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Distal Clavicle Resection

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Procedure

Distal Clavicle Resection

Definition

A distal clavicle resection removes of a piece of the clavicle (collar bone) at the top of the shoulder.

Shoulder Anatomy.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

http://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=77807780si55550567_105433_1.jpgsi55550567NULLjpgshoulder anatomyNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\si55550567_105433_1.jpgNULL76NULL2008-12-292843947780_886493Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

Distal clavicle resection is done to ease pressure within the shoulder joint. This can ease pain and improve range of motion.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Shoulder stiffness
  • Injury to surrounding structures like the nerve, blood vessels, and shoulder joint

Smoking may increase the risk of problems.

What to Expect

Problems to Look Out For

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the wounds
  • Pain that you cannot control with medicine
  • Numbness or tingling in the arm, shoulder, or hand

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Arranging for a ride to and from surgery
  • Tests that will need to be done before surgery, such as images of the shoulder

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Arranging for a ride to and from surgery
  • Tests that will need to be done before surgery, such as images of the shoulder

Anesthesia

The doctor may give:

Description of the Procedure

Small cuts will be made in the shoulder. A scope with a light and a camera will be inserted through one of the cuts. This will allow the doctor to view the inside of the shoulder on a nearby screen. Tiny tools will be inserted into the other cuts. The last tip of the clavicle with be cut off with a special tool. Other repairs may be done. The scope will be removed. The cuts will be closed with stitches. A bandage will be placed over the area.

How Long Will It Take?

About 1 hour

Will It Hurt?

Pain and swelling are common in the first few weeks. Medicine and home care can help.

Average Hospital Stay

Most people leave the same day. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

Right after the procedure, the staff may:

  • Give you pain medicine
  • Raise the shoulder to ease swelling
  • Apply ice to the area
  • Put your arm in a sling to support the shoulder

Physical therapy will be started soon after the procedure.

During your stay, staff will take steps to lower your chance of infection, such as:

  • Washing their hands
  • Wearing gloves or masks
  • Keeping your wounds covered

You can also lower your chance of infection by:

  • Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
  • Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
  • Not letting others touch your wounds

At Home

It may take 1 month to heal. Physical activity will be limited during this time. You may need to ask for help with daily activities and delay return to work.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Distal clavicle resection. Hospital for Special Surgery website. Available at: https://www.hss.edu/no-index/animation-distal-clavicle-resection.htm.
  • Impingement syndrome of the shoulder. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/orthopaedics-rheumatology/diseases-conditions/hic-impingement-syndrome-of-the-shoulder.aspx.
  • Management of rotator cuff impingement. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/management-of-rotator-cuff-impingement.
  • Rotator cuff tears. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00064.
  • Shoulder impingement/rotator cuff tendinitis. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00032.

Contributors

  • Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
Last Updated:
2022-12-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.