Clavicle fracture (peds)
This page is for pediatric patients; see clavicle fracture for adult patients
Background
- Newborn
- Usually result from birth injury
- Fracture in <2 year-old should raise possibility of abuse
Clinical Features
Newborn
- Upper extremity palsy (brachial plexus injury)
- "Pseudoparalysis" secondary to pain
- Callous at clavicle during first 2-3wk of life
Non-Newborn Presentation
- Swelling, deformity, and tenderness overlying the clavicle
- Affected arm may be supported by the contralateral arm
Associated Injuries
- Type I (middle)
- Subclavian artery/vein injury
- Nerve root and/or brachial plexus injury
- Type II (lateral)
- Coracoclavicular ligament injury
- AC joint dislocation/subluxation
- Type III (medial)
- Intrathoracic injury
- Rib fracutre
- Sternal fracture
Differential Diagnosis
Thoracic Trauma
- Airway/Pulmonary
- Cardiac/Vascular
- Musculoskeletal
- Other
Evaluation
Workup
- Assess distal pulse, motor, and sensation
- X-ray
- May be seen on chest x-ray, shoulder x-ray, or dedicated clavicle films (preferred)
- If high suspicion and no fracture on plain films, consider CT
Diagnosis
- Fractured segment:
- Type I: Middle third
- Type II: Lateral third
- Type III: Medial third
Management
Neonatal
- No treatment necessary
Middle Third
- Arm sling x 3-4wk
- Adequate even for displaced and overlapping fracture
Medial
- Anterior displacement: ORIF
- Posterior displacement: emergent reduction by ortho or trauma
Distal
- Minimal displacement: sling
- Significant displacement: ORIF
Disposition
Neonatal
- Discharge home
Middle third
- Routine follow up with primary care provider
Medial
- Ortho consult
Distal
- Depends on degree of displacement (routine follow up vs consult)