[Fractures of the clavicle in neonates]

One hundred and twenty-five newborn infants (6.26%) with clavicular fractures were detected among 1995 neonates seen at the maternity hospital over a period of 16 months. Physical and only exceptionally X-ray examinations were performed. Clinical picture with the subsequent occurrence of callus were pathognomonic signs. The following parameters were taken into consideration for this study: infant's birth weight, sex, risk factors, way of delivery, delivery line, Apgar score, seasonal distribution and complications. Newborn infants with clavicle fracture were infants whose weight was more than 3500 g (3763.36 +/- 360.58 g, chi 2 = 65.605, P < 0.05), most frequently from mothers with the second childbirth (48.8%), babies born in a normal and natural way (58.4%), and in 71. 33% of the cases with some risk factors and Apgar score more than 7. One thousand seven hundred and forty-two out of a total of 1995 neonates had birth weight less than 4000 g and in 92 of these 1742 infants (5.29%) clavicular fractures were found, while in 253 newborn infants with birth weight more than 4000 g, 33 neonates (13.05%) had clavicular fractures. Clavicle fractures were more frequently found among the infants with birth weight more than 4000 g (P < 0.05). Three out of a total number of infants had paresis plexus brachialis, two of which belonged to the group of children with clavicle fractures. This study suggests that the approach to the childbirth conducting should be changed, so that the percentage of clavicle fractures can be reduced or noticed in time by help of more frequent and systematic clinical examinations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)