Does The Collarbone Need To Be Straight For Clavicle Lengthening Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I was wondering for the clavicle lengthening surgery does a patient need to have straight shoulders for this surgery to be possible? I notice clavicles are either straight or sloped. I was wondering if this effected anything and if it mattered. Thanks.

A: The shape of the clavicle does not matter as no clavicle is perfectly straight. All clavicles are s-shaped. The portion of the clavicle that is cut, bone grafted and plated, however, is straight.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana