About a clavicle MRI scan
The clavicle, or collar bone, is the long bone running across the top of the chest from the breastbone to the shoulder. It joins the breastbone at the sternoclavicular (SC) joint and the tip of the shoulder at the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, connecting the arm to the body.
Broken collarbones are common and are usually diagnosed with an X-ray, and most heal with a sling and rest within 6–8 weeks in adults. An MRI scan is more often used when pain continues, when a fracture is slow to heal, or when the problem may lie in the bone marrow, the joints at either end or the surrounding soft tissues. MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays, and can show swelling inside the bone (bone marrow oedema) that does not show on an X-ray.
One example is distal clavicular osteolysis, sometimes called “weightlifter’s shoulder”: painful softening of the outer end of the collarbone near the AC joint, caused by repeated stress such as weight training or by an earlier injury. MRI can show this before changes appear on an X-ray. Left and right sides are separate scans, so choose the side you need when you book.
What happens during the scan
You lie on your back on the scanner bed with a coil placed over your shoulder and collarbone. The scanner is loud, so you will wear ear plugs or headphones, and the radiographer can talk to you throughout. You need to keep still while the pictures are taken. Contrast dye is not usually needed, but may be used to look at a lump or infection; where contrast is needed, it is charged separately.
What the scan can show
A clavicle MRI can help to look at:
- fractures, including stress fractures and fractures that are slow to heal or have not joined (non-union)
- distal clavicular osteolysis (“weightlifter’s shoulder”)
- arthritis, injury and inflammation of the AC joint and SC joint
- bone marrow swelling (oedema) that does not show on X-ray
- bone and joint infection
- lumps and tumours of the bone or surrounding soft tissue
Preparing for your scan
No special preparation is needed, and you can eat and drink normally. If you have had previous X-rays of your collarbone or shoulder, upload the reports when you book.
You can usually eat, drink and take your normal medicines unless the scanning centre tells you otherwise. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zips or buttons, and leave jewellery at home. You will be asked to remove metal items such as hair clips, hearing aids, coins and keys, and you may be asked to change into a gown.
Before the scan you will complete a safety questionnaire. Tell the team if you have a pacemaker, any metal implant, surgical clips or other device, if you have kidney problems or allergies, or if you are, or might be, pregnant or breastfeeding. If you feel anxious in enclosed spaces, let us know when you book. Some centres can offer a relaxant, and if you take one you will need someone to take you home and must not drive for 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an MRI for a broken collarbone?
Usually not. A broken collarbone is normally diagnosed with an X-ray. An MRI may help if pain continues, the bone is slow to heal, or a problem with the joints or bone marrow is suspected.
What is weightlifter’s shoulder?
Distal clavicular osteolysis, or weightlifter’s shoulder, is painful softening of the outer end of the collarbone near the shoulder, usually from repeated stress such as bench-pressing. MRI can show the bone swelling that confirms it.
Do I need to book the left or right side?
Yes. Each side is a separate scan. If you need both, book them together, as two or more areas booked together qualify for the lower clubbed price.
Do I need a referral?
You can tell us if you have a referral from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant and upload it when you book. If you do not have one, select “no referral” when you book and the scanning centre will confirm the next steps with you.
Sources
- NHS – Broken collarbone
- RSNA 2006 – MRI findings in distal clavicular osteolysis
- RadiologyInfo.org – Musculoskeletal MRI
- NHS – MRI scan
The information on this page has been gathered from various sources and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice. TOP MRI is not liable for the accuracy or completeness of this information. Please speak to your doctor or the scanning centre about your own situation.