Clavicle fracture with intrathoracic displacement

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Management
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Clavicle fractures are common, often isolated injuries.
• Associated subclavian vessel and brachial plexus injuries are known complications.
• Substantially displaced fractures may involve concurrent thoracic trauma, often occult on physical examination.

Observation:

• A case of intrathoracic clavicle fracture displacement is presented.
• The significant displacement and pneumothorax were not clinically apparent initially.
• Advanced imaging, including chest radiography and CT, was crucial for diagnosis.

Findings:

• The patient underwent successful open reduction and plate fixation for the clavicle fracture.
• A thoracostomy tube was not required.
• Diagnosis of intrathoracic displacement relied heavily on imaging due to subtle clinical presentation.

Implications:

• Chest radiography should be considered in evaluating substantially displaced clavicle fractures.
• Early imaging can prevent delayed diagnosis of potentially serious thoracic injuries.
• This rare injury highlights the importance of imaging in trauma assessment.