Fractured clavicle in the newborn: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help if the baby has trouble breathing, develops blue or grey lips, is very difficult to wake, or has a hand or arm that becomes cold, pale, blue, or severely swollen.
An open wound over the fracture or uncontrolled bleeding also needs emergency care.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Arrange prompt medical assessment if your newborn has not already been examined and you notice reduced movement of one arm, swelling over the collarbone, pain with handling, or a new collarbone bump.
Contact the baby's healthcare team promptly if a diagnosed fracture is becoming more painful rather than improving, or if the baby:
Stops moving the arm after previously moving it
Has increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or fluid from the skin
Feeds poorly or is unusually difficult to settle
Has weakness that continues as the pain improves
Has a temperature of 38°C or higher when younger than 3 months
A fever in a young baby needs urgent medical assessment and should not be assumed to come from the fracture.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
If the baby is comfortable, feeding normally, and gradually moving the arm more, follow the routine review plan provided after the birth or diagnosis.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Fractured clavicle in the newborn. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.