Clavicle
The clavicle (collarbone) is an S-shaped bone connecting the upper limb to the trunk. It is the only bony connection between the arm and axial skeleton and is commonly fractured.
Key Features
Articulations
- •Sternoclavicular joint (with sternum) - saddle, double synovial
- •Acromioclavicular joint (with acromion) - plane synovial
Muscle Attachments
Clinical Relevance
The clavicle is the most commonly fractured bone, usually at the junction of middle and lateral thirds. It protects underlying neurovascular structures. Clavicle fractures can injure the brachial plexus or subclavian vessels.
Clavicle FAQs
Common questions about this bone
The clavicle is commonly fractured because it transmits forces from falls on the outstretched hand or direct impacts to the shoulder. The junction of the middle and lateral thirds is weakest due to the curve change.
The clavicle acts as a strut to keep the arm away from the trunk and protects the subclavian vessels and brachial plexus that pass between the clavicle and first rib.
The sternoclavicular joint connects the clavicle to the sternum. It is the only joint connecting the upper limb to the axial skeleton. It is a saddle joint with an articular disc.
The clavicle is the first bone to begin ossifying (5-6 weeks in utero) and the last to complete ossification (medial epiphysis fuses around 25-30 years). This is important in forensic age estimation.