Work

A Simplified Surgical Approach for Distal Clavicle Non-union and Concurrent Skin Ulceration in an Older Adult: A Case Report

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: We present a case of asymptomatic non-union of distal clavicle fracture in an older adult who experienced late-onset skin dehiscence and a secondarily open fracture. We adopted a simplified surgical approach involving resection of the protruding medial clavicular fragment instead of fixation of the non-union. This approach led to the rapid healing of soft tissues while maintaining an ulcer-free status and adequate shoulder function at the one-year follow-up. Skin necrosis, a frequent complication of acute distal clavicle fractures, may also occur in non-union. In a low-demand elderly patient, a conservative surgical approach involving local non-union spur resection yielded favorable outcomes.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.72557

Authors: Sreenivasulu Metikala, Madana Mohana Reddy Vallem, Khalid Hasan

Institutions: Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Shoulder and Clavicle Injuries

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Virginia Commonwealth University