Clavicle fractures complicated by pneumothorax are rare. This case report describes a young man who developed pneumothorax secondary to an isolated clavicle fracture following blunt trauma to his right shoulder in an assault. The pneumothorax was diagnosed on a shoulder X-ray, and required the insertion of a chest drain. It may be prudent to specifically exclude a pneumothorax in clavicle fractures if the fractured segment is directed towards the lung.
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SteenvoordeP., van LieshoutA.P., OskamJ.Conservative treatment of a closed fracture of the clavicle complicated by pneumothorax: a case report. Acta Orthop Belg2005; 71(4): 481–3.
