The anatomy of the clavicle

Abstract

The clavicle has a complex osteologic structure that makes morphological analysis extremely difficult. A three-dimensional study was conducted to examine the anatomical variations and characteristics of the bone. Sixty-eight human cadaver clavicles were dissected, CAT-scanned, and reconstructed. An automated parameterization and correspondence shape analysis system was developed. A new length, designated as centerline (CL) length, was defined and measured. This length represents the true length of the clavicle. The endpoint length was measured as the distance between two endpoints. The width and curvature were measured in the axial (AX) and frontal (FR) plane and defined along the CL. Next gender and side characteristics and variations were examined. The mean CL length was 159.0 ± 11.0 mm. The mean endpoint length was 149.4 ± 10.3 mm, which was statistically significantly shorter than the CL. The male clavicle was significantly longer (166.8 ± 7.3 mm vs. 151.0 ± 8.2 mm), wider (14.6 ± 1.5 mm vs. 12.7 ± 1.3 mm lateral FR plane, 25.9 ± 4.1 mm vs. 23.5 ± 3.0 mm lateral AX plane and 24.7 ± 2.8 mm vs. 22.8 ± 2.8 mm medial AX plane), and more curved (10.8 ± 2.8 mm vs. 8.6 ± 2.3 mm medial and 10.5 ± 3.3 mm vs. 9.1 ± 2.5 mm lateral) than the female one. Left clavicles were significant longer (159.8 ± 10.9 mm vs. 158.0 ± 11.2 mm) than right clavicles. A novel three-dimensional system was developed, used and tested in order to explore the anatomical variations and characteristics of the human clavicle. This information, together with the automated system, can be applied to future clavicle populations and to the design of fixation plates for clavicle fractures.

Quantitative anatomy of the growing clavicle in the human fetus: CT, digital image analysis, and statistical study

“…On the contrary, both sex and bilateral differences were found in adults, since numerous authors [ 10 – 13 ] reported clavicle length to be greater in men than in women. Albeit preponderance of researchers [ 4 , 8 , 10 , 11 , 13 – 16 ] reported the left clavicle to be consequently longer than the right one, only Mays et al [ 16 ] and Auerbach and Raxter [ 14 ] proved statistically significant right–left differences. We share the view of Mohsin et al [ 3 ] that in the fetus, the right and left clavicles develop symmetrically.…”

“…Developmental anatomy and morphometric data provide clinicians of different specialties with relevant information [ 3 ]. In archeological studies, the clavicular model is germane to elucidate some mechanisms of evolution, while, in forensic medicine, it serves to determine sex, age, ethnic differences, and body posture [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Anatomical Study of the Clavicles in a Chinese Population

“…To define the anatomical shape of the plate or to fix the fractured clavicle with intramedullary nails, a comprehensive understanding of the bony morphology is crucial. However, current morphologic studies focused on the western population [ 9 – 12 ]. There was no literature regarding the detailed anatomical data of the clavicle in a Chinese population.…”

“…Due to the complex and variable bony anatomy of the clavicle, an understanding of clavicular anatomy is paramount for optimal plate design and fracture fixation. Several anatomical studies of the clavicle have been performed in western population in recent years [ 9 – 12 ]. However, there was no anatomical study of clavicle in Chinese population in the literature.…”

The long-term outcome of displaced mid-third clavicle fractures on scapular and shoulder function: variations between immediate surgery, delayed surgery, and nonsurgical management

“…15,59 The natural variation in clavicle length was taken into consideration in interpreting results. 3,59 Statistics Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Percentage, frequency distribution, mean, median, and standard deviation were used to describe the characteristics of variables.…”