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Clavicle fractures in the newborn
W L Oppenheim1, A Davis, W A Growdon
1University of California, School of Medicine, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Los Angeles 90024-6902.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Neonatal clavicle fractures occur in 2.7 per 1000 live births, often linked to large infant size and shoulder dystocia. Identifying macrosomic fetuses and managing shoulder dystocia can reduce these birth injuries.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Background:
- Fractures of the clavicle are a common birth injury.
- Risk factors and incidence require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of neonatal clavicle fractures.
- To identify associated risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 21,632 live births.
- Data collected from January 1982 to July 1987.
Main Results:
- Identified 58 clavicle fractures (57 patients), an incidence of 2.7 per 1000 live births.
- Associated factors included heavy neonates (macrosomia) and shoulder dystocia.
- Three cases had concurrent clavicular fractures and Erb's palsy.
Conclusions:
- Reducing neonatal clavicle fractures may be achieved by identifying macrosomic fetuses and minimizing shoulder dystocia.
- Brachial plexus injury must be ruled out in cases of clavicular fracture.