Open Clavicle Fracture: A Case Report

TL;DR

This case report details the treatment of a rare open clavicle fracture in a 37-year-old man, emphasizing proper management for good recovery.

Contribution

The report adds to the limited literature on open clavicle fractures and supports operative stabilization for favorable outcomes.

Findings

The patient had an open Gustilo Anderson grade II midshaft clavicle fracture caused by a wood cutting machine.

Timely debridement, antibiotics, and surgical fixation led to uneventful healing and good functional recovery.

Operative stabilization is recommended for favorable outcomes in similar injuries.

Abstract

Open clavicle fractures are rare, accounting for only 1.8% of all fractures. This report describes a 37 year old male with an open Gustilo Anderson grade II midshaft clavicle fracture (Robinson type 2B1) caused by a wood cutting machine. He was hemodynamically stable but had an 8*6 cm wound with exposed clavicle. Initial emergency care included tetanus prophylaxis, intravenous antibiotics, and wound debridement. Definitive fixation was performed on day four using an 8 hole anatomical locking plate with screws. Postoperatively, progressive physiotherapy led to uneventful wound healing and good functional recovery. The case emphasizes that open clavicle fractures should be managed like open long bone fractures, with timely debridement, adequate antibiotics, and early surgical fixation, but simple arm pouch sling immobilization is sufficient until definitive fixation. This report contributes to the limited literature on open clavicle fracture management and supports operative stabilization for favorable outcomes in similar injuries.

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