Multiple maneuvers have been designed to cope with shoulder dystocia during delivery such as intentional clavicular fractures aimed at shortening the biacromial diameter. However, clavicular fractures may occur as a complication in addition to humeral fractures, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and brachial plexus injury (Erb palsy)

Clavicular fractures may be complete or incomplete and may occur in one or both sides. Incidence increases with increased fetal weight (4000 grams or higher). Although it occurs more often during vaginal deliveries, cases of clavicular fractures from Cesarean deliveries have been reported.

The plain radiograph remains the mainstay / initial imaging tool to evaluate clavicular fractures, particularly during the immediate post-delivery period.