Abstract
Aim: To study the outcome of the total excision of the clavicle focusing on the mobility of the upper limb.
Material and Method: We performed total claviculectomy in five patients with a neoplasm of the clavicle. This operation is requiring because there is a high risk of severe neurovascular damage due to the close vicinity of major neural and vascular elements. The growth was always excised en block with the clavicle to avoid local recurrence. Specimens were sent for histology, microbiology and genetic studies.
Results: Our patients had no complications so they could start rehabilitation soon. An abnormal scapular rhythm was noticed during shoulder abduction but normal motion was restored with exercises. The patients restored normal shoulder range of motion, they had no pain and there was no cosmetic problem. All patients were found and examined after 38±24 months. They maintained the excellent initial result and all they had returned to their former jobs and activities.
Discussion and Conclusions: Surgery for primary tumors of bone aims on the patient’s survival and on the sparing of a functioning limb. Any skepticism about total cla-viculectomy is not justified as this procedure, often followed by adjuvant treatments, gives the patient a chance to save his life while exercise helps restoring the normal mobility and function of the upper limb. The clavicle provides the insertion fields for several muscles, suspends and supports the arm. Our cases show that this bone is an accessory to the skeleton and its absence does not cause any functional problems.
The abstracts were prepared by Eleni Koutsoukou. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Hellenic Association of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (HAOST), 20, A. Fleming str, 15123 Marousi, Athens, Greece.
