Clavicle Malunion
Home / CaseStudy1
Clavicle Malunion
The following patient is an 18-year-old receptionist, who presented with a malunion of her right clavicle.
She first fractured it at the age of 14, while snowboarding. She then re-fractured it a year later. She had ongoing problems ever since and had difficulty with heavy physical work and attending the gym. She described deformity, pain and had difficulty with weights. This had worsened over a 2 year period.
Diagnosis
The right clavicle was short by about 2cm compared to the other side and she had an obvious prominent lump. The x-ray below confirmed the malunion and gross angular deformity:
Planning
I ordered a CT scan and had 3D models made of both her clavicles to show the significant difference in the length. This allows me to plan the surgery with the best possible outcome. Below is an example of how we work out, with engineers, where and how to break the bone and to then straighten it out with a bone graft.
After presenting this information to the patient, we discussed the surgical option available to her. Which was an osteotomy and fixation of the right clavicle, to straighten and lengthen the clavicle. The surgery was performed and the patient stayed overnight.
Surgery
The surgery took about 90 mins and the patient felt quite comfortable the next day and actually felt that her clavicle was back in the right position. Below is the x-ray 6 weeks post op, one can see where the clavicle was broken and where the bone graft was inserted.
The patient was very pleased with the outcome of the surgery. Her range of motion had improved and she had very little discomfort.
Post Surgery
Now, at seven months post op the X-rays below show the clavicle is straight and the bone has healed well. You can see on the Xray that the bone graft has now incorporated.
She has good range of motion and strength. She no longer has the pain that she used to experience and is very happy with the result. We are now planning to remove the plate and screws in the near future.
Result
This case demonstrates the ability we have to straighten the clavicle even after it has healed in an angulated position over a 4 year period. Prior to surgery the patient was quite disabled and it prevented her working in a manual job and playing sports. She is now very happy and has been able to return to all these activities pain free. This is another example of an osteotomy and correction of clavicle deformity that I have personally seen in numerous patients that have undergone this surgery with success.
For appointments and enquiries, please phone (02) 9806 3333
8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Or send us a message on our Contact page.
Information
Phone
02 9806 3333
drduckworth@specortho.com.au
SAN CLINIC
Suite 601B
185 Fox Valley Rd
Wahroonga, NSW 2076
NORWEST PRIVATE HOSPITAL
G18 -Ground Floor
11 Norbik Drive
Bella Vista, NSW 2153