From the Research
The incidence of newborn clavicle fractures is approximately 0.43% of all live births, as reported in the most recent study from 2021 1. This condition is one of the most common birth injuries, and it typically occurs during difficult vaginal deliveries, particularly with shoulder dystocia, large birth weight babies (macrosomia), or when there is cephalopelvic disproportion. Some key points to consider include:
- Risk factors for clavicle fractures in newborns include spontaneous vaginal delivery, prolonged second stage, vertex presentation, vitamin D deficiency in mothers, birthweight, and macrosomia, as identified in the study by 1.
- Most clavicle fractures in newborns are diagnosed incidentally during routine physical examination or when parents notice decreased arm movement, crepitus, or swelling over the clavicle.
- The vast majority of these fractures are non-displaced and heal excellently without specific treatment beyond gentle handling of the affected arm during dressing and bathing for the first 7-10 days.
- A callus formation may be visible or palpable by 7-10 days, which represents normal healing, and parents should be reassured that these fractures typically heal completely within 2-4 weeks without long-term complications or functional limitations.
- No specific follow-up imaging is usually required unless there are concerns about healing or alignment, as noted in the studies by 1, 2. It is essential to note that while the incidence of newborn clavicle fractures may vary, the overall prognosis is excellent, and with proper care and reassurance, parents can be confident that their baby will recover fully without long-term consequences.