Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Clavicle

Background: Congenital pseudarthrosis is an uncommon anomaly poorly referred to in the pediatric literature.

Objective: To describe congenital pseudarthrosis in children. We discuss the presentation, clinical symptomatology, and treatment.

Materials And Methods: We reviewed the records of four children with congenital pseudarthrosis from 1990 to 2009 at the radiology department of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

Results: Four girls ages 4 through 14 were identified. Three children presented with a bulge in the mid-clavicle as a chief complaint. The fourth child (14 years old) had bluish discoloration of the right upper extremity with venous distention. Three of the four did not have other abnormalities, while the 14-year-old had exostosis on the left hand. The mid-portion of the right clavicle was involved in all four children. Three of the four were treated surgically.

Conclusion: Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle is an uncommon anomaly found mostly in girls and in the mid-right clavicle.