Clavicle Fracture Repair
What is a clavicle fracture?
The clavicle (also known as the “collarbone”) is part of the shoulder that connects the arm to the sternum. Clavicles can easily be found at the base of the neck, extending out to the shoulders on each side, and function to hold the shoulder upward and backward. Breaking your collarbone is also known as a clavicle fracture, and it commonly occurs from a direct blow, fall, sports collision, or work-related injury. The clavicle is the most commonly broken bone in the shoulder.
How do I know if I need surgery?
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Surgery for the fixation of clavicle fractures may be considered in the following circumstances:
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Significant displacement of the fracture with tenting of the overlying skin
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Overlapping of the broken ends of bone (shortened clavicle)
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Compound (open) fractures
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Fracture associated with nerve or blood vessel damage
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Non-union after several months of nonoperative treatment
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Multiple concurrent fractures
How are clavicle fractures repaired in surgery?
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Dr. Wusu typically performs clavicle fracture surgery with a technique known as Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) with a plate and screws. During this surgical procedure, the broken ends of the clavicle are repositioned into normal alignment, and then held in place with a metal plate and screws. There are many advantages to surgical fixation of a broken collarbone, including: improved functional outcomes and less pain with overhead activity, faster time to union, improved cosmetic satisfaction, improved overall function, and increased shoulder strength and endurance.
How are varus and valgus deformities treated?
Knee osteotomy is the cutting of bone to correct the knee’s alignment and improve its function with the goal of reducing the development of osteoarthritis. The primary objective of the surgery is to shift weight away from the painful, damaged side of the knee joint and onto the healthy side of the knee joint. This is made possible by strategically repositioning the bones and then securing them in proper alignment.
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High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) – most commonly performed to correct genu varum (bow-legged deformity). A wedge of bone is added or removed to an area of the tibia just below the knee
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Distal Femoral Osteotomy (DFO) – most commonly performed to correct genu varum (knock-knee deformity). A wedge of bone is added or removed to the femur, just above the knee. Less common than tibial osteotomies
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Closed osteotomy – A wedge of bone is cut and removed. The resulting gap in the bone is closed by bringing the two sides together and securing them with a plate and screws.
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Open osteotomy – A cut is made about three-quarters of the way across the bone. A wedge-shaped bone graft is inserted into the cut. The wedge is secured to the bone with a plate and screws. There are three types of bone graft: autograft, allograft, and artificial graft.
