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Suggest Treatment For Clavicle Fracture
Question: I am wondering in an 18 month old infant is a right clavicular fracture more likely due to a 2 foot fall as reported by family or by some type of physical abuse done to the child? The child many years later developed right rotator cuff injury, right AC damage, right shoulder arthritis and degenerative changes of the joint.
Brief Answer:
Both causes are possible.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Both causes of clavicle fracture in a 18 months old child are possible, but child abuse ( according to a study) is more likely the cause.
Clavicle fracture is a relatively common fracture in childhood, more probable to happen during difficult delivery or in older children and adolescents that play or practice contact sports.
Fractures related to child abuse usually are accompanied by other damages ( strange bruises, different time healing wounds).
In a 18 months child the fall should have happened on the shoulder exclusively and a degree of head injury should have been concomitant.
These late complications are less probable to happen solely to clavicle fracture, usually a shoulder damage could be complicated that way.
Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Both causes are possible.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Both causes of clavicle fracture in a 18 months old child are possible, but child abuse ( according to a study) is more likely the cause.
Clavicle fracture is a relatively common fracture in childhood, more probable to happen during difficult delivery or in older children and adolescents that play or practice contact sports.
Fractures related to child abuse usually are accompanied by other damages ( strange bruises, different time healing wounds).
In a 18 months child the fall should have happened on the shoulder exclusively and a degree of head injury should have been concomitant.
These late complications are less probable to happen solely to clavicle fracture, usually a shoulder damage could be complicated that way.
Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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