The most common bone fractures are collarbones, arms, and wrists. Collarbones are frequently broken in children due to physical activity. Half of all adult bone breaks are fractured arms, and broken wrists are also common. Hip fractures occur most often in those over 65, especially women, and are caused by osteoporosis and age-related bone loss. Strengthening bones through calcium, exercise, and safety can help reduce fracture risks.

1. Bone Fractures
By
Andrew Streidenberger

2. Most common Bone Fractures
 With 206 bones in the human body and a world full
of collisions, falls, slips, trips and mishaps, it's no
wonder some of them get broken. And some bones -
- by virtue of their locations in our bodies -- break
more often than others.

3. Broken Bone

4. Collarbone or Clavicle
 The clavicle -- or collarbone -- rests between the
upper ribcage and the scapula (shoulder blade) and
is an important bone, as it attaches the arm to the
body. It's prominent position -- coupled with its
long, slender shape -- means it is one of the most
common bones to break, especially when it comes to
the active, rock-'em-sock-'em lives of kids.

5. Arm
 How common are fractured arms? Half of all adult
bone breaks consist of fractured arms, and kids bust
their wings pretty often as well -- it's the second
most common bone-break among children, after the
collarbone.

6. Wrist
 Broken wrists are most common before the age of 75
because this fracture is often caused during physical
activity, such as skiing, biking or skateboarding. It's
the most common fracture of any bone in the arm.
The majority of these fractures occur approximately
1 inch away from the end of the distal bone, most
commonly as a result of trying to stop a fall, or any
other action that forces the hand backward.

7. Hip
 Hip fractures actually occur in the femur, near the "ball"
at its end that fits into the hip socket. While the femur is
one of our strongest bones, age-related calcium loss in
the femur (as well as every other bone of the body)
makes it increasingly vulnerable to fracture.
 Hips are one of the most common bones to break, and
the most frequently broken bone for people over the age
of 65, who account for around 90 percent of hip fractures
[source: Mayo Clinic]. Around 80 percent of those
fractures occur in post-menopausal women, who are at
higher risk due to osteoporosis [source: Mayo Clinic].
Women over 65 have a 20 percent chance of eventually
breaking a hip

8. Conclusion
 While broken bones are common -- and some
clearly more frequent than others -- you can
decrease your risk by strengthening your bones
through calcium supplements, regular exercise and
precaution.

9. References
 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). "Clavicle
Fracture (Broken Collarbone)." Jan. 2011. (July 10, 2011)
 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). "Live it
Safe: Prevent Broken Hips." July 2007. (July 10, 2011)
 Civista Health. "Bone Fractures." (July 10, 2011)
 Civista Health. "Hip Fractures." (July 10, 2011)
 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). "Broken
Arm." July 2007. (July 10, 2011)
 Mayo Clinic. "Hip Fracture." Jan. 9, 2010. (July 10, 2011)
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hip-fracture