Morphological Study of Clavicle in Human Cadaveric Dried Specimens

Introduction: morphology of clavicle is essential in understanding and designing fixative devices for displaced fractures of clavicle as well as for radiologists and physicians as variations in costoclavicular ligament bears resemblance with some pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to observe the clavicular morphology in relation to rhomboid impression and to examine the cross sectional profile at various points on the clavicle. Material and Methods: the present study utilized 80 human dried adult clavicles and the patterns of costo-clavicular ligament attachment were studied. The topographical distance between the medial ends of clavicle and attachment of costo-clavicular ligament was determined. The cross sectional morphology of clavicle was studied at the shaft, medial and lateral ends. Results: the cross sectional morphology showed a transition from quadrilateral shape on medial side to transversely flat on lateral side. The average topographical distance between the medial most part of clavicle and the costo-clavicular ligament was 8.33 mm. The most frequent pattern of rhomboid impression was rough and elevated, which is observed in 28.75% of cases. Conclusion: the data collected from the present study will help the medical fraternity in reporting of fractures and to plan for adequate fixative devices.