Which bone is the most commonly fractured in the body?

Which bone is the most commonly fractured in the body?

• A. Scapula
• B. Radius and ulna
• C. Clavicle
• D. Midshaft femur

Answer: (C)

The clavicle, commonly referred to as the collarbone, is the most frequently fractured bone in the body due to its position and the nature of injuries that can affect it. It serves as a critical connection between the arm and the trunk, making it susceptible to fractures, especially from falls or direct impacts to the shoulder. When individuals fall onto an outstretched hand or a directly onto the shoulder, the force transmitted can easily result in a fracture of the clavicle. Additionally, the clavicle's superficial location means it is more exposed to trauma than deeper bones, increasing the likelihood of fractures in accidents or sports-related injuries. The other options, while bones that can also experience fractures, do not have the same frequency rates as the clavicle. The scapula can fracture, but it is less exposed and often requires significant trauma. The radius and ulna, while common fracture sites especially in wrist injuries, do not surpass the clavicle in prevalence. The midshaft femur is a large, strong bone that typically requires significant force to fracture and thus is not as commonly fractured as the clavicle.

The clavicle, commonly referred to as the collarbone, is the most frequently fractured bone in the body due to its position and the nature of injuries that can affect it. It serves as a critical connection between the arm and the trunk, making it susceptible to fractures, especially from falls or direct impacts to the shoulder.

When individuals fall onto an outstretched hand or a directly onto the shoulder, the force transmitted can easily result in a fracture of the clavicle. Additionally, the clavicle's superficial location means it is more exposed to trauma than deeper bones, increasing the likelihood of fractures in accidents or sports-related injuries.

The other options, while bones that can also experience fractures, do not have the same frequency rates as the clavicle. The scapula can fracture, but it is less exposed and often requires significant trauma. The radius and ulna, while common fracture sites especially in wrist injuries, do not surpass the clavicle in prevalence. The midshaft femur is a large, strong bone that typically requires significant force to fracture and thus is not as commonly fractured as the clavicle.