Fractures of the clavicle following radical neck dissection (RND) and/or radiation therapy have been previously noted in the
literature. Interestingly, we experienced three cases of clavicular fracture, which were considered to have resulted from
pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMCF). All of these three cases had received the combined treatment of RND, PMMCF and
postoperative radiotherapy on the side of fracture. In all three cases, ipsilateral lower neck received 4,500 cGy and island
type of PMMCF was used for reconstruction of surgical defect in head and neck area. All fractures noted between 1 and 3 years
postoperatively occurred on the medial portion of the clavicle. Devascularization after stripping of periosteum and altered
mechanics of the clavicle following resection of clavicular head of pectoralis major muscle may contribute to develop this
rare complication in addition to the effect of radiotherapy and RND. We present three cases of the clavicle fracture following
the island type PMMCF with a review of literature.
Keywords Clavicle fracture - Neck dissection - Radiotherapy - Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap