Neonatology: clavicle fracture at birth: practice question

A Pediatrics 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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Pediatrics · Neonatology: clavicle fracture at birth

Sample item

A large newborn after shoulder dystocia holds the right arm still, with an asymmetric Moro reflex. There is crepitus and a lump over the middle of the right clavicle, and the grasp is normal. What is the best management?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Gentle handling with analgesia and pinning the sleeve

Clavicle fracture is the commonest fracture at birth, and it heals quickly with callus, usually within 2 to 3 weeks. Treatment is conservative, with gentle handling, analgesia, and pinning the sleeve to the vest so that movement is limited.

Option by option

  • A. Early brachial plexus exploration

    A normal grasp points away from plexus injury, which would be observed rather than explored early.

  • B. Gentle handling with analgesia and pinning the sleeve (correct)

    Correct. Conservative care is sufficient, since neonatal clavicle fractures heal rapidly.

  • C. Open reduction with plating

    Surgical fixation is never needed for an uncomplicated neonatal fracture.

  • D. Shoulder spica cast for six weeks

    Casting is neither practical nor required in a newborn.

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 Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is B, Gentle handling with analgesia and pinning the sleeve. Clavicle fracture is the commonest fracture at birth, and it heals quickly with callus, usually within 2 to 3 weeks.

Why is "Early brachial plexus exploration" not the answer?

A normal grasp points away from plexus injury, which would be observed rather than explored early.

Why is "Open reduction with plating" not the answer?

Surgical fixation is never needed for an uncomplicated neonatal fracture.

Why is "Shoulder spica cast for six weeks" not the answer?

Casting is neither practical nor required in a newborn.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: clavicle fracture at birth in Pediatrics. Treatment is conservative, with gentle handling, analgesia, and pinning the sleeve to the vest so that movement is limited.

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 Neonatology: clavicle fracture at birth?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics 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.