Clavicle Fracture Non-Union in a 3-Year-Old Child: A Case Report and Literature Review
Rajnand Kumar1, Ankit Tripathi2, Nitish Kumar1
1Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Introduction:
Clavicle fractures are common in children, representing 7-15% of pediatric fractures, typically healing with conservative management. Non-union is exceedingly rare, especially in children under 3 years of age.
Case Report:
We report a case of a 3-year-old male with traumatic midshaft clavicle fracture non-union, presenting 2 years post-injury with persistent pain, swelling, deformity, and restricted shoulder function. Radiographs revealed a hypertrophic non-union with significant displacement and 2 cm shortening. The patient was managed surgically with open reduction, internal fixation using a mini-fragment plate and screws, and autogenous bone grafting.
Outcome:
Progressive callus formation and complete osseous union were confirmed radiologically by 12 weeks. At final follow-up, the child had a full, pain-free range of motion and no residual deformity, returning to normal activities.
Conclusion:
This case highlights that clavicle non-union, although rare, can occur even in toddlers. Surgical management with plate fixation and bone grafting can yield excellent outcomes. Vigilant follow-up of displaced pediatric clavicle fractures is essential to detect and manage this uncommon complication.
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