Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital performs a groundbreaking operation for congenital pseudoarthrosis of the left clavicle
The procedure was carried out by Dr Javier Albiñana Cilveti, head of the hospital’s Paediatric Traumatology and Orthopaedic Surgery Unit, in a particularly rare case involving a rare malformation localised on the left side.
The Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital has successfully carried out a highly specialised surgical procedure to treat a case of congenital pseudoarthrosis of the left clavicle, an extremely rare bone malformation in which the clavicle fails to fuse properly during development.
The surgery was performed by Dr Javier Albiñana Cilveti, head of the Paediatric Traumatology and Orthopaedic Surgery Unit at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital, and is particularly significant as it involves a rare condition and is located on the left side, a presentation that is much less common than right-sided involvement.
“Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the clavicle is an exceptionally rare malformation. It is caused by an abnormality in the union of the ossification centres of the clavicle and should not be confused with a traumatic fracture,” explains Dr Albiñana.
Unlike a common fracture, congenital pseudoarthrosis of the clavicle does not result from trauma. It is a congenital abnormality of bone development that prevents the clavicle from fusing properly during the foetal stage. In some cases, it may be detected as a prominence or deformity in the clavicular region, and the approach to treatment depends on the patient’s age, the functional impact, the deformity and the individual clinical indication.
A particularly rare presentation
One of the most distinctive aspects of the case treated at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital is precisely its lateralisation. Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the clavicle predominantly occurs on the right side, whilst bilateral cases are exceptional. Consequently, left-sided involvement represents a less common variant within an already rare condition.
“Congenital clavicular pseudarthrosis is predominantly right-sided, and bilateral cases are exceptional. The case we have operated on involves pseudarthrosis located on the left side,” notes the specialist.
The cause of this malformation is not fully understood. The medical literature considers it a rare condition, probably linked to factors relating to embryonic development, and various anatomical and vascular hypotheses have been put forward to explain its predominance on the right side.
“The cause is thought to be multifactorial, with possible involvement of environmental factors and anatomical or vascular factors during development,” adds Dr Albiñana.
Surgery aimed at promoting bone union
The surgical treatment of congenital clavicular pseudarthrosis requires precise planning and expert knowledge of paediatric anatomy. The aim is to remove the focus of pseudarthrosis, excise the tissues hindering union, and stabilise the clavicle to promote bone union.
“In cases where surgery is indicated, the approach involves resecting the site of pseudoarthrosis, removing the fibrous tissue and the periosteal sleeve surrounding the lesion, to create the right conditions to promote bone union,” explains Dr Albiñana.
Following this resection, stabilisation of the clavicle is a crucial step. In this case, the approach is aimed at achieving a secure fixation that promotes anatomical and functional recovery.
“Fixation using a plate and screws provides solid stability and is a widely used option in the current surgical treatment of this malformation,” emphasises the head of the Paediatric Traumatology and Orthopaedic Surgery Unit.
High level of specialisation in paediatric traumatology and orthopaedic surgery
The performance of this surgery at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital reinforces the centre’s capacity to manage complex and rare conditions in the field of paediatric traumatology and orthopaedic surgery. Such procedures require not only surgical precision, but also a comprehensive assessment of the patient, an individualised treatment plan and specialised follow-up.
For Dr Albiñana, the significance of this case lies both in its rarity and in the opportunity to offer a specialised surgical solution to a malformation that can affect the anatomy and function of the shoulder girdle.
“We are dealing with an exceptional condition, and even more so when it occurs on the left side. These are cases that require experience, planning and a meticulous surgical technique to correctly treat the site of pseudoarthrosis and stabilise the clavicle appropriately,” he concludes.
With this procedure, Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital reinforces its commitment to highly specialised medicine, capable of addressing rare conditions through expert teams, advanced surgical technology and care centred on the needs of each patient.
