A cracking complication: Displacement of existing clavicle fracture complicating subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation

Abstract

An 18 year old male with an incompletely healed clavicle fracture presented with unexplained syncope. Subsequent investigations were consistent with a diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). A subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) was successfully implanted and defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing performed as per standard protocol. Shortly following the procedure, the patient complained of pain and swelling over the left clavicle. A radiograph revealed aggravation and displacement of the underlying clavicle fracture. Surgical reduction and internal fixation was performed one week later.

Keywords

• Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator
• Clavicle
• Shoulder injuries
• Defibrillation threshold testing