The Region of the Clavicle. 1 7 



inwards. If the fracture be situated at either end of the 

 clavicle the displacement is, as a rule, inconsiderable, and, 

 when occurring at the sternal extremity, it is advisable to 

 bear in mind the fact that, although ossification occurs in 

 this bone at an earlier period than in any other, yet the 

 sternal end is cartilaginous until the age of eighteen, at 

 which time a centre appears and unites with the rest of 

 the bone about the age of twenty-five, hence, it is quite 

 possible, in a patient under twenty-five, that the injury has 

 caused a separation of the epiphysis, rather than a frac- 

 ture. This epiphyseal separation, may be diagnosed, part- 

 ly from the age of the patient, and partly from the fact 

 that the inner end of the outer fragment would be smooth 



(No.l.) 

 Diagram illustrating Fracture of the Clavicle viewed from above. 



and rounded, rather than s'harply irregular, as it is in frac- 

 ture. 



In children, the seat of fracture is generally about the 

 middle of the bone, since, in them, the curves are less dis- 



