Can The Ribcage Be Widened?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Is it possible to make the ribcage laterally wider with implants on each rib. Also do you still offer clavicle lengthening. Have you seen dr Leif rogers do clavicle lengthening using distraction osteogenesis? What are your thoughts on distraction osteogenesis of the clavicle bone. The limb lengthening doctor disagrees with the clavicle lengthening.

A: Can the ribcage be widened by rib bone implants….I see no reason why that would not work since the rib provides a stable base on which to place an implant. 

While theoretically any long bone can be lengthened the clavicle poses issues for device application. Until improved devices are developed for the clavicle specifically I remain guarded about its success at the present time. But there is definitely a need for it as clavicle lengthening by osteotomy remains limited in its effects.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon