Fractures in children: newborn clavicle fracture: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Fractures in children: newborn clavicle fracture

Sample item

A newborn delivered after shoulder dystocia does not move the right arm. There is crepitus over the clavicle and the grasp reflex is intact. What is the best management?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Reassurance and gentle handling as the fracture heals rapidly

Birth clavicle fractures usually heal with abundant callus within two to three weeks and need only gentle handling and parental reassurance. An intact grasp and hand movements argue against a major brachial plexus injury. Surgery is not needed.

Option by option

  • A. Reassurance and gentle handling as the fracture heals rapidly (correct)

    Correct. These fractures heal quickly with minimal intervention.

  • B. Brachial plexus exploration at one week

    Plexus exploration is not indicated when grasp is intact.

  • C. A figure-of-eight plaster for six weeks

    Plaster is not used in newborns for this fracture.

  • D. Operative fixation of the clavicle

    Fixation is unnecessary because union is rapid.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is A, Reassurance and gentle handling as the fracture heals rapidly. Birth clavicle fractures usually heal with abundant callus within two to three weeks and need only gentle handling and parental reassurance.

Why is "Brachial plexus exploration at one week" not the answer?

Plexus exploration is not indicated when grasp is intact.

Why is "A figure-of-eight plaster for six weeks" not the answer?

Plaster is not used in newborns for this fracture.

Why is "Operative fixation of the clavicle" not the answer?

Fixation is unnecessary because union is rapid.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures in children: newborn clavicle fracture in Orthopaedics. An intact grasp and hand movements argue against a major brachial plexus injury. Surgery is not needed.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Fractures in children: newborn clavicle fracture?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.