The clavicle (collarbone) extends between the manubrium of the sternum and the acromion of the scapula.
It is classed as a long bone
and can be palpated along its length. In thin individuals, it is visible under the skin. The clavicle has three main functions:
- Attaches the upper limb to the trunk as part of the ‘shoulder girdle’.
- Protects the underlying neurovascular structures supplying the upper limb.
- Transmits force from the upper limb to the axial skeleton.
In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the clavicle – its bony landmarks and clinical correlations.
Bony Landmarks and Articulations
The clavicle is a slender bone with an ‘S’ shape. Facing forward, the medial aspect is convex, and the lateral aspect concave.
Sternal (medial) End
The sternal end contains a large facet – for articulation with the manubrium of the sternum at the sternoclavicular joint.
Shaft
The shaft of the clavicle acts a point of origin and attachment for several muscles .
– deltoid, trapezius, subclavius, pectoralis major, sternocleidomastoid and sternohyoid
Acromial (lateral) End
The acromial end houses a small facet for articulation with the acromion of the scapula at the acromioclavicular joint.
- Conoid tubercle – attachment point of the conoid ligament, the medial part of the coracoclavicular ligament.
- Trapezoid line – attachment point of the trapezoid ligament, the lateral part of the coracoclavicular ligament.
The coracoclavicular ligament is a very strong structure, effectively suspending the weight of the upper limb from the clavicle.
Overview
Your collarbone connects the upper part of your breastbone to your shoulder blade.
Common causes of a broken collarbone include falls, sports injuries and trauma from traffic accidents.
When to see a doctor
If you notice signs or symptoms of a broken collarbone in you or your child.
or if there’s enough pain to prevent normal use, see a doctor right away. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to poor healing.
Causes
Common causes of a broken collarbone include:
- Falls, such as falling onto your shoulder or onto your outstretched hand.
- Sports injuries, such as a direct blow to your shoulder on the field, rink or court.
- Vehicle trauma from a car, motorcycle or bike accident.
- Birth injury from passing through the birth canal.
Risk factors
Your collarbone doesn’t harden completely until about age 20.
This puts children and teenagers at higher risk of a broken collarbone.
The risk decreases after age 20, but then rises again in older people as bone strength decreases with age.
Complications
Most broken collarbones heal without difficulty. Complications, when they occur, might include: