Two cases of brachial plexus compression secondary to displaced clavicle fractures

Abstract

Brachial plexus compression is a rare complication of displaced clavicle fractures, with few reports existing in the literature. Neurologic symptoms can present immediately after the injury or in a delayed fashion months later. Following polytrauma, two patients presented with displaced middle-third left clavicle fractures initially treated conservatively at other institutions. Both patients developed neurologic symptoms in the left upper extremity consistent with brachial plexus compression. Magnetic resonance imaging and electrodiagnostic testing were used to help confirm the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome/brachial plexopathy, and both patients underwent open reduction internal fixation with dual plating, local bone grafting and brachial plexus decompression. Both patients experienced successful relief of neurologic symptoms postoperatively. The purpose of this case series is to report on a rare complication of delayed- and non-united clavicle fractures and describe successful treatment with a novel fracture fixation construct.