Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for a Broken Collarbone

6. Diagnosis

Typically, the diagnosis of a clavicle fracture begins with identifying the symptoms. A physician who suspects a broken collarbone will primarily use x-rays to examine the fracture. X-rays can show the location of the break and determine how the bones have moved. The scans can also highlight other bones near the clavicle that were also fractured during the event. A doctor may use a CT or MRI scan if she desires a more detailed look at the fracture. In children, a simple ultrasound may be enough to identify breaks in the collarbone.