Clavicle Fractures in Children

A fractured clavicle in children usually heals with a small bump and will remodel in time. The clavicle is the first bone to ossify. The shaft of the clavicle ossifies in membrane and not in cartilage from the two primary ossification centers (Figure 1). Clavicle Fracture Types 95% of birth related injuries involve the clavicle. A clavicle birth fracture is usually associated with breach delivery and large babies. The fracture may cause pseudoparalysis. The doctor will need to rule out a brachial plexus injury. The reflexes remain intact following an isolated clavicle fracture. Clavicle Fractures in Children About 85% of clavicle fractures in children occur in the midshaft (Figures 2A, 2B, and 3). The majority of fractures occur from falls in younger aged individuals or from sports related in older children. When the fracture occurs in the diaphysis, it usually heals with minimal deformity. There will be excellent healing in 6 weeks, with return to non-contact sports. In three months, the patient will be able to return to contact sports. A green stick fracture is an incomplete fracture in which the bone is bent. Diaphyseal green stick fracture of the clavicle is a common type of fracture (Figure 4). Greenstick fractures have excellent remodeling and always heal without clinical problems. Fracture of the proximal clavicle occurs in children with an open physeal growth plate (Figure 5). Most of these injuries are classified as Salter-Harris I or II. Poste...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news