Unfortunately an increase in bikes on the road has resulted in a spike in cycling related injuries. One of the most common injuries for a cyclist is the broken collarbone or clavicle. Unfortunately, most professional cyclists will break their collarbone at some point in their career and it is often regarded as a ‘rite of passage’. Olympic champion and world record holder, Elinor Barker, recently broke her collarbone following a crash at RideLondon.

This common injury is due to the way that a rider falls, as the majority of people tend to extend their arm/s to break a fall. The force travels through the arm and up to the shoulder. The collarbone is usually the weakest link in the chain and tends to break first.

OrthTeam Consultant Professor Chris Peach, who specialises in the treatment of shoulder and elbow disorders recommends following the below steps to help minimise the risk of injury:

How to prevent a broken collarbone:

• Try not to fall - this is often easier said than done, as cyclists can take risks especially with speed. If the front wheel comes to an abrupt halt, the rider typically goes over the handlebars. Keep in mind that this is more likely to happen on a descent, because you will be moving faster and you are tilted forward
• Be aware of your surroundings – look out for rocks and tree stumps especially for when going off-road/track as these are the obstacles that often cause a sudden stop
• Make sure that your pedals are level – distribute your weight evenly between the left and right pedal. If you are unbalanced while riding, you will be more likely to go over the handlebars
• Exercise caution when riding on wet surfaces - as this can make turns particularly treacherous.

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from a fall or collision, and feel that something might be wrong with your collarbone, look out for these signs which might be an indication of a fracture:

• Pain that increases with shoulder movement
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• A bulge on or near your shoulder
• A crackling or grinding sound when you try to move your shoulder
• Stiffness or inability to move your shoulder

If you do suspect you have a broken clavicle, you should see a doctor straight away, as early diagnosis and treatment are key.

Once an X-ray is performed, the severity of the fracture will determine the course of treatment:

• A sling -a small, hairline fracture is usually straight forward to fix. Usually the doctor will put your corresponding arm in a sling and tell you to come back in six weeks
• Surgery -if there’s any sort of displacement i.e. part of the bone has shifted, you will be referred to a shoulder surgeon who will generally need to perform an operation to realign the collarbone

Most clavicle fractures tend to heal within four to eight weeks and physiotherapy might be advised as part of the rehabilitation plan.

To book a consultation with Professor Peach or for more information please call 0161 447 6888.