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

Middle Third fracture

• Most common

Medial clavicle fracture

• Rare
• If displaced anterior: tenderness and palpable protrusion of distal end
• If displaced posterior: compression of trachea/esophagus possible

Distal clavicle fracture

• Rare
• Due to direct trauma

Differential Diagnosis

Thoracic Trauma

• Airway/Pulmonary
  • Bronchial injury
  • Diaphragm injury
  • Hemothorax
  • Pulmonary contusion
  • Tracheal injury
  • Trachobronchial injury
  • Traumatic pneumothorax
    • Tension pneumothorax
• Cardiac/Vascular
  • Cardiac contusion
  • Cardiac trauma
  • Cardiac tamponade
  • Commotio cordis
    • Traumatic aortic transection
• Musculoskeletal
  • Clavicle fracture
    • Clavicle fracture (peds)
  • Flail chest
  • Rib fracture
  • Scapula fracture
  • Scapulothoracic dissociation
  • Sternoclavicular dislocation
  • Sternum fracture
• Other
  • Esophageal injury or Perforation
  • Pneumomediastinum
  • Traumatic asphyxia

Evaluation

• CXR

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)

See Also

• Fractures and dislocations (peds)

References

Authors

Jordan Swartz, Ross Donaldson, Megan Kirch, Neil Young, Claire, Daniel Ostermayer, Jonathan Snyder