Clavicle Fracture in the Newborn and Its Implications in Clinical Practice – Literature Review

Authors

  • Carla Regina Ribeiro Author
  • Cadma da Silva Pereira Author
  • Daniela Falcão Nobre Author
  • Flori Menezes da Silva Author
  • Luciana Serafim Author
  • Rafaela Rodrigues Gomes Alencar Author
  • Rafael Ferreira Batista Author
  • Paula Tamires Lenes da Silva Santos Carvalho Author
  • Hialli Cristine Oliveira Chaves Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69849/pm722s45

Keywords:

clavicle fractures, newborn, birth injuries, pediatric orthopedics

Abstract

Objective: To critically analyze the scientific literature on neonatal clavicle fracture, addressing epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, emphasizing implications for pediatric practice. 

Methods: Integrative literature review including textbooks and indexed scientific articles focusing on perinatal risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and clinical outcomes. 

Results: Neonatal clavicle fracture incidence ranges from 0.2% to 4% of births and represents the most common neonatal bone injury. It is primarily associated with shoulder dystocia, fetal macrosomia, and instrumental delivery. Diagnosis is mainly clinical, confirmed when necessary by plain radiography. Conservative management is effective in most cases, with bone healing occurring within two to four weeks. Complications are uncommon. 

Conclusion: Neonatal clavicle fracture has an excellent prognosis when properly diagnosed and managed. Systematic newborn evaluation and adequate parental counseling are essential. 

References

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS. Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation. 7. ed. Elk Grove Village: AAP, 2016.

BEHRMAN, Richard E.; KLIEGMAN, Robert M.; JENSON, Hal B. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21. ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier, 2020.

SABHARWAL, Sanjeev. Clavicle fractures in newborns: clinical review and management. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Philadelphia, v. 38, n. 2, p. e85– e90, 2018.

SINGH, S. et al. Neonatal clavicular fracture: risk factors and outcomes. Journal of Clinical Neonatology, v. 5, n. 3, p. 147–151, 2016.

Referências (Vancouver)

Behrman RE, Kliegman RM, Jenson HB. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2020.

Sabharwal S. Clavicle fractures in newborns: clinical review and management. J Pediatr Orthop. 2018;38(2):e85–e90.

Singh S, et al. Neonatal clavicular fracture: risk factors and outcomes. J Clin Neonatol. 2016;5(3):147–151.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation. 7th ed. Elk Grove Village: AAP; 2016.

Published

2026-02-23

How to Cite

Ribeiro, C. R., Pereira, C. da S., Nobre, D. F., Silva, F. M. da, Serafim, L., Alencar, R. R. G., Batista, R. F., Carvalho, P. T. L. da S. S., & Chaves, H. C. O. (2026). Clavicle Fracture in the Newborn and Its Implications in Clinical Practice – Literature Review. Revista Ft, 30(155), 01-07. https://doi.org/10.69849/pm722s45