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Clavicle Fracture
Overview
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2005 Nucleus Communications, Inc.
All rights reserved. www.nucleusinc.com
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A clavicle fracture
is a break in the clavicle bone (also called the collarbone). It connects
the sternum (breastplate) to the shoulder. The clavicle can fracture
in three different places:
- middle third
This is the middle portion of the clavicle and the most common site
for a clavicle fracture.
- distal third
This is the end of the clavicle connecting to the shoulder.
- medial third
This is the end of the clavicle connecting to the sternum.
A clavicle fracture
is caused by trauma to the clavicle bone. The trauma is usually caused
by:
- a direct blow to the clavicle
- falling on an
outstretched arm
- newborn babies passing through the birth canal
Risk factors that
increase your chances of fracturing your clavicle include:
- advancing age
- postmenopause
- osteoporosis
- poor nutrition
- certain congenital
bone conditions
- participating
in contact sports
- violence
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