If Clavicle Plates Are Removed Will The Bone Be Weaker Than Normal?

Q: Dr. Eppley, If I get the plates removed after clavicle reduction surgery (shoulder narrowing) will my clavicles be in any way weaker in the long term? is there long term evidence existing on people who have had plates in and then removed?

A:When hardware is removed from the clavicles the healed osteotomy site may not be as initially strong as the plate as protected it. So patients need to be careful about too stenuous movements in the first few months after their removal as the bone ‘relearns’ how to sustain full weight bearing.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon