Surgical Management of an Isolated Posterior Manubrium Fracture in a Division One Collegiate Ice Hockey Athlete: A Case Report

TL;DR

A college ice hockey player with a rare manubrium fracture underwent surgery to remove the broken bone fragment and successfully returned to sports.

Contribution

This case report highlights surgical management as a viable option for persistent pain from isolated manubrium fractures in athletes.

Findings

The patient experienced complete pain resolution after surgical resection of the fractured manubrium fragment.

The athlete returned to sport-specific activities two months post-surgery.

Isolated manubrium fractures in athletes may require surgical intervention for persistent pain.

Abstract

A 21-year-old, Division One men’s ice hockey athlete, sustained a traumatic, left shoulder injury that resulted in a displaced posterior left-sided manubrium fracture. Due to persistent pain that limited return to sport and fracture non-union, he underwent fracture fragment resection via an open transpectoralis major approach. The patient’s pain fully resolved, and he returned to sport-specific activities two months after surgery with the anticipation of full participation in contact activity upon return to campus. Isolated fractures to the manubrium, while uncommon, are generally associated with severe concomitant injuries. Contact sport athletes are at risk for manubrium fractures despite the few documented reports. Surgical management should be considered for cases of manubrium fractures in patients with persistent pain.

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