Clavicle Flashcards
What is the clavicle also known as?
The collarbone
Where does the clavicle extend?
Between the sternum and acromion of the scapula
What is the clavicle classes as?
A long bone
Where can the clavicle be palpated?
Along its length
What are the main functions of the clavicle?
Attaches upper limb to trunk
Protects underlying neurovascular structures supplying the upper limb
Transmits force from the upper limb to the axial skeleton
What shape is the clavicle?
Slender bone with an S shape, with the medial aspect being convex, and the lateral aspect being concave
What can the clavicle be divided into?
Into a sternal end, a shaft, and an acromial end
What does the sternal end of the clavicle contain?
A large facet
What is the large facet of the clavicle for?
Articulation with the manubrium of the sternum at the sternoclavicular joint
What marks the inferior surface of the sternal end of the clavicle?
A rough oval depression for the costoclavicular ligament
What is the costoclavicular ligament?
A ligament of the SC joint
What does the shaft of the clavicle act as?
A point of origin and attachment for several muscles
What muscles is the shaft the site of attachment for?
Deltoid Trapezius Subclavius Pectoralis major Sternocleidomastoid Sternohyoid
What does the acromial (lateral) end of the sternum house?
A small facet for articulation with the acromion of the scapula
Where does the acromion articulate with the scapula?
At the acromioclavicular joint
Where on the acromial end of the clavicle do things attach?
The conoid tubercle
The trapezoid line
What is the purpose of the conoid tubercle?
Attachment point of the conoid ligament
What is the conoid ligament?
The medial part of the coracoclavicular ligament
What is the purpose of the trapezoid line?
Attachment point of the trapezoid ligament
What is the trapezoid ligament?
The lateral part of the coracoclavicular ligament
What is the coracoclavicular ligament?
A very strong structure that effectively suspends the weight of the upper limb from the clavicle
What is the function of the clavicle?
To transmit force from the upper limb to the axial skeleton
What is the result of the clavicles function?
It is the most commonly fractured bone in the body
How do fractures of the clavicle commonly result?
From a fall onto the shoulder, or onto an outstretched hand
What is the most common point of fracture on the clavicle?
The junction of the medial 2/3 and lateral 1/3
What happens after fracture of the junction of the medial 2/3 and lateral 1/3?
The lateral end is displaced inferiorly by the weight of hte arm, and medially by the pectoralis major. The medial end is pulled superiorly, by the sternoclediomastoid muscle
What can be damaged in a clavicle fracture?
The suprascapular nerve (medial, intermedial and lateral)
How can the suprascapular nerves be damaged in a clavicle fracture?
By the upwards movement of the medial part of the fracture
What do the suprascapular nerves do?
Innervate the lateral rotators of the upper limb at the shoulder
What does damage to the suprascapular result in?
Unopposed medial rotation of the upper limb
