Hypotrophic Clavicle Pseudoarthrosis Treatment: a Case Report

Abstract

Background. The treatment of post-traumatic of the clavicle false joint remains a subject of discussion regarding the technology of the surgical intervention. Recently, the use of vascularized fibular flap reconstruction technique has been popularized, but the potential of the external osteosynthesis remains relevant. Clinical case description. A 70-year-old patient got a fracture of the middle third of the left clavicle diaphysis as a result of a fall. He underwent four surgical treatment options: plate osteosynthesis; plate osteosynthesis + bone autoplasty; plate osteosynthesis + vascularized fibular flap reconstruction; external osteosynthesis. A month after the fourth attempt of surgical treatment, fusion, improvement of the function of the right upper limb and the quality of life of the patient were achieved. Technological inaccuracy, namely, the lack of the fragments fixation stability due to the incorrectly chosen length of the plate, as well as an incomplete assessment of the anamnesis and the identified cognitive behavioral features of the patient, are considered as possible reasons for the treatment failure. Conclusion. Attempts of surgical treatment using plates in combination with bone autoplasty, including vascularized skin-bone flaps, do not always ensure the achievement of clavicle fractures fusion. In such situations, it is advisable to use the potential of external osteosynthesis with the reasonable planning.