Treatment of Non-Displaced Clavicle Fracture in a 10-Year-Old
For a non-displaced clavicle fracture in a 10-year-old, treat with simple sling immobilization—this is the definitive management with excellent outcomes expected in pediatric patients. 1, 2
Primary Treatment Approach
Nonsurgical management is the standard of care for non-displaced clavicle fractures in children. 1, 2 The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons specifically recommends:
- Use a sling for immobilization rather than a figure-of-eight brace, as the sling is better tolerated and equally effective 1, 2
- Non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures heal successfully without surgery in the pediatric population 1, 3
- For adolescents 18 years and younger, nonsurgical management is the preferred primary treatment approach with excellent long-term functional outcomes 2
Immobilization Duration and Activity Restrictions
- Continue sling use for comfort, typically 3-4 weeks in children (healing occurs faster than in adults) 4
- Gradual return to activities as pain allows, with full activities typically resumed by 6-8 weeks 4
- Monitor for signs of healing with clinical examination 2
Radiographic Assessment
- Obtain upright radiographs for initial assessment, as they better demonstrate the true degree of displacement compared to supine films 1, 2
- Follow-up imaging may be obtained to confirm healing progression if clinical concerns arise 2
When Surgery Would Be Indicated (Not Applicable Here)
For context, surgery in pediatric clavicle fractures is reserved only for 2:
- Open fractures requiring debridement
- Polytrauma patients requiring early mobilization
- Severely displaced fractures with >1.5cm shortening affecting function
Your 10-year-old patient with a non-displaced fracture does NOT meet any surgical criteria. 2
Important Caveats
- Nonunion is extremely rare in children—only 4 cases have been reported in patients aged 10 years and younger 5
- The excellent healing capacity of pediatric bone makes complications unlikely with conservative management 2, 5
- Surgical treatment in adolescents has not demonstrated significant benefits over conservative management and carries high rates of subsequent hardware removal procedures 2