How do the bones heal together? Are there bony edges that may do harm to the rotator cuff with movement?
The bones heal together through a fusion-like process in which bony tunnels connect and stabilize the newly fractured fragments. Splinting of the arm allows this fusion to occur without interruption and is therefore critical to the success of the surgery. Bony edges are not of concern in children because 1) the sharp edges of the bone are surgically trimmed and 2) the soft character of the clavicle and scapula in children allows for a more rounded and successful fusion of the fragments. For this reason, adults are not suitable candidates for the triangle tilt procedure.
