Curvatures and Medullary Canal of the Clavicle Among an Egyptian Population: A three Dimensional Computed Tomography Study

Abstract

Background: Clavicle is the most frequently fractured bone in human skeleton. Fractures treated nonoperativelyshowed higher rate of non-union or malunion. Operative treatment have superior results overthe non-operative treatment, and include two approaches; external fixation or internal fixation. Externalfixation may be cosmetically displeasing and uncomfortable. Internal fixation is accompanied by a higherrate of cure with lesser complications, however the shape and size of the medullary canal of the clavicle canbe a prohibiting factor making the placement of intramedullary devices difficult.Aim of work: The present work was designed to study the length, the curvatures as well as the dimensionsof the medullary canal of the clavicle among Egyptians using three dimensional computed tomography.Material and Methods: This study was carried on one hundred clavicles. CT scan of the chest with coronaland sagittal reformatting and 3D reconstruction of the clavicle was done.Results: The length of male clavicles was longer than female clavicles. Left clavicles were shorterthan right clavicle in both sexes. The medial as well as the lateral angle of the left clavicle was greaterthan that of the right clavicle in both sexes. The height and width of the medullary canal of the claviclewere generally greater in males than in females.Conclusion: Computed tomography imaging has been shown to be an accurate method for describingthe anatomy of the clavicle. Data could be used to determine whether the anatomy of the clavicle and itsmedullary canal were suitable for intramedullary fixation.