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Complications after open distal clavicle excision.
Efstathis Chronopoulos1, Harpreet S Gill, Michael T Freehill
1Division of Shoulder Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|February 12, 2008
Summary
Open distal clavicle excision, considered a safe standard, showed a high complication rate of 64% in our study. These complications, including joint tenderness and scar hypertrophy, were more frequent and varied than previously reported.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Shoulder Surgery
Background:
- Open distal clavicle excision is the established standard for comparison with arthroscopic techniques.
- Existing literature suggests this open procedure is generally safe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the complication rate of open distal clavicle excision in a specific patient cohort.
- To compare the observed complication rate and types with existing literature.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 42 patients undergoing isolated open distal clavicle excision between 1992 and 2003.
- Analysis of complication incidence and specific types within the study cohort.
Main Results:
- A total of 27 complications (64%) were recorded in the cohort.
- Complication rates were substantially higher than those reported in previous literature.
- New complications observed included persistent acromioclavicular joint tenderness and scar hypertrophy.
Conclusions:
- Open distal clavicle excision may be associated with a higher frequency of complications than previously documented.
- The types of complications following open distal clavicle excision may differ from those reported in prior studies.
