The clavicle (collar bone) is the bone that runs along the front of the shoulder to the breast bone (sternum).  Medically speaking the clavicle serves as protector of the brachial plexus and acts as a strut which provides the only bony connection between upper limb bones and the thorax.

Clavicle fractures are a painful injury caused by most often by substantial impact transmitted through an outstretched arm usually due to falling, or as a result of a direct impact to the clavicle (sometimes caused by a full face helmet during a crash).

Most sports place high demands on the upper extremity, but some place the upper extremity and the clavicular complex at greater risk through contact or overuse. While the most common cause of sternoclavicular injury is motor vehicle accidents (47%), athletic injuries also account for a sizable portion (31%).

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