What Are The Restrictions For Clavicle Lengthening That Limits How Much Can Be Done?

 Q: Dr. Eppley,you said the limitation of clavicle lengthening was the soft tissue. I was wondering if, just like the 2nd leg lengthening surgery I had, the real limitation of my soft tissue length was due to the fascia. Perhaps if the fascia was released, more lengthening could be achieved.

A: The soft tissue limitations in clavicle lengthening is the entire soft tissue and bony mass of the shoudler girdle not just simple fascial restrictions. Unlike limb lengthening which is more of a tubular elongation where the soft tissue restriuctions are linear, clavicle lengthening is more like erecting a tent where the clavicle is a tent pole. The 360 degree weight of the canopy carries far greater limitations on what the push of the comparatively thin clavicle tentpole can do.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World Renowned Plastic Surgeon