The collarbones don't harden fully until about age 20. As a result, children and teens can easily fracture these bones. A baby's collarbone may fracture during birth. Shoulder blades rarely break. When they do, it's often the result of violent trauma, such as a car crash.

Get help right away if you suspect a fractured collarbone or shoulder blade. The symptoms of a fractured collarbone or shoulder blade include:

• Extreme pain when you move your arm

• A shoulder that sags down and forward

• A bump over the fracture site

• A grinding feeling and extreme pain when you try to lift your arm

• Bone sticking out (protruding) from skin, or "tenting" of skin at the fracture site

Here is what will happen in the ER: 

• You will be examined.

• X-rays will be taken of your chest and shoulder.

• You may be given medicine to lessen your pain.

• A (CT) scan may be done. This test provides detailed images of your bones.

Both types of fractures are often treated with an arm sling. This holds the bone in place and keeps it from moving during healing. You also may be instructed to do special exercises to help improve strength and range of motion in your shoulder. In some cases, surgery is recommended to realign the fracture. Or surgery may be done to hold it in place so that it can heal correctly.