The variance of clavicular surface morphology is predictable: an analysis of dependent and independent metadata variables

Abstract

Background The anatomy of the clavicle is specific and varied in reference to its topography and shape. These anatomic characteristics play an important role in the open treatment of clavicle fractures. The complex and variable topography creates challenges for implant placement, contouring, and position. Hardware prominence and irritation does influence the decision for secondary surgical intervention. Methods Computerized tomographic scans of 350 adult clavicles with the corresponding patients' metadata were acquired and digitized. Morphologic parameters determining the shape of the clavicle were defined and computed for each digitized bone. The extracted morphologic parameters were correlated with patient metadata to analyze the relationship between morphologic variability and patient characteristics. Results The morphologic parameters defining the shape, that is, the radius of the medial and lateral curves, the apparent clavicle height and width, and the clavicle bow position, correlate with the clavicle length. The clavicle length correlates with the patients' height. Gender differences in shape and form were dependent and related to individual height distribution and clavicle length. Asian populations showed a similarly predictable, but shifted, correlation between shape and clavicle length. Conclusion This anatomic analysis shows that the clavicle shape can be predicted through the clavicle length and patients' stature. Smaller patients have shorter and more curved clavicles, whereas taller patients have longer and less curved clavicles. This correlation will aid surgeons in fracture reduction, implant curvature selection, and in optimal adaptation of clavicle implants, and represents the basis for anatomically accurate solutions for clavicle osteosynthesis.

Convolutional neural network for assisting accuracy of personalized clavicle bone implant designs

“…Autodesk Fusion 360 software was used to measure clavicular dimensions. The morphological parameters measured were lateral-to-medial length (CL), the position of the conoid tubercles was measured from the lateral end of the clavicle (dCT), half of the clavicle's apparent length (h50%), apparent half-length of maximal clavicle on superior view (dbow_sup) and half the apparent width of the clavicle (w50%) [29]. The measurement technique is carried out in the anterior and posterior views, as shown in Figure 10.…”

Osseous microarchitecture in frequent fracture zones of the distal clavicle

“…Demographic data did not significantly differ between investigated groups. Methodological considerations such as age group definitions, 10 , 24 parameters regarding length and localization of ligamentous enthesis areas 6 , 8 as well as the use of XtremeCT and the modality of fractionation 4 , 7 for the evaluation of our hypothesis have been approved regarding eligibility in previous studies.…”

Efficacy of Intramedullary Bridge Fixation for Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis of a Novel Technique

“…In recent years, the intramedullary xation of midshaft clavicle fractures has emerged as a minimally invasive and clinically effective surgical option [12,14,18]. However, the double-arch shape and narrow, irregular medullary cavity of the clavicle have hindered the clinical application of intramedullary xation devices [19][20]. Furthermore, Harmouchi et al [21] reported a high risk of fracture displacement with Kirschner wires in intramedullary clavicle fractures, which could migrate to critical areas, such as the heart or lungs and cause fatal injuries.…”