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Distal clavicular excision: a detailed functional assessment
J F Petchell1, D H Sonnabend, J S Hughes
1Department of Orthopaedics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Distal clavicular excision significantly reduces pain, but functional recovery is incomplete. While patient satisfaction is high, limitations in daily activities, work, and sports persist post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Shoulder Surgery
- Pain Management
Background:
- Distal clavicular excision is a common surgical procedure.
- The medium-term outcomes of this surgery are not well-documented.
- Standardized scoring systems are crucial for evaluating surgical results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the medium-term results of distal clavicular excision.
- To evaluate patient satisfaction and pain levels after the procedure.
- To identify limitations in functional recovery and daily activities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 18 patients who underwent distal clavicular excision.
- Utilized Constant, ASES, UCLA, and Neer scoring systems.
- Assessed pre- and post-operative pain, function, and patient satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Universal patient satisfaction reported.
- Significant reduction in pre-operative pain (P < 0.001).
- Post-surgery, 28% were pain-free, 55% had mild pain, and 17% had moderate pain.
- 71% of patients returned to sporting activities without restriction.
- Functional deficits remained in work, sleep, and daily activities.
Conclusions:
- Distal clavicular excision effectively alleviates pain but does not fully restore shoulder function.
- Further research into arthroscopic techniques may improve outcomes.
- The study highlights the need for realistic patient expectations regarding functional recovery.