Orthonotes
Orthonotes
by the.bonestories
v3.0 Fusion
v3.0 Fusion
trauma topic hub

Clavicle Nonunion — Plate vs Graft

Symptomatic nonunion: pain, cosmetic deformity, scapular dyskinesis, and weakness. Standard treatment: compression plating + autogenous iliac crest bone graft for atrophic nonunion. Superior vs anteroinferior plating—each has pros/cons (biomechanics vs soft‑tissue irritation). Segmental defects >3 cm or failed revisions may need vascularized graft (fibula). Smoking cessation and vitamin D optimization improve union.

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Symptomatic nonunion: pain, cosmetic deformity, scapular dyskinesis, and weakness. Standard treatment: compression plating + autogenous iliac crest bone graft for atrophic nonunion. Superior vs anteroinferior plating—each has pros/cons (biomechanics vs soft‑tissue irritation). Segmental defects >3 cm or failed revisions may need vascularized graft (fibula). Smoking cessation and vitamin D optimization improve union.
MCQs

High-yield practice questions

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Question 1

What is the most common type of clavicle nonunion?

Question 2

Which of the following factors increases the risk of clavicle nonunion?

Question 3

In the case of atrophic nonunion of the clavicle, what is the standard surgical treatment?

Question 4

What is the typical nonunion rate for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures treated non-operatively?

Question 5

Which surgical approach is generally preferred for clavicle nonunion due to its biomechanical stability?

Question 6

What is the role of vascularized grafts in the management of clavicle nonunion?

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of clavicle nonunion?

Question 8

What is the primary reason for adding bone grafting in hypertrophic nonunion cases?

Question 9

Which vitamin is crucial for optimizing bone healing in clavicle nonunion?

Question 10

What is the main biomechanical benefit of using plate fixation for clavicle nonunion?