Clavicle nonunion in a 10-year-old boy

Posttraumatic clavicle nonunion is rare, particularly in children. Four cases of clavicle fracture nonunion in patients aged 10 years and younger have been reported. A variety of techniques have been used to treat pediatric clavicle nonunions. A 10-year-old boy presented to our institution after a fall, sustaining a right closed midshaft clavicle fracture. No other injuries occurred, and neurovascular examination of the right upper extremity was normal. The fracture was initially treated with a sling for >4 months, and the fracture progressed to a hypertrophic nonunion. Serial radiographs failed to demonstrate progression to union. The patient continued to have pain with activity 4 months after his injury. Clavicle pseudarthrosis was considered; however, radiographs did not have the characteristic appearance of this condition. This fracture nonunion was treated with internal fixation and united with no complication. The patient was back to full activities of daily living 6 months postoperatively. He reported no tenderness at the fracture site or along the hardware. The treating surgeon (A.M.S.) prefers to remove hardware in young children, but the family declined removal. Pediatric posttraumatic nonunion of the clavicle is rare but can be safely treated with plate fixation, with excellent results.