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Topic

design image
Clavicle

The clavicle, or collarbone, is an S-shaped long bone located horizontally at the superior aspect of the thorax, connecting the sternum medially to the acromion of the scapula laterally. It forms the anterior component of the shoulder girdle, providing both structural support and mobility to the upper limb. The clavicle is the first bone to ossify in the human body but the last to complete ossification, contributing to its complex morphology. It has a medial (sternal) end, lateral (acromial) end, and a shaft, with a distinct conoid tubercle and trapezoid line for ligament attachment. The clavicle functions as a strut that holds the scapula laterally, transmits forces from the upper limb to the axial skeleton, and protects underlying neurovascular structures.

Synonyms

  • Collarbone

  • Clavicular bone

  • Os clavicula

Function

  • Provides structural support for the shoulder girdle

  • Transmits mechanical forces from the upper limb to the thorax

  • Protects underlying subclavian vessels and brachial plexus

  • Serves as an attachment site for muscles and ligaments, including the deltoid, trapezius, subclavius, and pectoralis major

MRI Appearance
T1-weighted images:

  • Clavicle appears as low-to-intermediate signal relative to surrounding fat

  • Bone marrow within the shaft shows intermediate to high signal depending on red vs. yellow marrow content

  • Cortical bone appears hypointense (black)

  • Fractures or lytic lesions may disrupt marrow signal or cortical continuity

T2-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone remains hypointense, while marrow appears intermediate-to-hyperintense

  • Bone edema, infection, or tumor infiltration appears bright hyperintense, aiding pathology detection

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

  • Fat suppression highlights bone marrow edema or soft tissue pathology

  • Normal clavicle marrow signal is suppressed, while trauma, inflammation, or neoplasms appear hyperintense

CT Appearance

  • Clavicle appears as a hyperdense, corticated long bone, clearly showing the shaft, medial and lateral ends

  • Surrounding soft tissue is distinguishable, with air in lungs appearing hypodense if included in the scan

  • Excellent for evaluating fractures, dislocations, congenital anomalies, or osteolytic lesions

  • Axial, coronal, and 3D reconstructions allow precise surgical planning and trauma assessment

MRI images

Clavicle mri axial image -img-00000-00000

MRI images

Clavicle mri coronal image -img-00000-00000

MRI image

clavicle axial cross sectional anatomy 3T MRI AI enhanced radiology image -img-00000-00000

CT 3D VRT image

clavicle 3d vrt image

CT image

clavicle ct axial

X ray image

Clavicle x ray Anatomy, Location and Imaging Appearance -img-00000-00000