Pathological Clavicular Fracture Following Brachial Plexopathy Occurring Over 50 Years After Radiation Therapy: A Case Report

Radiotherapy is a common cancer treatment that may cause long-term complications such as bone and neurological disorders. This study presents a pathological clavicular fracture that occurred 50 years after radiotherapy for a sarcoma. A 67-year-old female with a history of radiation therapy following surgery at the age of 10 years developed a clavicular fracture without trauma. Prior to the fracture, the patient experienced progressive brachial plexopathy over the past 15 years. Biopsy revealed no malignancy, which led to the diagnosis of a pathological fracture. This study illustrates the delayed onset of radiation-induced complications, with neurological damage appearing earlier than the fracture. Moreover, it underscores the importance of considering radiation-induced bone fragility in patients with unexplained fractures, particularly individuals with prior radiation exposure. Early detection of neurological damage, such as brachial plexopathy, may offer an opportunity for preventive care. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity of patient education regarding the long-term effects of radiation therapy, including bone fragility and the risk of pathological fractures.