Are There Implants For Clavicle Augmentation?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Is there a visual of some kind I could see to understand how the implants “wrap around” the bone? Do they fold around the bone or actually wrap around, like rope?

Are they permanent? Can the surgery be done under local anesthesia? What are the risks involved?

Thanks so much.

A: Clavicle augmentation would be done by a sleeve concept where the tubular implant fits around the clavicle over its mid-shaft portion before it turns into the sternal and acromial heads. (see attached) Think of a tube that is opened up along its length and this is wrapped around a smaller tube. (clavicle) This would be done through a small 2.5cm incision in the supraclavicular fossa. Implants would be designed off of a female clavicle model. The slit on one side of the implant allows for size adjustment. Such implant augmentations are permanent (meaning they last forever) but also easily reversible. I would not do the surgery under local, this procedure requires an anesthesia.