An adult sustains direct trauma to the shoulder region. Radiographs confirm a fractured clavicle. In which part of the clavicle do the large majority of adult clavicular fractures occur?
- A Lateral third, between the coracoclavicular ligaments
- B Medial third, adjacent to the sternoclavicular joint
- C Middle third, at the junction of the outer and middle thirds ✓
- D The acromial end, at the attachment of the trapezius
Correct answer: C. Middle third, at the junction of the outer and middle thirds
Explanation
About 75 to 80 percent of adult clavicular fractures involve the middle third, the junction between the outer and middle thirds, because this segment is thin, lacks muscular cover, and is the transition zone between two opposing curves. Lateral third fractures account for roughly 15 percent and medial third fractures under 5 percent. The coracoclavicular ligaments lie medial to the lateral third, so option A misstates their position.
Reference: Apley's System of Orthopaedics and Fractures, 10th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.