Clavicular Fractures in Newborns: What Happens to One of the Commonly Injured Bones at Birth?

Introduction The clavicle is one of the most commonly injured bones during the birth process. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and outcome of fractured clavicle amongst neonates born in a five-year period at a Secondary Hospital setting and to determine the Maternal and Neonatal Characteristics involved in such cases and compare them with a control group and determine the significance of any factors. Methods All cases of fractured clavicle were retrospectively reviewed in a Secondary care hospital setting during a five-year period from July 2015 to June 2020. Maternal and neonatal factors were determined and then compared to a control group. Results Out of 21,435 live births at our center during the study period, 92 infants were diagnosed to have clavicle fractures, giving an incidence of 4.29 per 1,000 live births (0.43%). 89% cases (n=82) were detected before discharge and 11 % cases (n=10) on routine follow-up visit after discharge. Physical examination identified 77% cases (n=71) whereas 23% cases (n=21) were recognized incidentally on X-ray. All babies with fracture including 3 with Erb’s palsy recovered completely without any complications. On logistic regression analysis, spontaneous vaginal delivery, prolonged second stage, vertex presentation, vitamin D deficiency in mothers, birthweight, macrosomia, all were significant risk factors. Conclusion Neonatal clavicular fracture appears to be a transient yet unpredictable and unavoidable event with an overall good prognosis. Only the birth weight was identified as the common risk factor affecting clavicular fracture. Parental concerns and anxiety can be decreased with proper counselling and reassurance.