Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomyFunctionAssociated ConditionsRehabilitation

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Anatomy

Function

Associated Conditions

Rehabilitation

The clavicle, also referred to as the collarbone, is an elongated, S-shaped bone that sits between the shoulder and sternum at the top of the ribcage.

The clavicle provides structural support between the shoulder and the rest of the skeleton and is the most frequently fractured bone in the human body.

Clavicle Bone Anatomy

The clavicle is considered a long bone, since it’s longer than it is wide. Long bones have two main parts. The diaphysis is the central part of the bone and the epiphysis is the rounded end of the bone.

The clavicle can be divided into three parts:

The clavicle joins thescapula, or shoulder blade, andsternumto form two joints on either end of the bone, which are:

The clavicle and scapula together are collectively referred to as thepectoral girdle, or shoulder girdle.

What is the difference between your clavicle and collarbone?There is no difference between the clavicle and collarbone. These two words describe the same bone.

What is the difference between your clavicle and collarbone?

There is no difference between the clavicle and collarbone. These two words describe the same bone.

Clavicle Bone Function

The clavicle has a small degree of movement in elevation and depression (upward and downward movement), protraction and retraction (forward and backward movement), and rotation.

Clavicle Muscle Attachments

The clavicle is attached to five different muscles: The subclavius, thetrapezius, the anterior deltoid, thesternocleidomastoid, and thepectoralismajor muscles.

The anterior deltoid, trapezius,sternocleidomastoid, and pectoralis major muscles all attach to the clavicle for support and cause a small degree of multidirectional movement as well.

The midclavicular line, a vertical line drawn down the body from the midpoint of the clavicle, serves as an important anatomical landmark for locating other structures, including the apex of theheart, where a stethoscope can be placed to listen to the heartbeat.

The clavicle and associated joints can become damaged from injury or repetitive overuse of the shoulder. Common conditions associated with the clavicle include the following:

Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)

The middle third of the clavicle is most commonly fractured, accounting for about 80% of all cases of clavicle fractures.

Symptoms includecollarbone painorshoulder painas well as pain and difficulty with moving the arm.

Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Sprain or Separation

Trauma to the acromioclavicular joint, such as a direct blow to the front of the shoulder or falling and landing on an outstretched hand, can injure the ligaments holding the acromion and clavicle together.

This type of trauma can result in either an acromioclavicular joint sprain or separation of the joint. The injury causes pain where the clavicle meets the top of the shoulder.

Sternoclavicular Joint Sprain or Dislocation

Asternoclavicular joint injurycan happen when an injury to the front of the shoulder causes the sternoclavicular (SC) joint to become dislocated. The SC joint is the joint between the clavicle and sternum. SC dislocation can cause pain and swelling around the injured area.

Distal Clavicle Osteolysis (Weightlifter’s Shoulder)

The end of the clavicle, or distal portion, which forms the acromioclavicular joint can become irritated and inflamed.Distal clavicle osteolysis, or bone degeneration, can easily occur at the end of the clavicle. This happens when excess stress and repetitive forces are placed on the small surface area of the acromioclavicular joint, especially with heavy lifting such as bench press or military press.

With distal clavicle osteolysis, bone breaks down faster than new bone cells form. Sharp pain commonly occurs with overhead and pushing movements of the arm and shoulder with a dull ache at rest.

Osteomyelitis

This is an infection of the bone that can cause a lump to form on the collarbone. Other symptoms ofosteomyelitiscan include:

Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Arthritis

Aging and repetitive overuse of the shoulder can lead to degeneration of the cartilage and the development of arthritis within the acromioclavicular joint, causing inflammation within the shoulder andAC joint painwith arm movements.

Depending on the extent of your condition, rehabilitation for conditions associated with the clavicle or associated joints include the following:

Conservative Treatments

Many injuries to the clavicle will improve with conservative measures such as rest and physical therapy.

Medication

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be needed to correct a problem with the clavicle.

How long does it take a broken clavicle to heal?A broken collarbone can take several months to heal. If you have diabetes or smoke, it may take longer. Most of the time, you can return to normal activities within three months.

How long does it take a broken clavicle to heal?

A broken collarbone can take several months to heal. If you have diabetes or smoke, it may take longer. Most of the time, you can return to normal activities within three months.

Summary

The clavicle is the long, s-shaped bone located between the shoulder and sternum above the ribcage. It is also known as the collarbone.

The clavicle connects your shoulder to the rest of your skeleton. It helps you move your shoulder away from your body. Clavicle breaks are common; trauma can also cause dislocation of the joints at either end of the clavicle. Other conditions that can affect the clavicle include osteolysis, osteomyelitis, and arthritis.

10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Burnham JM, Kim DC, Kamineni S.Midshaft clavicle fractures: A critical review.Orthopedics. 2016;39(5):e814-21. doi10.3928/01477447-20160517-06Flores DV, Goes PK, Gómez CM, Umpire DF, Pathria MN.Imaging of the acromioclavicular joint: Anatomy, function, pathologic features, and treatment.Radiographics. 2020;40(5):1355-1382. doi:10.1148/rg.2020200039Garcia JA, Arguello AM, Momaya AM, Ponce BA.Sternoclavicular joint instability: Symptoms, diagnosis and management.Orthop Res Rev. 2020;12:75-87. doi:10.2147/ORR.S170964American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Clavicle fracture (broken collarbone).Hansen, JT. Chapter 7; Upper Limb. In Hansen JT, ed.Netter’s Clinical Anatomy 3rd ed. Saunders/Elsevier; 2014:347-352.Camargo PR, Neumann DA.Kinesiologic considerations for targeting activation of scapulothoracic muscles - part 2: trapezius.Braz J Phys Ther. 2019;23(6):467-475. doi:10.1016/j.bjpt.2019.01.011Harvard Health Publishing.Shoulder sprain.Hospital for Special Surgery.Osteolysis.Penn Medicine.What is bone infection (osteomyelitis)?American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Clavicle fracture (broken collarbone).

10 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Burnham JM, Kim DC, Kamineni S.Midshaft clavicle fractures: A critical review.Orthopedics. 2016;39(5):e814-21. doi10.3928/01477447-20160517-06Flores DV, Goes PK, Gómez CM, Umpire DF, Pathria MN.Imaging of the acromioclavicular joint: Anatomy, function, pathologic features, and treatment.Radiographics. 2020;40(5):1355-1382. doi:10.1148/rg.2020200039Garcia JA, Arguello AM, Momaya AM, Ponce BA.Sternoclavicular joint instability: Symptoms, diagnosis and management.Orthop Res Rev. 2020;12:75-87. doi:10.2147/ORR.S170964American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Clavicle fracture (broken collarbone).Hansen, JT. Chapter 7; Upper Limb. In Hansen JT, ed.Netter’s Clinical Anatomy 3rd ed. Saunders/Elsevier; 2014:347-352.Camargo PR, Neumann DA.Kinesiologic considerations for targeting activation of scapulothoracic muscles - part 2: trapezius.Braz J Phys Ther. 2019;23(6):467-475. doi:10.1016/j.bjpt.2019.01.011Harvard Health Publishing.Shoulder sprain.Hospital for Special Surgery.Osteolysis.Penn Medicine.What is bone infection (osteomyelitis)?American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Clavicle fracture (broken collarbone).

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Burnham JM, Kim DC, Kamineni S.Midshaft clavicle fractures: A critical review.Orthopedics. 2016;39(5):e814-21. doi10.3928/01477447-20160517-06Flores DV, Goes PK, Gómez CM, Umpire DF, Pathria MN.Imaging of the acromioclavicular joint: Anatomy, function, pathologic features, and treatment.Radiographics. 2020;40(5):1355-1382. doi:10.1148/rg.2020200039Garcia JA, Arguello AM, Momaya AM, Ponce BA.Sternoclavicular joint instability: Symptoms, diagnosis and management.Orthop Res Rev. 2020;12:75-87. doi:10.2147/ORR.S170964American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Clavicle fracture (broken collarbone).Hansen, JT. Chapter 7; Upper Limb. In Hansen JT, ed.Netter’s Clinical Anatomy 3rd ed. Saunders/Elsevier; 2014:347-352.Camargo PR, Neumann DA.Kinesiologic considerations for targeting activation of scapulothoracic muscles - part 2: trapezius.Braz J Phys Ther. 2019;23(6):467-475. doi:10.1016/j.bjpt.2019.01.011Harvard Health Publishing.Shoulder sprain.Hospital for Special Surgery.Osteolysis.Penn Medicine.What is bone infection (osteomyelitis)?American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Clavicle fracture (broken collarbone).

Burnham JM, Kim DC, Kamineni S.Midshaft clavicle fractures: A critical review.Orthopedics. 2016;39(5):e814-21. doi10.3928/01477447-20160517-06

Flores DV, Goes PK, Gómez CM, Umpire DF, Pathria MN.Imaging of the acromioclavicular joint: Anatomy, function, pathologic features, and treatment.Radiographics. 2020;40(5):1355-1382. doi:10.1148/rg.2020200039

Garcia JA, Arguello AM, Momaya AM, Ponce BA.Sternoclavicular joint instability: Symptoms, diagnosis and management.Orthop Res Rev. 2020;12:75-87. doi:10.2147/ORR.S170964

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Clavicle fracture (broken collarbone).

Hansen, JT. Chapter 7; Upper Limb. In Hansen JT, ed.Netter’s Clinical Anatomy 3rd ed. Saunders/Elsevier; 2014:347-352.

Camargo PR, Neumann DA.Kinesiologic considerations for targeting activation of scapulothoracic muscles - part 2: trapezius.Braz J Phys Ther. 2019;23(6):467-475. doi:10.1016/j.bjpt.2019.01.011

Harvard Health Publishing.Shoulder sprain.

Hospital for Special Surgery.Osteolysis.

Penn Medicine.What is bone infection (osteomyelitis)?

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Clavicle fracture (broken collarbone).

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