Congenital pseudarthrosis of clavicle: illustrated operative technique and histological findings

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle is a rare condition present at birth but often diagnosed later in childhood. Indications for surgical treatment include pain, deformity or neurovascular compromise. Reconstruction usually involves resection of the pseudarthrosis, placement of iliac crest bone graft or graft substitute and internal fixation. In this paper, we present a case of congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle in a 9-year-old boy who was treated with plate fixation and bone autograft. The majority of patients who undergo surgery because of cosmetic or functional problem heal well and proceed with a normal, unrestricted life. However, for those patients who are not bothered by the cosmetic appearance of the pseudarthrosis and are asymptomatic in that they are not functionally limited, non-surgical treatment is a viable option.