Clavicle

The clavicle, or collarbone, is a long, slightly S-shaped bone that runs horizontally between your breastbone (sternum) and shoulder blade (scapula). It sits just under the skin, which is why you can usually see or feel its shape along the top of your chest. It acts like a strut, holding the shoulder out and away from the body so your arm has room to move freely.

Clavicle fractures are fairly common, usually from a fall onto an outstretched arm, a direct blow to the shoulder, or a fall onto the shoulder itself. In older adults with lower bone density, even a modest fall can be enough to break it, which is why it's sometimes included in discussions of fragility fractures. Most clavicle fractures heal with a sling and time, though severe or displaced breaks may need surgery with plates or pins.

Like other bones, the clavicle is made of living tissue that responds to the forces placed on it. Keeping bones strong throughout the body, including the shoulder girdle, generally involves a mix of weight-bearing activity, resistance training, and attention to nutrition and hormone health as you age. If you've broken a collarbone, especially without major trauma, it's worth asking your doctor whether a bone density check makes sense.