Ask a doctor on the topic of Surgery

Clavicle fracture in a 2-year-old.

April 5, 2016 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Clavicle fracture in 2-year-old

My 2-year-old son (living in rural Thailand) suffered a clavicle fracture 9 days ago (unfortunate fall on a wooden edge). At that time, my son was in the care of my Thai mother-in-law. Just 2 days ago, my Thai wife (mother of the child) returned to the countryside and went to the doctor, who diagnosed a clavicle fracture (via X-ray). The rural doctor explained that the bone ends are already (incorrectly) fusing back together and that he is not the right person to treat it! I am aware that a lot has gone wrong in this situation. Since I am only aware of the whole situation from afar (Europe) and only found out about it 2 days ago, I am naturally very concerned about what to do next.
My wife works herself and had to travel 450km for this doctor's visit. Now she wants to go back without any treatment and believes that a possible surgery could be done in 1.5 months when I am present again.
I would like to ask for advice on what steps should be taken now (before my wife leaves again). I could provide the X-ray if necessary.
The main question in my concern is:
does it make a difference time-wise whether action is taken now or in 1.5 months, as it seems that the bones are already (disorderly) fusing back together, and my son apparently no longer has any hindering pain.

Thank you in advance

Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Good morning,

Having to operate a clavicle fracture, especially in such a young child, is extremely rare.
The bone ends almost always align themselves (incorrectly), the fracture heals and then the correct bone shape forms again on its own later.
So I would say: Don't panic, everything is going well, you don't want any surgery.

Imagine a wooden plank breaking, then you screw the ends together and shortly after the wood separates on its own, returning to its original length and the thick spot returns to normal. That's roughly what the body does.

Best regards,

Dr. Ive Schaaf