UOA’s Dr. Christopher Doumas has begun using a brand new device to repair fractures of the clavicle (or collar bone). The Sonoma clavicle intramedullary nail, manufactured by Sonoma Orthopedics, was introduced to the orthopedic surgery community just a few months ago. The implant requires fewer and smaller incisions and poses significantly reduced risk for irritation, which has often necessitated removal of the plates and screws currently involved in treating clavicle fractures.

“The typical course has been to implant plates on top of the bone. Over time, these plates can become prominent and cause discomfort for patients, many of whom opt to have them taken out,” Dr. Doumas explains. “This means a second surgery where holes are left in the bone. These holes can increase the stress on the bone and lead to further breakage if the patients falls.”

The Sonoma implant procedure is much less invasive and shorter in duration—only one to two hours, depending upon the severity of the fracture. A small incision is made over the fracture site, and then two 8 to 10mm portal sites are made on the side of the shoulder for the nail and locking screw. The implant is actually inside the clavicle bone, so there isn’t any evidence of hardware.

Dr. Doumas already has performed the Sonoma implant procedure for clavicle fracture repair on the most patients in central New Jersey to date. The best candidates are younger, active patients with a displaced clavicle fracture. While long-term follow-up is still needed, as with any new medical device, Dr. Doumas says the Sonoma clavicle intramedullary nail represents a truly cutting-edge approach to treating clavicle fractures.