A Study on 44 Cases of Clavicular Fracture / 中华围产医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the incidence of the newborn's clavicle fracture,the high risk factors related to the fracture,and the possible methods to prevent and treat the fracture. Methods Forty-four newborns with fractured clavicles in our department from Sept.1994 to Dec. 1997 were analysed retrospectively.Results There were 44 newborns suffered from clavicle frac- ture in 3 135 vaginal deliveries with an incidence of 1.4%.Thirty-four cases(77.26%,34/44)were diagnosed immediately after delivery or before discharge from the hospital.The risk factors for clav- icular fracture include:high birth weight,forceps delivery,shoulder dystocia,and prolonged second stage of labor and persistent occipital transverse or posterior.However,41%(18/44)of cases had no high risk factors.The right clavicle is more likely to be affected,which may be due to the fact that the anterior shoulder was over-pressed as the infant descended through the pelvic outlet under the symphysis pubis.Conclusions Newborn's clavicle fracture is one of the common injuries in vagi- nal delivery.Close attention should be paid during delivery when any of the above mentioned high risk factor is presented,and careful examination of the newborn can not be neglected.