Can My Healed Broken Clavicle Bone Be Rebroken and Broight Back To its Original Length?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I noticed that Dr. Eppley specializes in clavicle lengthening osteotomy. This is something I would also be interested in. I had a right clavicle fracture which was missed and resulted in a malunion. My right shoulder and arm are sagging, and my neck seems to be narrower at the base. My goal is to have the malunion fixed and symmetry restored.

A:You are referring to a right clavicle lengthening procedure to try to improve shoulder symmetry. The key element in considering that procedure is what does the shape of the right clavicle bone look like. X-rays are needed to measure the differences in the links of the two sides as well as that of the angulation of the classical bone. Ideally the 3-D CT scan it’s best to appreciate three dimensional differences and the length in shape of the clavicle. However even regular clavicle x-rays would be useful.

You use the term of ‘fixing the malunion’ but I suspect it is no longer a non healed bone. Rather you likely have a healed right clavicle that is both shorter and now with the different angulation then that of the left side. That distinction is important as a true nonunion requires an autologous bone graft. Conversely a healed fracture site may not need a bone graft for straightening. But this is where radiographic analysis of The two clavicle bones is paramount.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon