Your clavicle, also called your collarbone, is the long bone that attaches your breastbone to your shoulder blade. Clavicle fractures can occur as a result of contact sports like hockey. Here are four things hockey players need to know about clavicle fractures.

How does hockey cause clavicle fractures?

Falling on your shoulder is the most common cause of clavicle fractures. You may fall on the ice if you trip, get pushed or simply lose your balance. Falling and landing on your outstretched hand is another possible cause of a clavicle fracture, though this is less common.

Getting checked, falling into the boards or getting into a fight on ice can also result in a clavicle fracture. Being hit in the shoulder with a hockey stick—accidentally or maliciously—can also lead to this fracture.

What are the signs of clavicle fractures?

If you break your collarbone, you'll feel pain and tenderness in your shoulder. The area will be swollen and bruised, and you may see a bulge near your shoulder. When you try to move your shoulder, your pain will get worse and you may hear a grinding noise from within the joint. In some cases, you won't be able to move your shoulder at all due to stiffness. If you experience any of these symptoms after suffering an impact to your shoulder, get off the ice and see your doctor.

How are clavicle fractures treated?

Your doctor will immobilize your shoulder with either a sling or a brace to let it heal comfortably. Usually, these devices only need to be worn for two to three weeks, and afterwards, you can go to physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is important because after wearing a sling for a couple weeks, your arm and shoulder will be stiff and weak. Your physiotherapist will help you build up the weakened muscles and help you reduce your stiffness.

If your fractured bones are severely displaced, you may need to have surgery. The bones will be fixed in place with either plates, screws or nails. Physiotherapy will be performed once you've healed from the procedure.

When can you return to hockey?

Once your fracture has healed, you have no more pain, and you have your strength and flexibility back, you can start playing hockey again. This timeline varies based on factors like your age and whether or not you smoke, but in general, you can expect to get back on the ice within six to eight weeks.

If you think you've suffered a clavicle fracture, see a sports medicine doctor--such as one from Physical Therapy Center PC--immediately.