Clavicular fracture: its incidence and predisposing factors in term uncomplicated pregnancy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to evaluate fetal and maternal predisposing factors associated with clavicular fracture.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study we reviewed all term uncomplicated deliveries in our Hospital between January 2009 and April 2010. The diagnosis of clavicular fracture was established by physical examination and in clinically diagnosed patients confirmed by radiology. We compared deliveries with clavicular fracture (study group) with a sample of 150 patients (control group) matched for time at active phase of labor from all vaginal deliveries. The data included maternal age, gestational age, fetal weight, and infant sex, presence of gestational diabetes, labor duration and induction and shoulder dystocia.

RESULTS

In the Unit 16819 deliveries occurred during the period. The study included 9700 uncomplicated pregnancies at > or = 37 weeks of gestation delivered vaginally. We identified 73 cases of clavicular fracture with an prevalence of (73/9700) 0.75%. The study group had a significantly higher prevalence of shoulder dystocia (6.8% vs. 0.6%). Logistic regression analysis revealed maternal age and fetal weight as significant risk factors influencing clavicular fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Main risk factors for clavicular fracture identified from our study seem as maternal age and birth weight.