Compression of the common carotid artery following clavicle fracture in a twelve-year-old

Abstract

Posterior dislocation of the clavicle in the sternoclavicular joint is rare, but can result in severe complications caused by secondary damage to the adjacent structures on relocation. We present a case of a 12-year-old boy who sustained a dislocated clavicle while playing football. Against the initial request to perform immediate relocation, we opted for further computed tomography evaluation of the dislocation, which demonstrated compression of the left common carotid artery by the clavicle. Since there was no cardiothoracic standby available in our hospital on that day, the patient was transferred to the nearest centre with cardiothoracic facilities where the relocation of the clavicle was performed uneventfully. However, to avoid the potential for major complications, the risk of secondary damage to the central vessels must be kept in mind in this type of injury and adequate precautions must be in place.