Broken Collarbone (Clavicle Fracture) at Birth
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) at birth, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
A broken clavicle (collarbone) is one of the most common birth injuries, occurring during difficult deliveries, especially in large babies or when shoulder dystocia occurs. While concerning to parents, clavicle fractures in newborns heal very quickly (usually within 2-3 weeks) without any specific treatment. The prognosis is excellent.
Key takeaways
- A broken clavicle (collarbone) is one of the most common birth injuries, occurring during difficult deliveries, especially in large babies or when shoulder dystocia occurs. While concerning to parents, clavicle fractures in newborns heal very quickly (usually within 2-3 weeks) without any specific treatment. The prognosis is excellent.
- Usually normal when: Baby has decreased movement of one arm with tenderness over the collarbone area
- Call your doctor if: Your baby is not moving one arm at all or the entire arm appears limp, which could indicate a more serious injury involving the nerves (brachial plexus)
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, a broken clavicle (collarbone) is one of the most common birth injuries, occurring during difficult deliveries, especially in large babies or when shoulder dystocia occurs. While concerning to parents, clavicle fractures in newborns heal very quickly (usually within 2-3 weeks) without any specific treatment. The prognosis is excellent. At 0-1 month, a clavicle fracture may be detected at birth or in the first few days when parents or doctors notice the baby is not moving one arm as much, seems uncomfortable during dressing or handling of one side, or has an asymmetric Moro reflex. You may feel a bump or hear crepitus (a crackling sensation) over the collarbone. Sometimes a fracture is found incidentally on a chest X-ray. Treatment is conservative: gentle handling, avoiding pulling on the affected arm, and positioning the baby comfortably. The fracture heals rapidly in newborns, typically within 2-3 weeks. You may notice a bump (callus) forming at the fracture site, which is a sign of normal healing. It is generally considered normal when baby has decreased movement of one arm with tenderness over the collarbone area. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby is not moving one arm at all or the entire arm appears limp, which could indicate a more serious injury involving the nerves (brachial plexus).
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-1 month
A clavicle fracture may be detected at birth or in the first few days when parents or doctors notice the baby is not moving one arm as much, seems uncomfortable during dressing or handling of one side, or has an asymmetric Moro reflex. You may feel a bump or hear crepitus (a crackling sensation) over the collarbone. Sometimes a fracture is found incidentally on a chest X-ray. Treatment is conservative: gentle handling, avoiding pulling on the affected arm, and positioning the baby comfortably. The fracture heals rapidly in newborns, typically within 2-3 weeks. You may notice a bump (callus) forming at the fracture site, which is a sign of normal healing.
1-3 months
By this time, the fracture should be healed. The callus bump is a normal part of healing and gradually remodels over months. Your baby should be moving the affected arm normally. If arm movement has not returned to normal, there may be an associated brachial plexus injury that needs further evaluation.
3-6 months
The fracture is fully healed. The callus bump gradually becomes less noticeable over time as the bone remodels. Both arms should move equally and normally. No long-term complications are expected from a newborn clavicle fracture.
6-12 months
The clavicle has fully remodeled and there should be no evidence of the previous fracture other than perhaps a slight bony prominence that will continue to smooth out. Full function is expected.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) at birth and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you notice your baby is not moving one arm as much as the other.
- Mention if you feel a bump on the collarbone that wasn't previously noted.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Baby has decreased movement of one arm with tenderness over the collarbone area
- A healing bump (callus) forms over the fracture site within 1-2 weeks
- Baby returns to full arm movement within 2-3 weeks
- The bump gradually remodels and disappears over months
- You notice your baby is not moving one arm as much as the other
- You feel a bump on the collarbone that wasn't previously noted
- Your baby cries when you move their arm to one side during dressing
- Your baby is not moving one arm at all or the entire arm appears limp, which could indicate a more serious injury involving the nerves (brachial plexus)
- Signs of infection at any site of injury: increasing redness, warmth, or swelling with fever
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) at birth — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that baby has decreased movement of one arm with tenderness over the collarbone area — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-1 month, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby is not moving one arm at all or the entire arm appears limp, which could indicate a more serious injury involving the nerves (brachial plexus).
Related Conditions
Erb's Palsy (Brachial Plexus Birth Injury)
A brachial plexus injury (Erb's palsy) occurs when the nerves controlling the arm are stretched during delivery, most often during shoulder dystocia. The affected arm may appear limp or have limited movement. The good news is that 80-90% of cases resolve within the first 3-6 months with conservative management and physical therapy.
Uneven Startle Reflex in Newborns (Asymmetric Moro)
An asymmetric Moro reflex, where one arm responds differently than the other during startle, is an important finding that should be evaluated by your pediatrician. It may indicate a birth injury such as a broken clavicle (collarbone) or brachial plexus injury (Erb's palsy). Early evaluation and treatment lead to the best outcomes.
Bruising After Difficult Delivery
Bruising from delivery is common, especially after difficult or prolonged labors, vacuum-assisted deliveries, or forceps deliveries. The bruising typically appears on the face, scalp, or body and resolves on its own within 1-2 weeks. Birth-related bruising can contribute to newborn jaundice as the blood breaks down, so your baby's bilirubin levels may be monitored.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) at birth normal?
When should I call the doctor about broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) at birth?
When is broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) at birth normal?
What causes broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) at birth?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) at birth?
Is broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) at birth normal at 0-1 month?
Is broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) at birth normal at 1-3 months?
Should I go to the ER for broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) at birth?
Does broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) at birth go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Broken Collarbone (Clavicle Fracture) at Birth.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) at birth and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you notice your baby is not moving one arm as much as the other.
- Mention if you feel a bump on the collarbone that wasn't previously noted.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You notice your baby is not moving one arm as much as the other
- You feel a bump on the collarbone that wasn't previously noted
- Your baby cries when you move their arm to one side during dressing
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby is not moving one arm at all or the entire arm appears limp, which could indicate a more serious injury involving the nerves (brachial plexus)
- Signs of infection at any site of injury: increasing redness, warmth, or swelling with fever
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of broken collarbone (clavicle fracture) at birth are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby is not moving one arm at all or the entire arm appears limp, which could indicate a more serious injury involving the nerves (brachial plexus).
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Medical Concerns
Erb's Palsy (Brachial Plexus Birth Injury)
A brachial plexus injury (Erb's palsy) occurs when the nerves controlling the arm are stretched during delivery, most often during shoulder dystocia. The affected arm may appear limp or have limited movement. The good news is that 80-90% of cases resolve within the first 3-6 months with conservative management and physical therapy.
Uneven Startle Reflex in Newborns (Asymmetric Moro)
An asymmetric Moro reflex, where one arm responds differently than the other during startle, is an important finding that should be evaluated by your pediatrician. It may indicate a birth injury such as a broken clavicle (collarbone) or brachial plexus injury (Erb's palsy). Early evaluation and treatment lead to the best outcomes.
Bruising After Difficult Delivery
Bruising from delivery is common, especially after difficult or prolonged labors, vacuum-assisted deliveries, or forceps deliveries. The bruising typically appears on the face, scalp, or body and resolves on its own within 1-2 weeks. Birth-related bruising can contribute to newborn jaundice as the blood breaks down, so your baby's bilirubin levels may be monitored.
My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal
Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.
Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.
Adenoid Hypertrophy and Breathing
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose that help fight infection in young children. When adenoids become enlarged (adenoid hypertrophy), they can block the nasal airway, causing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids are most common between ages 2-7 and are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting and nasal steroids to surgical removal (adenoidectomy) if breathing or sleep is significantly affected.