When Your Child Has a Clavicular Fracture at Birth

Your newborn has a broken clavicle (collarbone). This is a common and treatable problem in newborns. Babies can easily fracture (break) their clavicle as they pass through the birth canal during birth. Large birthweight babies are more likely to have these fractures. The clavicle almost always heals with no problems.

What are the signs of a clavicular fracture?

• Your baby may hold the arm bent in front of the chest and not move it. This is called “pseudo paralysis.” The arm is not paralyzed. But moving the arm may be painful, so the baby avoids moving it.

• The broken area of the clavicle may move when pressed on, and may feel like it is “crunching.”

• A bump may be seen on the clavicle. This is called a fracture callus and is a sign that the fracture is healing.

How are clavicular fractures diagnosed?

The fracture may be discovered when the baby is examined soon after birth. An X-ray may be done to confirm the fracture. In some cases, the break is so mild that it is not diagnosed until the fracture callus begins to form and a bump is noticed at the collarbone.

How are clavicular fractures treated?

Clavicular fractures heal quickly on their own without treatment. The doctor may recommend keeping the infant’s arm and shoulder still for several days. If so, this is done by putting the infant’s arm in a sling or pinning the infant’s sleeve to his or her shirt.

What are the long-term concerns?

Even for serious fractures, healing is usually excellent with no long-term problems. A bump may remain on the clavicle over the area of the break. This bump will slowly go away over time.