A 17-year-old boy presents after falling off his skateboard and landing directly on his lateral shoulder. He had immediate pain and swelling in the middle of his clavicle. His examination revealed a bump in the middle of his clavicle. A radiograph confirmed a midclavicular fracture (Figure 102-1). He was treated conservatively with a sling, which he wore for approximately 1 of the recommended 3 weeks. A follow-up radiograph demonstrated good healing. The bump on his clavicle is still palpable; however, this does not bother him.

Clavicular fractures are common in both children and adults and are most commonly caused by accidental trauma. The clavicle most commonly fractures in the midshaft (Figures 102-1, 102-2, 102-3), but can also fracture distally (Figure 102-4). Many fractures can be treated conservatively. Refer patients with significant displacement or distal fractures for surgical evaluation.

• Clavicular fractures account for 2.6% of all fractures in adults, with an overall incidence of 64 per 100,000 people per year; midshaft fractures account for approximately 69% to 81% of all clavicle fractures.1
  
• Accounts for 10% to 15% of fractures in children; 90% are midshaft fractures.2

• Most are caused by accidental trauma from fall against the lateral shoulder or an outstretched hand or direct blow to the clavicle; however, stress fractures in gymnasts and divers have been reported.
  
• Pathologic fractures (uncommon) can result from lytic lesions, bony cancers or metastases, or radiation.
  
• Birth trauma (neonatal).
  
• Physical assaults, intimate partner violence, and child abuse can cause clavicular fractures.

Clinical Features

• History of trauma with a mechanism known to result in clavicle fractures (i.e., fall on an outstretched hand or lateral shoulder, or direct blow).
  
• Pain and swelling at the fracture site.
  
• Gross deformity at site of fracture.

Typical Distribution

• For the typical distribution and classification of clavicular fractures, see Table 102-1.