Resection of the Lateral End of the Clavicle: A 3 to 30-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

Fifty patients, operated on with resection of the clavicle, were evaluated postoperatively after an average of 9 years. There was no significant difference between the traumatic and non-traumatic group. The initial results did not alter significantly with time. Nearly half of the patients with poor outcome had psychiatric or alcoholic problems. Radiographic examination of 30 shoulders showed newly formed bone at the resected clavicle in one third and radio-opaque deposits in the resection gap in another third. These findings were consistent with good outcome.

Key Words:

• acromioclavicular joint
• clavicle
• dislocation
• fracture
• osteoarthritis
• osteolysis