Clavicular fractures and ipsilateral acromioclavicular arthrosis

Nine healed fractures of the clavicle were detected in an examination of 300 scapuloclavicular bone segments. In no instance did the adjacent acromioclavicular joint display significant arthritic changes. It may be speculated that the clavicular shortening that occurred in all instances provided a "physiological arthroplasty," sparing the adjacent acromioclavicular joint from arthritic change.