How Much Can Clavicle Lengthening Increase The Shoulder Width Per Side?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had two questions regarding clavicle lengthening. 1. How much is achievable for bideltoid width for each shoulder? I’m looking for 1.5-2cm on each shoulder. 2. How many times have you performed this surgery and what was the average amount of actual shoulder width gained per shoulder? Thanks.

A: Thank you for your inquiry. In answer to your clavicle lengthening questions:

1) The aim of each clavicle osteotomy is 2.0 to 2.5cms of lengthening per side.

2) Unlike clavicle reduction osteotomies, which I perform regularly, clavicle lengthening is a new shoulder procedure that has been performed just a few times.

3) Like clavicle reduction and shoulder width reduction, the effects of clavicle bone lengthening are essentially a 1:1 relationship of bone length:bideltoid width increase.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana