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Congenital pseudarthrosis of clavicle: illustrated operative technique and histological findings
Ilias Galanopoulos1, Neil Ashwood, Anand Kumar Garlapati
1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Queen's Hospital, Burton-on-Trent, UK. galanop.ilias@gmail.com
Insights
Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle, a rare birth defect, can be surgically repaired using bone grafts and fixation. Non-surgical management is also effective for asymptomatic cases, allowing a normal life.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle (CPC) is a rare, congenital condition often diagnosed in childhood.
- Surgical intervention for CPC is indicated for pain, deformity, or neurovascular compromise.
- Surgical reconstruction typically involves pseudarthrosis resection, bone grafting, and internal fixation.
Observation:
- This paper details a case of CPC in a 9-year-old boy.
- The patient was treated with plate fixation and an autologous bone graft.
- The surgical approach aimed to correct the clavicular defect.
Findings:
- The majority of surgically treated CPC patients experience successful healing and functional recovery.
- Non-surgical management is a viable option for asymptomatic individuals without functional limitations.
- The case presented demonstrates successful surgical reconstruction for CPC.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, surgical or non-surgical, are crucial for CPC management.
- Surgical outcomes for CPC are generally favorable, leading to improved quality of life.
- Understanding treatment options ensures optimal patient care for congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle.
Abstract:
Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle is a rare condition present at birth but often diagnosed later in childhood. Indications for surgical treatment include pain, deformity or neurovascular compromise. Reconstruction usually involves resection of the pseudarthrosis, placement of iliac crest bone graft or graft substitute and internal fixation. In this paper, we present a case of congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle in a 9-year-old boy who was treated with plate fixation and bone autograft. The majority of patients who undergo surgery because of cosmetic or functional problem heal well and proceed with a normal, unrestricted life. However, for those patients who are not bothered by the cosmetic appearance of the pseudarthrosis and are asymptomatic in that they are not functionally limited, non-surgical treatment is a viable option.
