Does Clavicle Lengthening Adversely Affect The Scapula?

Q: Dr. Eppley, does clavicle lengthening  push the shoulders out and back or just out? It seems like if the scapula was pushed back as well as out, this might put it in an awkward or unnatural position with enough added width. Is this something to be concerned about?

A: In regards to clavicle lengthening, since the clavicle is not a completely horizontal linearly shaped bone, expanding its length will have primarily a horizontal movement but also a bit of an outward movement as well. This is not of any functional concern and actually adds to the aesthetic benefit of shoulder masculinization. This is the opposite effect in clavicle reduction…the shoulder move inward and rolls in a bit…which also causes no functional issues and has an aesthetic benefit for a shoulder feminization effect.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana