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Introduction
A fractured collarbone is an extremely common injury; this especially true for young adults and children. The collarbone, also known as the clavicle, connects the upper area of the breastbone to the scapula, which is also known as the shoulder blade. This area of the body is easily harmed and breaking this particular bone is common and not as serious as many other injuries that one can incur. However, if a broken collarbone is suspected, it is important that you get prompt medical attention so treatment can begin as soon as possible. The quicker the treatment begins, the quicker the healing process begins.
Epidemiology:
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Out of all the visits to the emergency room each year, 5% are for collarbone fractures.
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The collarbone is the most common bone in the body to be broken.
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Infants and children are the ones who present most with a broken collarbone.
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2.6% of fractures occur in the collarbone.
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One-third of collarbone fractures occur in males who are between 13 and 20 years old.
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20% of females between the ages of 13 and 20 suffer from a collarbone fracture.
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69% of collarbone fractures happen in the middle of the bone.
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28% of collarbone fractures happen in the area of the collarbone called the distal third.
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2.8% of collarbone fractures happen in the area of the proximal third.
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22% of collarbone fractures are only visible by using a CT scan.
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