Broken Bones. Probably more of us have experienced one (or more) than not. But did you know that some bones that are easier to break than others? Much of this has to do with where they are located in the body, the amount of strain we put on them, and because they tend to weaken with age.
No matter the reason, it’s important to look out for bones that are easier to break to prevent unnecessary injuries and pain. What are the easiest bones to break in the body? Here they are:
Clavicle
The clavicle or collarbone is located near the front side of the chest near the shoulders and can fracture when pressure or stress is placed on the shoulders or when the arms are stretched out. Newborn babies can also have broken or fractured clavicles as they exit the birth canal. (Fortunately for babies, the injury heals quickly.)
For kids and grown-ups, expect to wear a sling to keep the arm and shoulder secure while the clavicle heals. However, for more complicated or severe injuries, surgery may be required to realign the collarbone for proper healing.
Arm
Commonly, arms are broken during falls and car accidents when we use our arms to shield ourselves from greater injury. The arm is made up of the humerus (located in the upper arm), radius and ulna (both located in the lower arm). The treatment to fix the broken bone depends on the location of the bone and severity of the injury.
Leg
The lower leg is made up of two bones: the tibia (the larger of the two) and the fibula. These bones over time can weaken under stress and our own weight. Shin splints lead to stress fractures, which are small fractures in the bone that occur due to wear and tear. When left untreated, these tiny fractures can lead to something greater and more painful.
On the other hand, broken legs can happen quite literally in a snap, and require setting and a cast to heal.
Hip
A broken hip can be painful and inconvenient, but for the elderly, it can change their life. As we age, it takes longer for the hip to heal, and the lack of balance and mobility make it such that the odds will be high that it will happen again.
In fact, a broken hip in the elderly can be life-threatening and almost always requires surgery to repair. For those of us who may fracture our hip in our younger years, expect hip replacement to regain full range of motion.
Wrist
Quite complex, our wrists are comprised of eight bones that connect to the radius – the most commonly broken bone in the wrist – and ulna bones in the arm. Wrist injuries are treated through a cast. However, for more complicated injuries, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered a broken or fractured bone, it’s important to see an experienced and reputable orthopedic specialist to get the right diagnosis and treatment. Movement Orthopedics specializes in a variety of orthopedic health issues including fractured or broken bones, sports medicine, arthritis, and more. Call (586) 436-3785 today to make an appointment.
