Which bone is most often fractured during the birth process, aside from the clavicle?

• A. Humerus
• B. Radius
• C. Femur
• D. Ulna

Answer: (A)

When thinking about birth injuries, the most common fracture is the clavicle. If you set that aside, the next most frequently fractured bone during birth is the humerus. This happens especially with difficult deliveries like shoulder dystocia or macrosomic babies, where traction on the presenting arm can transmit force to the humerus and cause a midshaft fracture. The forearm bones (radius and ulna) and the thigh bone (femur) are less commonly fractured in the birth process because the mechanics of delivery and the protective factors surrounding those bones make fractures there less likely. Clinically, a newborn with a humeral fracture may show limited movement of the affected arm, swelling, or crepitus, and radiographs will confirm the fracture.