title: Atrophic nonunion of the clavicle: treatment by compression plate, lag-screw fixation and bone graft.
abstract: We describe a new surgical treatment of atrophic nonunion of the clavicle. The nonunion is excised by cuts at 45 degrees to the long axis and repair uses 3.5 mm pelvic reconstruction or dynamic compression plates, with a lag screw to provide interfragmentary compression. The site is grafted with cancellous bone. We have been successful in all seven patients, with early return to normal function. The consequent narrowing of the shoulder girdle is fully acceptable for appearance and function.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: M I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Boyer
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Axelrod
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001284:Atrophy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002968:Clavicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011542:Pseudarthrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies