Clavicle Fracture

Basics

Description

  • Clavicular fractures account for 2–10% of all fractures in all age groups; most common fracture of childhood
  • 69% of clavicular fractures involve the middle third
  • 28% occur in the distal third
  • 3% occur in the medial third
  • Classification
  • Group I: Middle third fractures or midshaft
  • Group II: Distal third fractures or lateral third
    • Type I: Coracoclavicular ligaments are intact (nondisplaced)
    • Type II: Severing of the coracoclavicular ligaments (conoid)
    • Type III: Articular surface involvement of the acromioclavicular joint
  • Group III: Medial (proximal) third fractures

Etiology

Mechanism:

  • Direct trauma to the clavicle
  • Fall on the lateral shoulder
  • Fall on the outstretched hand

Pediatric Considerations

  • Most common of all pediatric fractures
  • May occur in newborns secondary to birth trauma

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