Does Clavicle Lengthening Require The Scapula To Be Widened As Well?

Q: Dr. Eppley, my question is regarding the clavicle lengthening surgery! I’ve heard that in order to widen the whole shoulder frame it is not possible doing it just through clavicle lengthening, the scapula needs to be lengthened as well, but scapula surgery is not possible since it is fully wrapped in muscles. I’d be glad to hear your comment on this issue.

A: My only comment is that as the clavicle is lengthened the bideltoid distance equally increases, thus widening the shoulders. In the range of how much clavicle lengthening can be done there is no need for a change in scapular width to achieve that effect.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana