about it at all. But if that bone slips out of its normal position, you’ll noticefast.
That’s a collarbone dislocation, and depending on exactly how it moves, it can range from “ouch, this really hurts”
to “get to the ER right now.”

In this guide, we’ll walk through what collarbone dislocation is, how it differs from a simple fracture, the symptoms you shouldn’t ignore,
how doctors diagnose it, and what treatment and recovery usually look like. We’ll also share practical, real-world experiences at the end
to help you understand what life during (and after) a collarbone dislocation is really like.

What exactly is a collarbone dislocation?

A collarbone dislocation happens when the clavicle moves out of its normal position at one of its joints.
The clavicle connects in two important places:

• Sternoclavicular (SC) joint – where the inner end of the clavicle meets the sternum (breastbone) in the middle of your chest.
• Acromioclavicular (AC) joint – where the outer end of the clavicle meets a part of the shoulder blade called the acromion
  (this is the “bump” at the top of your shoulder). An AC joint injury is often called a “separated shoulder.”

When people say “collarbone dislocation,” they’re usually talking about a sternoclavicular joint dislocation, but
the AC joint can also be injured or dislocated. Both involve the collarbone, but the location, severity, and risks can be very different.

Dislocation vs. fracture: not the same thing

It’s easy to mix up a broken collarbone with a dislocated one, because both can cause:

• Sudden pain after a fall, hit, or accident
• Swelling and bruising around the collarbone or shoulder
• Difficulty lifting or moving the arm

The key difference:

• A fracture is a break in the bone itself.
• A dislocation is when the bone moves out of alignment at a joint, even if the bone itself isn’t broken.

Sometimes you can have bothfor example, a broken collarbone near the joint and a partial dislocation.
That’s why imaging tests are so important.

Types of collarbone dislocation

Doctors usually describe collarbone dislocations based on which joint is involved and which direction the bone moves:

Sternoclavicular (SC) joint dislocation

• Anterior SC dislocation – the inner end of the clavicle slips forward, creating a visible bump near the sternum.
  This is usually painful but less dangerous and is often managed without surgery.
• Posterior SC dislocation – the clavicle shifts backward toward the chest cavity.
  This is rare but potentially life-threatening because major blood vessels, the trachea, and esophagus sit right behind the joint.
  Any sign of this requires emergency care.

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury (“separated shoulder”)

An AC joint injury affects the outer end of the clavicle and the ligaments that hold it in place. Depending on the severity (often graded from I to VI),
the joint may be partially sprained, subluxed (partially out of place), or fully dislocated. People usually notice:

• Pain at the top of the shoulder
• A bump where the collarbone meets the shoulder
• Pain when lifting the arm or reaching across the body

While AC injuries can be very painful and limit activity, they’re usually less dangerous than posterior SC dislocations and often heal with
conservative treatment.

What causes collarbone dislocation?

Most collarbone dislocations happen after significant trauma. Common causes include:

• Contact sports like football, hockey, rugby, wrestling, or martial arts – especially direct hits to the chest or shoulder.
• Falls onto the shoulder or outstretched hand – for example, falling off a bike, skateboard, or ladder.
• Motor vehicle collisions – high-energy impacts are a classic cause of sternoclavicular joint dislocation.
• Occupational or high-impact accidents – heavy lifting, crush injuries, or industrial accidents.
• Underlying joint laxity or structural problems – some people have looser ligaments or connective-tissue conditions
  that make dislocations more likely, even with less dramatic trauma.

In rare cases, sternoclavicular instability can develop gradually due to arthritis, repetitive strain, or previous injury that never healed quite right.

Symptoms of a collarbone dislocation

Symptoms can vary depending on which joint is involved and whether the dislocation is partial or complete, but common signs include:

• Sudden, sharp pain around the collarbone or upper chest after an injury
• Swelling and bruising over the joint
• A visible bump, step-off, or deformity at the collarbone
• Pain that worsens when you move your arm, lift objects, or take a deep breath
• Limited range of motion in the shoulder
• Sensation of the bone “shifting” or feeling unstable

Warning signs of posterior SC dislocation (medical emergency)

A posterior sternoclavicular dislocation can compress vital structures in the chest. Call emergency services or go to the ER right away if, after
an injury around the collarbone, you notice:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or a feeling of choking
• Trouble swallowing or a “stuck” feeling in the throat
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or signs of shock

These can signal damage or compression of major blood vessels, nerves, or the airway and require immediate treatment.

How doctors diagnose collarbone dislocation

Diagnosis starts with a detailed history of how the injury happened and a physical exam.
Your healthcare professional will typically:

• Look for visible deformity, swelling, or bruising
• Gently palpate (press on) the collarbone and surrounding joints
• Check range of motion in the shoulder, if it’s safe to do so
• Assess circulation, sensation, and strength in the arm and hand

Imaging tests

Because the collarbone lies close to the lungs, heart, and spine, imaging is crucial to confirm the type and direction of dislocation and to rule out other injuries.

• X-rays – often the first test. Special angled views can help visualize the sternoclavicular or acromioclavicular joint.
• CT scan – especially important for sternoclavicular dislocations. CT gives a 3-D look at the joint and nearby structures
  and is considered the gold standard for determining whether the clavicle has shifted forward or backward.
• MRI – may be used if there’s concern about soft tissue damage, ligament tears, or associated injuries.
• Ultrasound or vascular imaging – sometimes used if there’s concern about blood vessel involvement.

Doctors also consider other possible diagnoses, such as clavicle fracture, rib fracture, shoulder dislocation, or rotator cuff injury,
especially when the injury is complex or the symptoms overlap.

Treatment options for collarbone dislocation

Treatment depends on:

• Which joint is involved (SC vs. AC)
• Whether the dislocation is anterior or posterior
• How unstable the joint is after the injury
• Whether vital structures are at risk
• Your age, activity level, and overall health

Emergency management

A suspected posterior SC dislocation is treated as an emergency. In many cases:

• The patient is monitored closely for breathing and circulation problems.
• Pain control and sedation are provided.
• A teamwhich may include orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgeonsattempts a careful closed reduction (manually guiding the joint back into place) under imaging guidance.

If closed reduction fails or structures like blood vessels or the airway are threatened, surgery is usually recommended.

Non-surgical (conservative) treatment

Many anterior SC dislocations and lower-grade AC joint injuries respond well to non-surgical care:

• Immobilization with a sling to rest the shoulder and support the joint
• Ice packs during the first few days to reduce pain and swelling
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen or NSAIDs, if appropriate)
• Gradual physical therapy to restore range of motion, build strength in the shoulder and upper back, and improve posture

Many people see significant improvement over a few weeks, though full recovery (especially for athletes) can take several months.

Surgical treatment

Surgery may be considered when:

• The joint remains unstable or keeps dislocating.
• Posterior SC dislocation threatens vital structures.
• There are associated fractures that can’t be aligned properly without surgery.
• Severe high-grade AC joint separations cause ongoing pain or major loss of function.

Surgical options vary but may involve:

• Open reduction (repositioning the joint through an incision)
• Ligament reconstruction using grafts or sutures
• Hardware such as plates, screws, or buttons to stabilize the joint

After surgery, patients usually wear a sling for a period of time and follow a structured rehabilitation program to regain motion and strength.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Recovery from a collarbone dislocation isn’t just about the bone; it’s about getting the entire shoulder complex working smoothly again.
A typical rehab plan could include:

• Early phase – pain control, sling use, gentle pendulum exercises (if cleared), and posture awareness.
• Middle phase – gradually increasing range of motion, with light, controlled exercises for the shoulder, upper back, and core.
• Strength phase – resistance training to rebuild shoulder stability and endurance.
• Return-to-sport phase – sport-specific drills, impact testing, and gradual return to full activity under professional guidance.

Timelines vary. Some people with an uncomplicated anterior dislocation or mild AC separation may feel much better after a few weeks.
More severe injuries or surgery may require several months before heavy labor or contact sports are safe again.

Complications and long-term outlook

Most people who receive prompt, appropriate care for collarbone dislocation eventually return to normal daily activities and even sports.
However, potential complications can include:

• Chronic pain or tenderness at the joint
• Visible deformity or a persistent bump at the collarbone
• Reduced range of motion or stiffness in the shoulder
• Recurrent instability or repeated dislocations
• Early arthritis in the affected joint
• In severe posterior dislocations, serious complications like damage to blood vessels, nerves, or the airway (fortunately rare, but very serious)

Following your healthcare team’s instructions, sticking with physical therapy, and avoiding a too-early return to high-impact activity can dramatically
improve your long-term outcome.

When you should see a doctor (or the ER) right away

After any fall, hit, or crash involving the shoulder or chest, get urgent medical care if you notice:

• A sudden deformity or bump at the collarbone or near the sternum
• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest
• Inability to lift or move your arm
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand
• Any sign of shockpale, clammy skin, rapid heartbeat, or confusion

Even if the injury turns out to be “just” a sprain or bruise, it’s safer to get it checked than ignore something potentially serious.

Living with and preventing collarbone injuries

You can’t bubble-wrap yourself forever, but you can lower your risk of collarbone injuries and support healthier shoulders by:

• Using proper protective gear in contact or high-speed sports
• Learning and practicing safe falling techniques in activities like martial arts or skiing
• Maintaining strong shoulder, upper back, and core muscles
• Addressing posture issues that overload the shoulder girdle
• Following return-to-play guidelines after any shoulder injury

And if you’ve already had a collarbone dislocation, staying consistent with your rehab exercises can reduce the risk of future problems.

Real-world experiences with collarbone dislocation

Medical facts are important, but if you’ve just been told you have a collarbone dislocation, you’re probably also wondering what it
actually feels like to live through it. While every case is unique, many people share a few common experiences.

The moment it happens

People often describe a collarbone dislocation as a “sharp, wrong kind of pain” rather than a dull ache. A football player might remember
going in for a tackle, feeling a sudden pop near the center of the chest, and immediately clutching the shoulder. A cyclist who flies over
the handlebars may stand up and notice that one side of the upper chest looks higher or “out of line” compared with the other.

Some people notice a bump right away. With an anterior SC or AC injury, the bump can look dramaticlike the bone is trying to escape.
It’s alarming, but not always dangerous. With a posterior SC dislocation, however, there may not be a big bump. Instead, the person might say,
“It doesn’t look too bad, but I can’t breathe right and swallowing feels weird.” That mismatch between what you see and what you feel
is exactly why medical evaluation is so crucial.

The first few days: pain, pillows, and patience

Once you’ve been evaluated and the joint has been reduced (or stabilized in a sling), the first few days are usually about getting comfortable:

• Sleeping propped up with pillows to avoid rolling onto the injured side
• Using one arm for almost everything and moving slowly to avoid sharp twinges
• Figuring out daily hacks like how to shower, get dressed, or pour coffee one-handed

People are often surprised by how much collarbone movement is tied to everyday tasksreaching for a seatbelt, turning a steering wheel,
or even opening a heavy door can send a sharp reminder that the joint is still healing.

The rehab roller coaster

As pain starts to ease, physical therapy becomes the star of the show. Early on, exercises may feel almost too gentle: tiny arm circles,
scapular squeezes, or simple posture corrections. Many patients wonder, “Is this really doing anything?”

Over time, though, those small steps add up. People often notice:

• They can raise their arm a little higher each week.
• The constant ache around the collarbone fades to an occasional reminder.
• Daily taskstyping, cooking, carrying a backpackslowly become easier.

The hardest part mentally is that progress is rarely perfectly linear. You may have a great day where your shoulder feels almost normal,
followed by a day where it feels stiff and sore again. That doesn’t usually mean something is “wrong”; it’s just how soft tissues heal.
Staying consistent and not skipping therapy when things feel “good enough” makes a big difference in the final outcome.

Returning to sports and active life

Athletes and active people often ask, “When can I get back to what I love?” The real answer is: when your joint is stable, your motion is back,
and your strength and control are good enough to protect you from re-injury.

Someone with a mild AC injury might be back to recreational sports in a few weeks, while a person who had surgery for a complex SC dislocation
might need several months before full contact is safe. A good rule of thumb: if your doctor or physical therapist hesitates when you ask
“Can I play?”, they probably have a reason. Pushing too fast can turn one unlucky fall into a long-term problem.

Emotional side: more than “just a shoulder injury”

It’s easy to underestimate the emotional impact. Not being able to drive, work, or care for yourself the way you’re used to can feel frustrating.
Athletes may worry about losing their spot on the team. Parents may stress about picking up kids or keeping up with household tasks.

A few things many people find helpful:

• Having honest conversations with your healthcare team about goals and worries
• Breaking recovery into small, achievable milestones instead of focusing only on “back to 100%”
• Recruiting friends or family for short-term help so you’re not tempted to do too much too soon

The good news: with proper diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and patient rehab, many people recover from collarbone dislocation and return to
their usual activitiessometimes even stronger and more body-aware than before.