78-Year-Old Man Found to Lack Collarbones
The rare condition was identified during a routine hernia exam in a patient who experienced no pain or mobility issues.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Men’s Health
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In an August 10, 2026, case report, surgeons discovered that a 78-year-old man in Uganda completely lacked collarbones. The condition was found during routine preoperative imaging for a hernia, and the patient reported no previous physical limitations.
Why it matters
The case highlights that rare congenital conditions, such as bilateral clavicular agenesis, can remain undiagnosed throughout a long life. The patient managed to perform manual labor for decades despite the absence of these bones, suggesting significant structural adaptation.
This clinical case report documents an elderly patient with bilateral clavicular agenesis identified via routine X-ray. While cleidocranial dysplasia is a known condition with a one-in-a-million prevalence, this patient lacked standard clinical markers like skull or dental abnormalities.
The players
Kampala International University Western Campus
An academic medical institution in Ishaka, Uganda, where the clinical case was documented.
The details
The patient's shoulders were stabilized by surrounding musculature, specifically the trapezius and pectoralis major, which allowed him to function without pain. Because he lacked the characteristic skeletal markers of cleidocranial dysplasia, his case represents an unusual anatomical variation. Surgeons opted for spinal anesthesia for his hernia repair to mitigate potential airway complications that might arise from his unique skeletal anatomy.
Timeline
10 years ago: The patient underwent a previous hernia repair surgery.
August 10, 2026: The case report was formally described in a medical journal.
Health Landscape
This report highlights a unique anatomical variation that sits outside the standard developmental framework of cleidocranial dysplasia. It underscores the medical reality that rare congenital anomalies can persist asymptomatically into late adulthood.
This case underscores that individuals can adapt to significant anatomical variations without experiencing pain or disability. If you notice unusual mobility or chronic issues in your shoulder or musculoskeletal system, discuss them with your primary care physician.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the human body's remarkable ability to compensate for significant structural differences. It serves as a reminder that routine checkups and imaging can occasionally reveal long-standing, asymptomatic conditions that do not require intervention.
Further reading
For more information on structural health, visit Men’s Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medical Daily.
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