What Is The Maximum Clavicle Lengthening That Can be Achieved?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hi. How much lengthening of clavicle is possible at max? What are the limiting factors of extension?

A: In my experience to date the maximum amount of clavicle lengthening is 20mms per side. The limiting factor is that in lengthening the distal clavicle after the osteotomies it is pushing against all of the shoulder joint attachments particularly against the acromion and coracoid processes of the scapula. Whether preoperative shoulder stretching exercises will improve the mobiity of the scapula and make the shoulder more ‘loose’ is yet unknown but I advise my patients to do so.