Final answer:
Fractures of the clavicle are associated with injury to underlying arteries or veins. The clavicle is the most commonly fractured bone in the body and excessive force can cause it to break. However, the important blood vessels and nerves for the upper limb are rarely affected when the clavicle is fractured.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fractures of the clavicle are often associated with injury to the underlying arteries or veins. The clavicle is the most commonly fractured bone in the body, usually between the middle and lateral portions of the bone. Excessive force on the clavicle can cause it to break, and if the fracture is complete, the shoulder and lateral clavicle fragment will drop due to the weight of the upper limb. Although the clavicle overlies important blood vessels and nerves for the upper limb, these structures are rarely affected when the clavicle is fractured due to the anterior displacement of a broken clavicle.