Clinical features and risk factors of neonatal clavicle fracture

Abstract

Objective To summarize the clinical features and risk factors of neonatal clavicle fracture so as to decrease the incidence of this disease. Methods A total of 85 cases of neonatal clavicle fracture admitted to the Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital of Fudan University between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2015 were enrolled in this study. The full-term neonates with natural delivery by the same midwives or doctors on the same day were selected as control group with 1∶1 matched. Clinical features and risk factors of neonatal clavicle fracture based on three factors: mother factors, labor factors and neonatal factors, were analyzed retrospectively. Two independent samples t-test, rank sum test and Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results The incidence rate of neonatal clavicle fractures was 0.14% (85/59 991). There were 45 (53%) males and 40 (47%) females; 80 (94%) cases of vaginal delivery, and 5 (6%) cases of cesarean section. According to the relationship between the location of the fracture and the position of the fetus, the fracture occurred in the anterior shoulder in 65 cases (76%) and in the posterior shoulder in 20 cases (24%); and 18 cases (21%) were in the left and 67 cases (79%) in the right. Fifty-five cases (65%) were diagnosed by physical examination, and 30 cases (35%) by X-ray. Two patients (2%) were complicated with brachial plexus injury. Twenty cases (24%) were diagnosed on the day of birth, 32 cases (38%) on the second day after birth, 16 (19%) on the third day, and four (5%) on the 4-6 days. Thirteen (15%) cases were diagnosed in the outpatient department 42 days after birth. All the fractures were cured without special treatment. Compared with the control group, the birth weight of fracture group was significantly higher [(3 646±361) vs (3 447±409) g, t=2.339], and the ratio of the cases complicated with shoulder dystocia was also higher [15% (13/85) vs 2% (2/85), χ2=9.524] (both P<0.05). The differences in the factors of maternal age, parity, times of pregnancy, gestational age, forceps delivery, time of the second stage of labor and fetal distress between the two groups were not statistically significant. Conclusions Neonatal clavicle fracture is related to birth weight and shoulder dystocia. Not all fractures can be diagnosed through physical examination on the day of birth, therefore, daily routine physical examinations after birth are necessary. The prognosis of neonatal clavicle fracture is good. Key words: Clavicle; Fractures, bone; Risk factors; Infant, newborn