Which bone is most commonly fractured in newborns?

Study for the Sacramento State Medic Module 6 Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your assessment!

Multiple Choice

Which bone is most commonly fractured in newborns?

Explanation:
When a baby is born, the shoulders must pass through the birth canal and can be subjected to traction, especially if delivery is difficult or the baby is large. The clavicle is a thin, delicate bone at the edge of the shoulder girdle, so it bears much of this force and is therefore the most likely to crack during birth. This kind of birth trauma commonly results in a clavicular fracture, which is why it’s the most frequent neonatal fracture. The arm on the affected side may be less mobile, and a clinician might feel a crack or see swelling along the clavicle; healing occurs quickly with simple care and usually no long-term problems. Other bones can be injured, but clavicle fractures are more common in the newborn period than fractures of the skull, radius, or femur during routine deliveries.

When a baby is born, the shoulders must pass through the birth canal and can be subjected to traction, especially if delivery is difficult or the baby is large. The clavicle is a thin, delicate bone at the edge of the shoulder girdle, so it bears much of this force and is therefore the most likely to crack during birth. This kind of birth trauma commonly results in a clavicular fracture, which is why it’s the most frequent neonatal fracture. The arm on the affected side may be less mobile, and a clinician might feel a crack or see swelling along the clavicle; healing occurs quickly with simple care and usually no long-term problems. Other bones can be injured, but clavicle fractures are more common in the newborn period than fractures of the skull, radius, or femur during routine deliveries.

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