Surgical Management of an Isolated Posterior Manubrium Fracture in a Division One Collegiate Ice Hockey Athlete: A Case Report

A 21-year-old, Division One men's ice hockey athlete, sustained a traumatic, left shoulder injury that resulted in a displaced posterior left-sided manubrium fracture. Due to persistent pain that limited return to sport and fracture non-union, he underwent fracture fragment resection via an open transpectoralis major approach. The patient's pain fully resolved, and he returned to sport-specific activities two months after surgery with the anticipation of full participation in contact activity upon return to campus. Isolated fractures to the manubrium, while uncommon, are generally associated with severe concomitant injuries. Contact sport athletes are at risk for manubrium fractures despite the few documented reports. Surgical management should be considered for cases of manubrium fractures in patients with persistent pain.