Proximal clavicle excision: an analysis of results

Medial clavicle excision has been reported by several authors, but few cases are documented, and long-term follow-up information is lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term results of medial clavicle excision in regard to function, pain, cosmesis, and complications. Fifteen patients ranging in age from 18 to 64 years (average 43 years) were evaluated an average of 4.6 years (range 1 to 14 years) after proximal clavicle excision. The indications for excision were unstable anterior subluxation/dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint (four cases), unstable posterior dislocation (one case), sternoclavicular osteoarthritis (nine cases), and proximal clavicle osteomyelitis (one case). An average of 2.9 cm of the medial clavicle was excised (range 1 to 4 cm). Fourteen of the 15 patients received significant relief of pain. On a strict grading scale four patients had an excellent result, five a good result, four a fair result, and two a poor result. Regeneration of the clavicle appeared to contribute to a poor result. No operative complications occurred. These findings aid our understanding of surgical options and outcome in the treatment of sternoclavicular joint disease.