[1] Symptoms typically include pain at the site of the break and a decreased ability to move the affected arm.

[1] Complications can include a collection of air in the pleural space surrounding the lung (pneumothorax), injury to the nerves or blood vessels in the area, and an unpleasant appearance.

[3] Reasons for surgical repair include an open fracture, involvement of the nerves or blood vessels, or shortening of the clavicle by more than 1.5 cm in a young person.

The muscles involved in clavicle fractures include the deltoid, trapezius, subclavius, sternocleidomastoid, and sternohyoid.

The lateral fragment of the clavicle during a fracture is depressed by the weight of the arm and is pulled downward by the strong abductor muscles of the shoulder joint, especially the deltoid.

The trapezius muscle is unable to hold up the distal fragment owing to the weight of the upper limb, thus the shoulder droops.

[citation needed] The clavicle is the bone that connects the trunk of the body to the arm, and it is located directly above the first rib.

The medial end connects with the manubrium of the sternum and gives attachments to the fibrous capsule of the sternoclavicular joint, articular disc, and interclavicular ligament.

In more severe cases, a computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is taken.

However, the standard method of diagnosis through ultrasound imaging performed in the emergency room may be equally accurate in children.

[citation needed] The arm is usually supported by an external immobilizer to keep the joint stable and decrease the risk of further damage.

Type of sling used does not seem to affect the results as far as healing is concerned but patient satisfaction is lower with the figure-of-eight bandage.

In some cases, the plate is removed after healing due to discomfort, to avoid tissue aggravation, osteolysis or subacromial impingement.

[citation needed] Healing time varies based on age, health, complexity, and location of the break, as well as the bone displacement.

During this period, patients may remove the sling to practice passive pendulum range of motion exercises to reduce atrophy in the elbow and shoulder, but they are often minimized to 15–20° off vertical.

Depending on severity of the fracture, athletes involved in contact sports may need a longer period of rest to heal to avoid refracturing bone.