Extension osteotomy in malunited clavicular fractures

The association of a malunited clavicular fracture with a pattern of disability that includes not only pain but also impairment of shoulder function is rare. But in cases where such an association exists, correction of the clavicular deformity should be considered. We report on 4 patients with a malunited fracture of the clavicle after nonoperative treatment. In all 4 patients fracture union had occurred with shortening associated with pain and ipsilateral glenohumeral dysfunction. The deformity was not associated with neurovascular dysfunction. On preoperative radiographs the shortening of the malunited clavicle was between 0.9 and 2.2 cm compared with the contralateral clavicle. All patients underwent an extension osteotomy of the clavicle with interposition of an autogenous iliac crest-bone graft secured with a plate and screws. The length of follow-up was 1 to 4 years in 3 cases and 6 weeks in 1 case. The functional outcome was evaluated with the Constant-Murley and University of California-Los Angeles scales. All patients had immediate pain relief after osteotomy and correction of the deformity. Shoulder function rapidly improved and functional outcome was good in 3 of the 4 patients. In cases of shoulder function impairment associated with malunited clavicular fractures, extension osteotomy combined with autogenous bone grafting is likely to produce good results. (J Shoulder Elbow Surg 1998;7:402-5)