A Decade of Pediatric Clavicle Fractures: Trends and Implications

A recent study conducted by leading researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has unveiled critical trends in pediatric clavicle fractures in the United States over the past decade. This comprehensive analysis, published in the journal JSES Reviews, Reports & Techniques, highlights the epidemiology of clavicular injuries among children from 2014 to 2023, revealing significant insights into their causes and implications for treatment.

Clavicular fractures are prevalent among children, often resulting from sports-related trauma or accidental falls. According to Dr. Sheena Ranade, Associate Professor of Orthopedics at Mount Sinai, "Our review of recent national data on pediatric clavicle fractures demonstrates that among younger children, there has been an increase in bed-related falls causing clavicular fractures" (Ranade, 2025). This observation underscores the importance of creating safer environments for toddlers, particularly regarding safe sleeping practices.

The study utilized data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which encompasses around 100 emergency departments across the U.S., providing a robust dataset for analysis. Researchers filtered records for shoulder fractures in patients aged 0-18 years, focusing specifically on clavicle injuries. They noted a stable overall rate of clavicular fractures; however, there was a statistically significant rise in hospital admissions due to these injuries, indicating a trend towards increased severity.

"Understanding common mechanisms like sports injuries and falls from beds can help guide targeted prevention strategies and parent education," remarked Charu Jain, a medical candidate involved in the study. The findings suggest that while many clavicle fractures heal without surgical intervention, an increasing number may require hospitalization or more intensive management, highlighting the need for improved injury prevention strategies.

The implications of this research extend beyond immediate treatment. The study’s insights can assist healthcare providers in resource allocation, ensuring that care pathways are optimized for pediatric patients suffering from clavicular fractures. This is particularly crucial as hospitals strive to manage increasing demands on emergency services. The knowledge gleaned from the data may also aid families in understanding the risks associated with common activities, thereby informing their decisions regarding children's safety.

Future research directions include probing whether clavicular fractures treated in emergency departments are more severe compared to those managed in outpatient settings. Additionally, researchers plan to evaluate untreated cases and how injury patterns correlate with long-term outcomes, which could significantly influence clinical practices and enhance patient care.

In summary, this ten-year study provides vital information regarding the epidemiology of pediatric clavicle fractures, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures. As the healthcare community continues to address these injuries, the focus will remain on improving safety protocols and treatment strategies to ensure better outcomes for young patients.

**References:** - Jain, C., & Ranade, S. (2025). Mechanisms and Trends of Pediatric Clavicular Fractures in the United States: A 10-Year Epidemiologic Analysis of National Injury Data. *JSES Reviews, Reports & Techniques*. doi.org/10.1016/j.xrrt.2025.05.023. - Mount Sinai Health System. (2025). Study reveals increasing severity of pediatric clavicle fractures. Retrieved from [Mount Sinai Health System](https://www.mountsinai.org).