Before proceeding to know the meaning of the term clavicle, we have to proceed to discover its etymological origin. In this case we can state that it is a word that derives from Latin. Exactly it comes from the “clavicle”, which is the bone that joins the shoulder blade to the sternum.
It is a word that was formed from the sum of two clear components:
-The noun “clavis”, which means “key”.
-The suffix “-ula”, which can be translated as “small”.
Hence, clavicle is also synonymous with “small key.”
The etymology is linked to a small key , although the concept is used within the framework of anatomy .
The clavicles are the bones of the human being that are found in the upper sector of the chest, articulating with the acromion of the shoulder blade and the sternum . Appearing like a letter S written in cursive, they link the thorax and upper limbs.
The clavicle and shoulder blade (also called the scapula ) form the shoulder girdle , which is divided into the posterior, middle, and anterior regions . Each clavicle has two ends, two edges and two faces. Unlike the so-called long bones, it does not have a diaphysis, epiphysis or spinal canal.
Various injuries and disorders can affect the clavicle. Its fracture is relatively common, being more common in children than in adults. In some cases, a clavicle fracture occurs as a result of a complicated birth.
Regarding clavicle fractures we can highlight another series of relevant aspects such as the following:
-There are three groups of fractures: I, II and III.
-Group I refers to those that occur in the middle 1/3 while those of group II affect the external 1/3 and those of group III affect the internal 1/3.
-Those of group II are further divided into Neer type I, where the coracoclavicular ligaments are intact; those of Neer class II, where there is injury to the coracoclavicular ligaments, and those of type III. The latter are identified by having a fracture-tearing off of what is called the coracoid plate.
Immobilization and surgery are the most common treatments to deal with the aforementioned types of clavicle fracture. To choose one option or another, it will be necessary to be very clear about the group that is affected and the severity of it.
Acromioclavicular dislocation , on the other hand, involves damage to the joint that relates one end of the clavicle to an edge of the acromion.
It should be noted that the clavicles have disappeared from most animals . In hoofed mammals, for example, the absence of the clavicle gives the shoulder blade a greater capacity for movement. In the case of birds, the clavicles fused with the interclavicle for the appearance of a new bone.