Hematogenous osteomyelitis due to clavicular fracture A rare complication after conservative treatment

We present a case of a nondislocated clavicular fracture that was conservatively treated for 4 weeks with a sling. The patient was a smoker and suffered from type 2 diabetes mellitus. After 2 months a suppurative infection occurred due to an escalation based on a clavicular osteomyelitis. Through antibiotic treatment and an aggressive surgical approach the infection was cured but ended up with a painful malunion of the clavicle. The bone reconstruction was achieved with a long locking plate with an additional vascularized medial femoral condyle free flap. After 18 months the patient was subjectively very satisfied with the outcome, had no pain and excellent functional results in the Constant Murley and DASH (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) scores. The X-ray assessment showed full bone union.