Clavicle of right side viewed from below (left image) and from above(right image)
The clavicle is a long bone that connects trunk with upper limb. It is also known as collar bone. Its main function is support of the shoulder and transmittal of upper limb weight to the trunk through the sternum.
Clavicle canbe divided into a cylindrical part called the shaft, and two ends – medial and lateral.
The lateral end is also called acromial end and is flat from above downwards. It articulates with the acromion process of the scapula through a facet. The articular surface for the acromioclavicualr joint gives attachment to the joint capsule.
The medial end is called sternal end, is quadrangular in shape. This part articulates with the clavicular notch of the manubrium sterni to form the sternoclavicular joint. It also articulates with first costal cartilage via extension of the articular surface. The articular surface for the sternum gives attachement to the fibrous capsule all round, to the articular disc posterosuperiroly; and to the interclavicular ligament superiorly.
The shaft of the clavicle can be divided into the lateral one third and the medial two thirds.
The lateral one third of the shaft is flattened from above downwards. It has two borders, anterior which is concave anteriorly and posterior which is convex posteriorly. Between the two borders are two surfaces- the superior surface and inferior surface. While the superior surface is subcutaneous, the inferior surface has elevation called the conoid tubercle and a ridge called the trapezoid ridge.The anterior border gives origin to the deltoid muscle and the posterior border provides insertion to the trapezius muscle. The conoid tubercule and trapezoid ridge give attachment to the conoid and trapezoid parts of the coracoclavicular ligament.
The medial two thirds of the shaft of the clavicle is rounded and has four surfaces.
- The anterior surface- It is convex forwards.
- The posterior surface- It is thickened and smooth.
- The superior surface- This surface iss rough in its medial part.
- The inferior surface- It has a rough oval impression at the medial end. It harbors a longtitudinal groove called subclavian groove in its lateral half.
The anterior surface gives origin to the pectoralis major. The rough superior surface gives origin to the clavicular head of the sternocleidomastoid. The oval impression on the inferior surface gives attachment to the costoclavicular ligament. The subclavian groove gives insertion to the subclavius muscle and the margins of the groove give attachment to the clavipectoral fascia.
Determination of Side.
- The lateral end is flat, and the medial end is large and quadrilateral.
- The shaft is slightly curved, so that it is convex forwards in its medial 2/3, and concave forwards in its lateral 1/3.
- The inferior surface is grooved longitudinally in its middle 1/3.
Gender Variations
Female clavicle is shorter, lighter, thinner, smoother, and less curved than in males . The lateral end of the clavicle is a little below the medial end in females whereas In males, the lateral end is either at the same level or slightly higher than the medial end.
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hi,
i am very much impressed about the information on the clavicle but there are no peculiarities about the bone…it would be helpful for the user to understand about the bone if the peculiarities are specified…
thank you
Thanks Shrayus. Got your point. Would make a separate post on it.
Good to have you here.
I am a CNA
I have pain,
a pulling sometimes burning pain from an injury I recieved helping to pull a heavy resident up in the bed. I cannot lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk without pain or move my arm with proper RAM without pain and sometimes i feel something cool in there like something a liquid perhaps is draining in there
I have been given xrays and an MRI and they say its tendonitis and continue to give me NSAIDS. HOWEVER i keep telling them while yes I have some discomfort in my shoulder my main source of “PAIN” is toward the right side of my chest right under my clavicle bone. straight below the outer edge of my right eye.
Today I was told by the workmans comp doctor (which is no specialist just a small town doctor) ” it MAY BE torn ligaments and theres not a damn thing you can do about it but get over it.”
Any advise you can give????please????
also when i do a circular RAM on my shoulder i can hear and feel popping (almost feels like loose pebbles) on the clavicle right above my site that has pain.
Vikki,
Most likely you have a chronic inflammation of the soft tissues ( ligament or tendon) following injury. Even your MRI suggested tendonitis though you did not mention which one.
Though I am unable to reach at a diagnosis with the limited information that I have at my disposal, I guess that it should be a soft tissue affliction.
Local heat therapy, Pain killers and rest are the modalities of treatment that you can use.
The condition should improve with time.
If you want a further discussion on this, please send me a mail along with your xray and MRIi pictures at contact at boneandspine dot com
If it does not get better, get a check up again.
Thank you so much for your help i will try to get those for you
can you let me know what the problem was ? i have something simmilar
Feels like a swollen lymph node along the bottom part of collarbone, in line up from the nipple on breast.
Is soft and in a large pocket of fluid. Feel pressure in neck, ear, and eye. Not sore unless I press on Lymph node. Doctor seems to feel nothing to worry about unless lump gets hard – said result of sickness, and that it should go away. That’s been 6 months ago and still there and getting larger.
Please advise
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
April 13th, 2009 at 1:38 am
Joyce,
If there is a persistent swelling in any part of th body, it should be investigated. Xrays, CT, MRI and FNAC might help to reach at a diagnosis.
Talk to your doctor. If the swelling is progressively increasing, I would surely subject it to investigation.
Hope that helps. Take care
Last week I discovered an enlargement of the bone just below my throat at the base of the neck on my right side. The left side is normal. There is no pain and I have had no injuries. An x-ray does not show a thickening of the bone, so the doctor thinks it is a covering of cartilage on the bone. The docter felt fairly confident it is not a bone cancer. I’m waiting now for the radiologist’s review and report regarding the x-ray. A recent routine blood workup was done (Sept) and nothing was out of normal range except CO2 count was elevated 1 count above normal range(?)…iron, B12, cholesterol, thyroid and all basics normal.
Again, there is no pain. No illness. I am in my early 40′s. No major illnesses. I’ve experienced a strange mixture of seemingly unrelated symptoms that I’m now wondering if are truly unrelated or taken together mean something?
Miscellaneous recent developments: occasional headaches, ocassional skin problems (small, rough, peeling patches where skin meets lips; patchy, irritated, itchy skin on right eyelid, (treated with steroid cream) miscellaneous itching sensations primarily on torso area of body, occasional cystic or deep skin facial acne, occasional instances of high blood pressure. Went to urgent care 6 mos ago with “sunburned torso.” It wasn’t an actual sunburn – that’s what it looked and felt like! Treated with steroid.
Do you have any ideas or suggestions of what I should be asking a general physician to investigate regarding the (clavical?) bone “thickening”?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:20 am
@Dawn,
If there is a palpable thickening and xray does not reveal anything then one must ask
Is it from the bone. If so which one?
If not then what is the origin?
[If you already know these answers, please let me know so that I can deduce in a better way
Can a better investigation like CT/MRI be done?
I think other problems would be better addressed by a skin specialist.
On Sep 12 this year, i met with a bike accident and fractured my terminal end of left clavicle bone, waited for two months to get heal naturally as suggested by my doc. But i hv to undergo surgery on nov 8 (plate, screw and wire). Now its seventh week running, still i feel some pain and wearing arm sling. i see elevated terminal end on my soldier…i am worried is the surgery ok some wrong things happened inside. How long will take to recover myself so that i can be normal and what precautions will i take to make join properly.
Dr Arun Pal Singh, I have had problems with my sternoclavicle joint for some time now. It pops and I shriek in pain when it does. I can palpate the the popping everytime I rotate my arm but the pain is random so I keep my arm down below ninety degrees out or the pain might appear. As time is progressing, so is the consistancy of the pain. It seems to have spread or just have become noticable towards the middle of the clavicle.
The doctor wanted to put me on Ibuprofin (sp???) and rest. I would not raise my arm past that 90 degree mark for a month but that only stiffened the joint. I am getting tired of the pain and the constant grinding of what ever in the joint. Please help.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
January 6th, 2010 at 11:29 am
@James Gillis,
You would be better helped by your treating doctor. Without examination and investigations there is little I can do for you.
I think you should ask for an appointment with specialist.
hi, for the past week i have woken up fine and about dinner time my right side collarbone feels bruised. i was fine when i woke up and it gradually got worse throughout the day until i went to bed. when i woke up the next day it was perfectly fine but 3 days later the same thing has happened. it seems to feel worse when i lift my right arm in the air and i feel like crying. i am thinking it might be the way i have been asleep but not sure. i would appreciate some advice on this. thanks
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
March 3rd, 2010 at 12:54 am
@viki,
Please see a doctor.
I am sorry but I am unable to help you at this stage due to obvoius constraints.
My wife suffered a dislocated clavicle/sternum in a fall oover a year ago. We put off seeing a physician as the pain gradually improved. In October 2009 we saw a chiropractor who said the clavicle could be adjusted back into place. After weeks of treatment, the pain only got worse. Finally she saw an orthopedic doctor who recommended that we simply leave it alone and suggested she use ice and Aleve. I presume the ligaments have been torn and stretched by th echiropractor and are thus inflamed. However, I see websites which suggest heat rather than ice. I am confused on this point. Also, are there any injections which may speed up the antiinflammatory treatment of the ligaments?
Thank you
Paul
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
March 3rd, 2010 at 12:55 am
@Paul Westthaus,
Both modalities work and both are used.
Rest and antiinflammatory medicines should surfice. There are no such injections,
Hello,
I suffered an injury to my shoulder in October 2009 while trying to help with a patient, it was a pulling injury that caused immediate weakness and pain with ROM. I saw the ER doctor and was put in a sling and the following week had an MRI which revealed a partially torn rotator cuff with a significant amount of fluid around it. I started physical therapy to regain ROM and there was a considerable amount of pain in the clavicle area from the sternum across to the shoulder joint. I expressed my concern to my orthopedic doctor who performed a cat scan of the chest to look for obvious deformity to the clavicle which showed nothing.. Therapy was discontinued and I have been doing home exercises ever since. The pain has gotten worse after 5 months and workers comp still refuses to pay to repair the rotator cuff and I am still having terrible pain in the clavicle area now with significant swelling and a fullness in the throat area. My question is, Is there a possibility that I have torn some of the ligaments in the clavicle and/or seperated my shoulder and that is what is causing the pain and feeling of instability in the clavicle? The only relief I get is with taping the joint in an stabalized position and even then it is only a temporary fix and the pain doesn’t completely subside. I would appreciate any help that you may be able to give me regarding this. Thank you!
Sara
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
@Sara,
Only the doctor you see in person would be able to tell you what is wrong.
If you think you are not being treated, try seeing another doctor
Relatively flat grape-sized lump approximately 2 1/2 inches below collarbone, left side. Sore to touch. Have been battling bronchitis for about 6 weeks. Could this be related to the bronchitis or something to be checked out?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 12:00 am
@Fran Ryan,
I think you should see a doctor. Lumps should not be ignored.
about a month ago i had an accident and i dislocated my clavicle bone my doctor said that its so called first stage dislocation so its not a big deal i put it on an arm sling for about 3 weeks maybe more its fine now but the bone didn exactly come back in to place is that normal?? and when i lift any weight when im working out i feel like this pain in my sholder i feel its coming from a muscle not a bone in the front and the back side of my sholder what is that and how do you treat it fast??? please i need serious help in this i need to know what wrong with my sholder are there like any liguments that should be fixed or what?
please answer me that would help me alot thank you very much!
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
May 21st, 2010 at 8:02 am
@Bassem,
The term dislocation is used when joints separate. From your question it is not clear what joint was involved.
Would you please provide more info.
My right clavicle node is swollen and painful. I haven’t had any injuries.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 11:14 am
@Tammy,
Please get examined by a doctor. I would not be abole to help you as I cannot examine you.
Dr Arun Pal Singh,
When I run, I often experience pain that seems to be radiating from my right clavicle. I have read that this could be due to spasms in my scalene or subclavius muscles. Only sometimes do I feel it when I am at rest, and sometimes the pain seems to be in the shoulder. While I have seen a doctor and was prescribed Skelaxin and Celebrex, it doesn’t seem to touch the pain that sometimes keeps me from getting a restful night’s sleep. These items were prescribed because of a previous bout of tendonitis that was solved with these types of medications. There is not any swelling in the area of my clavicle or shoulder. I do I also suffer from side stitch on the same side when running. Do you suggest that I see a physical therapist, a specialist, or go back to my family doctor?
Thanks!
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
@Sarah,
I am not aware of your health system but if your symptoms are not relieved you need to visit the same doctor once. Let him evaluate and send you to the concerned specialist if he deems it right.
hey I like this a lot .moreover it’s really helpful for me.
actually i wll give 10/10 for this great information
Hi Dr. Arun.
I am a nurse and I have worked as an O.R. director in Egypt for the last four years. (I mention this only because of the very high level of polution there). While in the states for the summer I began to have pain in my right clavicle that progressively got worse over a 3 week period. I have had no injury. It is an aching pain that never goes away and occasionally is more significant. It began as a dull pain in a small central area closest to my sternum but now it is across my entire clavicle. I have no pain in the sternum. My right arm is beginning to feel fatigued, not painful. Im also experiencing a few other weird symptoms recently. The top of my right foot several times a day seems to have a very hot sensation for a few seconds but when I touch it, it is cool or no heat felt. Also my right leg is achy over the last couple of days. I am 38 years old with no medical history to speak of, no medications. Have not been to a doctor in the last four years until I experienced this. I saw an internal medicine physician. She felt it was pretty much not significant and had me go for an xray which was normal. SO what the heck is causing this pain and are those odd symptoms related. Sorry so long!!! Please help. Should I persue further investigation?
Thank you in advance.
Sharon
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
@sharon,
Please seek another opinion if you think first doctor has missed something.
As your symptoms pertain to area around neck, arm and leg, you should also get checked for spine.
In any case if xray does not help and your symptoms persist, a better investigation like CT or MRI should be done
sometimes maybe a couple times a week my left collarbone will pop all of the sudden it is really fast just one pop it kinda startles me a little bit and it hurts when it happens i never know when its about to happen do you know what could be wrong with me? Also i have calcium deposits in my shoulder which causes pain when i use my shoulder alot any suggestions?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 14th, 2010 at 6:45 am
@sheena,
Which side pops up?
medial or lateral?
[The inner end or the outer?]
On Aug. 1st of this year, i met with a bike accident and fractured my terminal end of right side clavicle bone, waited for one and half months to get heal naturally as suggested by my doctor. But i am in confussion whether i have to go for surgery or not, and i am little bit affraiding about healing. Is surgery is good or not pl inform me. Now its sixth week running, still i feel some pain and wearing arm sling. i see elevated terminal end on my soldier…i am worried is the surgery ok some wrong things happened inside. How long will take to recover myself so that i can be normal and what precautions will i take to make join properly.
Yours Sicerely
Dr. Jadhav U.S.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 18th, 2010 at 6:37 am
@Dr. Jadhav U.S.,
Were you advised surgery or you are thinking on yyour own that you need it!
Clavicle fractures generally do unite well without surgery. Most of those which do not unite do not have functional problem.
A very little percentage with greater demands would need surgery and it does help them.
Discuss it with your treating doctor and he would be able to guide you better.
I’m a 46 year old perimenopausal female that suffers from fibromyalgia. For the past 9 months I have had a soft swelling (edema?) above my right collar bone. Over the past year I’ve had a 30-lb weight gain (particularly abdominally) and maybe the last 6 months or so have had generalized swelling (edema) which can possibly be caused by the fibromyalgia.
I have been to a few doctors about it but they don’t seem concerned. Once or twice the swelling extended half way up my neck and down toward my throat and chest. It seems to go up and down (although never all the way day). It is soft and puffy feeling. Should I be alarmed? What are the chances this could be some type of cancer? I’d sure appreciate your help on this.
Thanks,
Dee
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
@Dee,
It is unlikely that fibromyalgia would cause generalised swelling.
A swelling on the collar bone should not be ignored. Untill ruled out everything would come in probale diagnosis.
My right collarbone sticks out further than the left, and it is also larger than the left. It does not hurt, and I do not feel any “lumps”. It just feels like my bone is bigger / thicker.
My right shoulder ( between my neck, spine, and shoulder blade) is painful ( muscular pain or tension). It grinds or pops when I move it. Almost as soon as I lay down my arm goes numb and begins to ache horribly, all the way down to my hand- mainly my thumb, index and middle fingers. It’s very painful and I have not been able to get much sleep lately. It feels like I need to pull my shoulder blade away from my back and stretch it out. I have also noticed myself keeping my shoulder in a “shrugged” position.
Any thoughts???
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
@Leslie,
Thoughts would not help you, a meeting with physician would.
Please get in touch with a doctor and get diagnosed.
There could be more than one reasons for these symptoms and it is better to deal the situation in proper way.
I discovered an enlargement of the clavicle bone on my right side. The left side is normal. There is no pain and the only thing that happened was a child I was doing day care for head butted me there. It brought tears to my eyes, but no more pain after 5 minutes. The enlarged clavicle was noticed 3 days later. An x-ray showed no fracture. I had a CT scan done and they say it is degenerative bone disease. I can’t seem to find anything online that has informaton on degenerative bone disease on the clavical. I am 54 years old. Any comments?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
@Barb,
Can I look at the images and CT reports?
While working, I was helping restrain the arms of a very large combative patient ( he was hypoxic so was not his fault ) anyway my arms were extended, head turned, I felt what most people would describe as a ” Charlie horse” in the right side of my neck. I dud not let go then felt a ” pop ” somewhere” had so much discomfort, I could not tell where it was coming from. After his airway was secure I stepped out, my right arm was very shaky and I had ” pressure” which continued to worsen in right collar bone. Collar bone was swollen but decided to go home try ice, motrin. When I layed down pain was severe radiating to right scapula so went to Er. They x-ray shoulder, I followed up with ortho who x Ray clavicle all were negative, just swelling. My right arm is still very ” heavy ” I can not fall asleep without ice on shoulder because pain is so bad. Went to PT for first time last week and they rid stim. Did not want to do anything else because of the swelling. Now my right thumb feels numb ( not totally ) and my hand always feels cold to me, yet my husband says it is same as other? I take NSAID daily it has been over 2 weeks, just getting worried, only diagnosis is strains, sc, neck, shoulder and ? Brachial plexus.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
November 27th, 2010 at 7:07 am
@Mackenzie,
After ER, did you go to a specialist?
A pain not being relieved by two weeks is a concern and should be investigated.
Yes! There are possibilities and you should get yourself diagnosed.
i was playing footbal and a person landed on top of my inner shoulder. i first felt pain on the top, outside part of my left pectoral muscle. now I have pain on left inner tip of my collar bone and the left side of my neck, no further than the bottom of my throut. the pain is on the left side of my neck down to the inside tip of the collar bone… i am able to move my left arm in many ways but i sometimes feel a little pain. i am not able to reach out for objets without feeling some pain. what can it be, and how long will the pin last
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
@MIke,
Did you see a doctor? Was xray done?
DEAR DR ARUN SINGH,
I HAVE AN 11 YEARS OLD DAUGHTER WHO ON THE 29 DECEMBER 2009 FELT A STING ON HER LEFT SIDE CLAVICLE. AS TIME WENT BY THE BONE ON THE CLAVICLE STARTED TO SWELL CAUSING LOT OF PAIN TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BODY.
I HAVE BEEN TO MANY DOCTOR & HOSPITAL IN DURBAN WHO DOES NOT HAVE A CLUE HAS TO WHAT IS IT.
SHE WAS EVENTUALLY ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL WHERE THERE RAN MANY BLOOD TEST WHICH SHOWED NORMAL. THEY ALSO DID A CT SCAN AND A BONE DENSITY SCAN WHICH CAME OUT NORMAL, SHE ALSO HAD A OPEN BIOSPY DONE WHERE A PIECE OF THE BONE WAS REMOVED AND SENT FOR TESTING.
BIOPSY:
NO GROWTH
NO CELL
NEGATIVE TB CULTURE
NO FUNGAL GROWTH
SHE WAS THEN BUT ONTO ANITBIOTIC FOR 8 WEEK AFTER THE OPERATION SHOWING VERY LITTLE RESULT.
IT IS ALMOST A YEAR AND WE STILL DONT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG.
DOCTORS SUGGEST WE REMOVE THE CLAVICLE COMPLETELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE’VE BEEN BACK TO THE DOCTOR LAST MONTH WHERE THEY DID MORE BLOOD TEST, ITS NORMAL EXCEPT THE ESR STILL RAISED 55.
PLEASE HELP
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
December 21st, 2010 at 1:48 pm
@KAMALAN,
Please avoid writing in all capital letters.
You have provided information in breaks and I am not able to take out much info.
You would need to describe her condition in detail. Never mind the space.
And sequence of events.
And what is the reason for clavicle removal. Your doctor must have discussed the reason with you.
They must have found something presence of which may lead to further complications in your child, therefore contemplating removal.
I cannot digest that everything is normal and clavicle removal is being considered.
Please talk to your doctor. He is the best person to provide every info you need.
If you are dissatisfied, consider another opinion.
Let me know.
My wife has stomach pains after she eats. They are sebere for a couple of hours unril the food is digested. She also has gas pains after that, Could you refer me to some website where I might find some suggestions on her problem,
Yhanks,
Paul Westhaus
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
January 12th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
@Paul,
I think she needs a physician rather than a website. You should take her to a doctor.
One night ago I had woken up with severe chest pain in my manubrium area. It felt like I was punched sereval times and my chest was locked up. I took 3 ibproins and went back to sleep. It was enough to scare me. However I didn’t go to the doctor the next day. My upper chest is sore to touch. its a bit puffy on the manubrium area. At night I’ll feel as I need to take some more pain killer. My chest feels a bit hot and leaves finger prints when you touch it.
I’m worried it could be more, or happen again. but also think it could just be the way I slept. I appreicate your answers.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
March 9th, 2011 at 7:21 am
@Sara,
My best advice for you is to see a doctor, get diagnosed and treated.
Hi. My left collar bone has been popping and cracking when I move certain ways. No pain. I have had two sets of chest xrays the past two weeks by 2 different doctors. All looks good. I’ve been having joint pain in elbows right knee and ankles also. Is this all related?? All my blood work has been good also. 28/male
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
April 11th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@Wayne,
Right now it is a far fetched thought to make them related. Just watch it without giving mush importance. If it persists and joint pains persist, get evaluated again.
Hope someone can help me.
I have been working out the last few months. Have had mild shoulder pain on and off, but between the days when I am lifting it goes away. At the most I have real mild pain when I am bench pressing, but nothing else.
Worked out chest yesterday with no problems, woke up this morning with no problems.
However a couple hours after waking up I lifted something 10-15 lbs and notice a strong pain in my left collar bone. When I look at my left collar bone it is inflammed quite a bit. It is almost alarming how much larger it is then the right collar bone.
Is this most likely a soft tissue injury? Should I treat with aleve and ice or heat?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
@Bob,
See a doctor please. I hope you have done that already.
Thanks! I do have bad anxiety and grade 1 spondylothesis in lumbar region and other problems in the t8 and t9 area herniated discs. Just always seem to have that hip joint and leg pain. Thanks again!
Saw my family doctor, he thought it was a stress fracture and took an xray. The xray came back negative. He also told me he had never seen anything like that before.
Next I went to an orthopedic, he looked and poked at it and he also said he had never seen anything like that before. He said that without me even telling him my family doctor said it.
He said if it doesnt go down in a couple weeks, the next step is an MRI. He said typically collar bone injuries are on the side near the shoulder, while mine is closer to the middle of my chest. He told me I can work out as long as it does not give me pain.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
May 13th, 2011 at 8:38 pm
@Bob,
OK. How are you now?
Hello there;
I am 50 years old and I am in fairly good health.
I have recently noticed a very hard lump growing on my right clavicle near the shoulder….I have only just noticed it in the past few days and it is about the size of a large flattened grape….I do not feel any pain….it seems to be growing right on the bone?I have checked my left side and there is nothing like it there. I do not want to be a hypochondriac and would like to research this prior to seeing a doctor. Could this be a bone spur or calcium growth? Why would something like this show up all of a sudden?
Your help in this is greatly appreciated.
Shelly
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
May 28th, 2011 at 7:53 am
@Shelly,
There is no reason that you should not see a doctor. A lump is a cause of concern and you must consult your doctor.
Once you have an idea about what it could be researching becomes easier.
If it is showing suddenly, it is even a thing of greater concern.
Please see a doctor.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 9th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
@Shelly,
A lump at any side at this age should be dealt with concern and there is no reason to think otherwise.
I suggest that you see a doctor.
Dr. Arun Pal Singh
One month ago today I went golfing for the first time in a few years, 18 holes followed by driving range. I have not had much exercise in the last few months and am pretty out of shape. The next day I did a workout with a kettlebell where you squat, then swing your arm with the kettlebell forward, parallel to the floor as you raise up. I did 4 sets on each side with a 20lb kettlebell. Immediately afterward I lay on the floor to stretch my lower back, then decided to do some easy push-ups from my knees. I did about 4 pushups when I heard a “pop” in the area of my right collarbone. It hurt a little bit and so I stopped.
The next day I was in a lot of pain, and the degree of pain didn’t begin to subside for over a week. I had a very difficult time determining the exact source of the pain. I was definitely sensitive where my pectoral muscles connect to my upper sternum, near my collarbone on the right side. There was other pain as well, but it seemed to be originating from beneath my collarbone where I couldn’t reach with my fingers. There was a feeling of painful “pressure” in the area all around my collarbone which seemed to be the main source of the pain.
I assumed that I had pulled or strained a muscle, but was surprised the pain has lasted so long. There is still pain and a feeling of pressure there. Though some days are worse than others, it is definitely not as bad as it was.
Over the last couple of weeks I have noticed a “popping” around my right collarbone when I reach for something with my right arm, particularly if I am reaching across my body. This has been painful, but not always, and I have noticed that my collarbone has become sensitive to the touch near my shoulder as well. Today I decided to do a search under “collarbone popping” and have found some interesting information. I didn’t realize that you could “dislocate” your collarbone. Had I, I would have suspected this right away, as I think my general feeling was that something was “out of place”, and I think it would explain why such a degree of pain persisted for so long, and why I am still feeling the same kind of pain (albeit to a lesser degree) today.
I would have seen my doctor right away, but am only a few weeks away from starting a new insurance plan. I figure that he will have me undergo several tests, but if I can wait to apply the cost of those tests to my next plan’s deductible I think I should. The new plan starts July 1st.
Do you think this sounds like a dislocated collarbone? Am I putting myself at much risk by waiting to see my doctor on this matter? What sort of treatment could you recommend for me in the meantime?
Providing you so much info so you have a complete picture. Thank you so much!!
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 9th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@Brian Smith,
With given constraints and lack of personal examination, I am not going to make a diagnosis for you.
But that is a dislocation or subluxation is possibility. Ligament tear is another one which might have made your joint unstable.
But if it is out, it should go in. Sooner the better.
I think you should see a doctor.
I should also point out that I have done NO upper body exercise since this happened, due to the pain or concern that I would make the situation worse. I am planning on starting to swim laps soon, though, if that doesn’t seem to have a negative effect. In addition, I have continued to sleep a lot on my right side, even though this probably has not helped.
Am a fitness consultant as well as a pilates instructor. I handle mostly senior clients/ elderly. My career is so challenging at times because of the age group of my clients. Human anatomy especially muscular and skeletal systems have been of so much help. Currently am handling a client with a cervical spine condition. There are osteophytes seen at C5-C7, anteriorly. Posterior osteophyte is seen at C5/C6. The C6/C7 disc space is reduced.
Any help and suggestions.
Thanks……
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 9th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@Eric Volemi,
Are you asking for the treatment or precautions in a particular case?
I’ve been suffering from herniated discs, C5 & C6. This was a long term problem and complicated by the fact that I was having severeradiating pain in my right arm and hand. Two and a half years ago I started experiencing severe nausea and severe pain in my right shoulder and arm. To make a long story short, I went to one specialist after another and while they were able to treat my discs with steroids I’m left with I can only assume is a dislocated right clavicle. I discovered it myself one day because of some pain where the clavicle joins my sternum. No one else found it and whenever I have mentioned it no one will acknowledge it as a problem. Now the discs are in good shape but I have severe pain where the clavicle joins my shoulder and at those times the sternum end of the bone is more prominent. At one point I did go to a shoulder specialist and they said I didn’t have a problem. I’m lost. I simply don’t know what to do, I’m sleep deprived, I can’t tolerate Neurontin and I just started on a muscle relaxant but the effect is spotty. What’s my next step? I’m very concerned that this has become a permanent problem and that frightens me.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 9th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
@PJ,
If the pain is persisting and you are not being helped, you can opt to see another specialist.
I am sorry but at this point, you can only be helped by a doctor who sees you in person.
hello Dr,
hope u r fine,
On april 20 of this year, i met with a bike accident and broken the left clavicle bone from 2 places,from joint and middle. waited for one months to get heal naturally as suggested by my doctor. But after 1 month i do my x-ray again and found no major healing of bone.still i feel some pain and wearing arm sling. plz advise me whether i have to go for surgery or not, i can see elevated terminal end on my shoulder .How long will take to recover myself so that i can be normal?
waiting for your kind advise.
your sincerely
Asif Salman
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 9th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@Asif Salman,
Most of clavicle fractures unite well. Most of those which do not unite do not cause any major problem.
For those who are left with a nonunion that hampers with their routine, surgery is a good option.
I have written this to help you make better choice for yourself.
All the best.
Hello Dr Arun Pal Singh,
I began working out starting December 2010, and began to notice my right clavicle sticks out a bit more then normal it seems. It causes some discomfort at times but other then that no pain. Seems as if, when i push down on collarbone on the outer end connected to my acromion is free moving. Pops at times as well. Acromion sticks out some what as well.It Sticks out most when rotating my shoulder forward. I am a slender teenage male. Would it be save to continue to workout? Please help.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 10th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@Dalton,
In my view you should seek a consultation first rather than going on with your workout.
It could be normal in lax individuals but needs to be seen out.
I am in 5th week of calvical fracture my bones have not joined still i am feeling like a small shift in both bones please help me
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 14th, 2011 at 12:55 am
@Aru,
Please get an xray and confirm if there is a union
Just curious about something! One side of my clavicle is higher than the other, on the inner side. Feeling the bones one each side below my throat, one side (the right side) is much higher than the other. I’ve never broken or injured it. Should I be worried, or is it just ‘one of those things’?
thanks!
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 14th, 2011 at 7:51 am
@Trazey,
If it is not symptomatic I do not think there is much cause to worry. You can get it examined when you get your general health check up next time.
I have been having this dull aching pain underneath my clavicle and only hurts while breathing and if I lay down the wrong way. If I hold my right arm up vertical up and down I get relief. If I put pressure on the area where it hurts and breathe I can tolerate it. This started about 2003. I went to the doctor and they ended up removing my gallbladder (sept 2004) . It went away for a year then came back.(2005) Then I decided to lose weight. I lost 50 pounds total and I was feeling good and it recent came back as of 6/8/2011 and it has been constant for the pass 5 days. I have no insurance now. Everytime I go to ER they say its nothing. It seems like somethng is flaring up (swoolen) inside of me then goes away. I dont kow if I’m eating something that’s causing it but I want it gone. It happens whether I have an empty stomach or not. Of course if my stomach is empty and I’m hurting, if I eat the pain gets worse so I don’t eat or eat a little something just to get me by. I have been working out but I have been doing that for a while and that is not the issue. I just don’t know what to do or if it is referred pain and really soemthing else somewhere else is going on. Please help me.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 14th, 2011 at 7:37 am
@Lukaea,
Looks like referred pain from your description and can originate in many regions adjoining to clavicle. But you need to see a doctor to diagnose it and treat it.
Please see a specialist if ER is not able to help you.
Sorry it is the right clavicle.
my seven year old daughter doesn’t seem to have a collar bone none of her doctors have ever mentioned this to me before and im a little concerned. Have you ever heard of anything like this before. What should I do?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 14th, 2011 at 8:00 am
@Danielle,
Is it completely absent or partial? Is xray available for a look.
it is completely absent, i can feel soft nubs where it is supposed to start at the sternum, i’ve been doing some research and she seems to have cleidocranial dysostosis, she had an enlarged fontanel at birth (almost the top of her whole head) and she has pretty much every other sign of this, i have been overwhelmed with some of the information, and horrified that she is seven years old and seen a number of doctors and no one has ever said anything about any of this to me. At birth they tested her several times for some kind of thyroid problem or something because of her head but nothing else was ever said besides the test was negative and sometimes those things happen. I plan on setting up some appt. for her. I am both horrified and releived to finally have some answers. Is there any specifics u could tell me about this condition, and will my daughter ever live a “normal life”. thank you
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 8:33 am
@Danielle,
There is a spectrum of disease and depending on what your daughter has, you should ask your doctor the relevant questions.
First of of all you need to confirm if she has what you seem to think she has.
Then you can better understand the limitations she might have and cautions you need to take.
Let me know when you are through with the appointment.
Hi, I wasn’t sure where to post this question so I apologize in advance. I have had pain under right scapula for several years, within last two it has become Unbearable to the point of interfering with my day to day routine. I saw a specialist, who sent me to physical therapy who issued me a posture support brace. I have scoliosis and kyphosis. An MRI recently showed that I have anterior osteo phytic bone spurring and a syrinx from T7 to T10. None of these seems to concern my doctor and physical therapy did not help. Now I am being sent to a scapula specialist because my scapula does sit a bit awkwardly. I am really becoming frustrated. Pain meds help, but are not logical for long term and while I have had kenalog injections before, they don’t help for very long. I thought of asking for a mitochondrial disorder blood test to see if that may be the cause for the persistent muscle knots under the scapula. What are your suggestions?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 9:09 am
@jacobsmom1,
What diagnosis has been made in your case?
Hi,
This past week I noticed that my right collar bone end near the throat is larger than the left side. It noticeably sticks out. There is no pain, redness or swelling. It just seems like the bone grew.
What sort of symptoms would indicate a medical test is needed?
I am approaching menopause and although this is not typical there are changes in my body.
I’m fine with a wait and see approach as I don’t want unnecessary medical tests, but also don’t want to ignore an obvious problem.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 9:17 am
@Theresa Kopajtic,
If it is just sticking out, it could be watched. If, however, there is a swelling or there is aprogress of protrusion, it should be examined.
Dr. Arun Pal Singh
In response to your question of what diagnosis has been made, the doctors I have seen haven’t given me a definitive diagnosis. The scapula specialist, Dr. Ben Kibler said my shoulder blade is being pulled awkwardly due to muscle tension in my chest muscle and not enough tension in the back. I’ve been prescribed physical therapy again but specificly for the scapula. As of right now, I feel like I have no control performing some of these exercises where I am to “pull my shoulder blades back and down”, I don’t know if I’m doing it or not. I feel as though there has to be more to all this pain other than muscle tension.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
July 8th, 2011 at 11:12 pm
@jacobsmom1,
I would not suggest you anything in regards to diagnosis as it would confuse the matters further for you.
Please feel free to ask about info ona particular disease.
Please