A Ten-Year Analysis of Maternal and Obstetric Risk Factors in Neonatal Clavicle Fractures
Seniye Burcu Torumtay Alıç1, Taner Alıç2, İsmail Kürşad Gökçe31Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hitit University Faculty of Medicine, Çorum, Türkiye, 2Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hitit University Faculty of Medicine, Çorum, Türkiye, 3Department of Pediatrics, Hitit University Faculty of Medicine, Çorum, Türkiye
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate birth-related neonatal clavicle fractures over a ten-year period and to analyze maternal, fetal, and obstetric risk factors within the framework of the Robson classification system. Methods: This retrospective, single-center, observational study included neonates diagnosed with clavicle fractures among live births occurring between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2025, at a tertiary referral hospital. Maternal age, parity, mode of delivery, labor characteristics, fetal presentation, birth weight, Robson classification group, presence of associated brachial plexus injury, and clinical management processes were reviewed. Data were obtained from hospital medical records and analyzed using descriptive and univariate statistical methods. Results: During the study period, 136 neonates with clavicle fractures were identified among 33,722 live births, yielding an incidence of 4.0 per 1,000 live births. The majority of fractures occurred following vaginal delivery (97.1%). Clavicle fractures were most frequently observed in low-risk obstetric categories, particularly Robson Group 1 (46.3%) and Group 3 (48.5%). The mean gestational age was 38.6 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 3585 g. Brachial plexus injury accompanied clavicle fractures in 2.9% of cases and showed a tendency to be associated with higher birth weight and operative vaginal delivery, although statistical significance was not reached. All cases were diagnosed through physical examination and confirmed by radiographic imaging. Conservative management was sufficient in all neonates, and no surgical intervention was required. Conclusion: Neonatal clavicle fractures are not limited to high-risk pregnancies and frequently occur after routine vaginal deliveries in low-risk Robson groups. Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary conservative approach provide favorable clinical outcomes. Keywords: Birth Trauma, Brachial Plexus Injury, Neonatal Clavicle Fracture, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Vaginal Delivery
Cite This Article
Torumtay Alıç S, Alıç T, Gökçe İ. A Ten-Year Analysis of Maternal and Obstetric Risk Factors in Neonatal Clavicle Fractures. EJMI. 2026; 10(2): 112-117
Corresponding Author: Seniye Burcu Torumtay Alıç