A morphometric study of the clavicle

Abstract

Recognition of unfavourable outcomes in displaced fractures of the clavicle in its middle third has stimulated global interest in the fixation of these fractures. The design of fixation devices is dependent on in-depth knowledge of the dimensions and morphology of the clavicle in order to optimise the configuration and fixation points of such a device. In this study 100 dry clavicles were obtained from the Anatomy Department for assessment of the dimensions, angular deviations and gross morphology. The clavicle could be divided into distinct regions according to its muscle and ligament attachments and the cross-sectional morphology was typified for each region. The physical data presented can be utilised to inform fracture or osteotomy fixation-device design.