Bone fractures can happen in situations like sporting activities and falling accidents. Newborns don’t play sports and have little risk of falling, but they can still suffer bone breaks. Sometimes they occur during the birthing process.
Most newborn broken bones heal with few problems. However, since infants still have a lot of growing to do, they may face complications when fractures occur.
Fractured collarbone
Clavicle (collarbone) breaks are the most common childbirth-related fractures in newborns. They usually happen during difficult deliveries or when the infant is quite large.
Collarbone fractures heal rapidly and generally cause no long-term problems. In the short term, newborns with broken clavicles may experience significant pain.
Broken growth plate
Growth plates are situated near the end of bones in children. They are weak and soft to accommodate growth as the child ages, meaning they are vulnerable to fractures.
Broken growth plates require prompt medical attention to ensure the bone grows evenly and straight. For example, if a growth plate in the leg is fractured and left untreated, it may be deformed or shorter than the opposing limb after healing.
Femur fractures
Although rare, difficult deliveries could result in fractured femurs (thigh bone) in newborns. They usually occur when the leg is twisted awkwardly during childbirth.
As you might imagine, femur breaks are painful. Newborns may require a special brace called a Pavlik harness to hold the bone in place as it heals.
When birth injuries arise due to negligence, families deserve justice and compensation to offset their physical, emotional and economic hardships. Georgia medical malpractice laws give those harmed by healthcare negligence a means of seeking restitution and holding the responsible parties accountable.