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Chad’s Broken Collar Bone Report

Here is another well done article by a 30 year old rider that broke his collar bone during a criterium bike race. It chronicles his journey from the initial break, through the ups and downs of healing, to his recovery.

Enjoy.

DISCLAIMER: The following content is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Diagnosis and treatment of all health conditions should only be performed by your doctor or other licensed health care professional. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.

Chad’s Broken Collar Bone Report

By Chad Crocker

First of all, let me say that this website helped me with many concerns and questions I had after my collarbone was broken. Hopefully, my detailed account will help others in the same way.

On October 15, 2005, I was racing in a criterium and broke my collarbone. As you can see from the x-ray (week 1), it was distal third “fracture”.

Chad's broken collar bone

At the hospital, they cleaned my road rash (plenty of it), put me in a figure of 8 brace, arm sling, and gave me a prescription for some wimpy Lortabs. The ER doctor said to move my arm/shoulder as little as possible, even in the shower. When I got home, I jumped on the internet and found Hans’ website which provided a wealth of knowledge and experience from others who have been through the same thing.

WEEK #1

The first three days after the wreck were extremely painful. I had a bad bruise on my shoulder that ran down my bicep. After a few days, it turned a funny green color. This was normal. Another lady who told her story on this site had the same thing happen. I tried to sleep in a bed for two nights. Every time I tried to get up, my collarbone moved in ways that it definitely should not have moved. So, for the next 5 weeks, I slept in a recliner. Did I mention that the only clothes I had on were my boxers, figure of 8 brace and sling? Road rash sucks!!!

As for supplements, I started taking 2500 mgs of Calcium citrate and a multivitamin everyday. Calcium Citrate is supposed to help acidify the urine somewhat to help prevent kidney stones from such a high intake of Calcium.

WEEK #2

Pretty much the same as week #1. My brother is an x-ray, CT, and MRI tech, so I had a few x-rays taken. Absolutely no change. Of course, calcification doesn’t show up for a few weeks. Didn’t know this at the time, though. Oh yeah, it is unbelievable how much crap is on TV.

WEEK #3

I’m finally able to put on a pair of shorts. My shoulder and bicep are still several funky shades of yellow and green. Still no improvement on the x-ray that I could see. This concerned me. Especially after reading some of the horror stories people had about collarbones not healing even after 7-8 weeks. Now I’m paranoid and keep my arm and shoulder completely immobilized. Later, a friend/doctor looked at the x-ray and pointed out that the bones are not as rough as in the first x-ray and the ends have smoothed out somewhat (signs of healing). Guess I should have left reading x-rays to the professionals.

Chad's broken collar bone

WEEK #4

Still the same old thing. My shoulder was still hurting pretty bad from where I was slammed into the pavement at 30 mph. My moral was starting to get pretty low at this point. I really wanted to go for a bike ride, but taking time to heal is best. I kept everything completely stable and only took my brace and sling off for showering. Keeping your arm completely still at your side makes taking a shower very interesting.

WEEK #5

GREAT NEWS!!!! Went to the doctor on Tuesday and she said the fibrous bridge between the two bones had formed. The sling came off and most of the road rash has healed. Most, not all. The figure of 8 came off Saturday. Now comes the fun part… physical therapy. When the sling came off, I could not raise my arm at all. Every chance I had, I was moving my arm as much as possible. Using a broom stick works very well. You basically use your good arm to pull up and stretch the injured arm. By Saturday, I was able to lift my arm out in front of me. Good enough. Now it’s time to hop on the stationary bike. I also started sleeping in a bed. Still have some shoulder pain near the rotator cuff.

WEEK #6

Went to see the other doctor this week. The fibrous bridge is starting to show on x-ray. This made me happy, but I was still having pain in my shoulder around the rotator cuff area. My shoulder was still bruised. Because of the location, the doctor ordered an MRI to look for any tears or other damage. I have a lot more mobility now. Mostly thanks to my chiropractor, Dr. Michael Silver in Gastonia. I have to give this guy a big “Thank you.” He helped get my full range of motion back in less than two weeks.

Chad's broken collar bone

WEEK #7

Everything is healing up. I still have some tenderness in my shoulder and AC joint. MRI results will be back next week. Of course, I do have some pain and tightness in my shoulder and back. All the bruising has disappeared and I have almost full range of motion in my shoulder. Still working with Dr. Silver to get more flexibility and better movement. I was on the stationary bike 4 days this week and hit the gym for some good leg workouts. I was not doing any upper body exercises until the MRI results came back clean.

WEEK #8

MRI results came back clean. It showed a bruised bone, bursitis (from smacking the pavement very hard), and a stretched AC joint. The rotator cuff was completely intact and healthy. I received the news on Tuesday and hit the pool that night. By Saturday, I was back swimming for one full hour nonstop. I have a few MRI pictures below. According to the doctor, this is what a “healthy” shoulder should look like.

Chad's broken collar bone
Chad's broken collar bone
Chad's broken collar bone
Chad's broken collar bone

WEEK #9

My leg workouts in the gym are back to normal except for squats, hack squats, etc. No weight on the collarbone. I went to the doctor this week for more x-rays. We were able to see some calcification. The doctor said that I was 90% healed, and could start lifting weights again in about 3-4 weeks. She was surprised at the amount of flexibility and strength that I had.

Chad's broken collar bone

WEEK #15

For the past few weeks, I have been working out in the gym with light weights, swimming, and riding my stationary bike. Still too cold to be outside. Had my last set of x-rays this week. Everything looked very good and the calcification was very visible. The doctor said that my collarbone was stronger here than at any other point and cleared me to do whatever I wanted. Even ride my bike. I didn’t mention that I had already been out for a few rides.

5 MONTHS

After several doses of supplements, quality mass builders, and prohormones that are now banned by the FDA, I have regained every bit of strength plus a lot more. Several exercises still hurt my shoulder like standing curls, but military presses don’t bother it at all. Strange, but it will just take some time to learn my new shoulder. I also added glucosamine sulfate and fish oil to my daily supplements to help with joint pain from lifting heavy. This stuff works pretty well to be sold over the counter. My right shoulder is now a little bit shorter than the left, but it functions very well. The only place I really notice it is on the bench press. All I did was adjust my hand positioning. It had little effect on how much I could bench.

Take this for what it is. One guy’s story of experiencing a broken collarbone. I was very careful and did everything I needed to do for a quick recovery. All things considered, things went very well. The best advice I can give is:

1) Listen to your doctor
2) Get a second opinion (never hurts to ask)
3) Explain that you are a very active person and be treated as such. My chiropractor was the only one that treated me this way and helped my recovery more so than the other physicians.
4) Definitely take more calcium. This was recommended by all the doctors I went to.
5) Take time to recover properly the first time. It is better to lose 3 months to an injury than 6, 7, or more.

Hope this info helps others out there going through the same thing.

UPDATE (2012-04-23):

In March 2011, I started to develop severe pain in my upper back and neck that ran down my arm.  It got to the point where I couldn’t swim 500 yards which is significant because my Ironman swims were around 1 hour.  I had xrays, MRI’s, and spent 8 months in physical therapy.  The Ortho couldn’t find anything and the PT kept saying I had a muscle imbalance.  I always felt that my collarbone didn’t heal quite right and believed that was the problem.  Unfortunately, the Ortho did not think that was it.    After 7 full Ironman triathlons, I would have to say that I’m more in tune with my body than a doctor looking at pictures.  So, I started searching for a new doctor and my former motocross buddies pointed me to a surgeon in Texas (Dr. Mark Sanders).  I did a LOT of homework on this guy before making a decision to have surgery.  In January 2012, he broke my collarbone in two places and plated it back together.  He said it had healed 1.5 cm short and rotated forward.  Within a day after surgery, my pain was almost completely gone.  It actually felt so good, I walked into the doctor’s office for follow up without the sling.  I wouldn’t advise this, as the tongue lashing was extreme.  I am currently 12 weeks post-op and well on the road to recovery.  Three weeks ago, I went to the same PT who treated me last year and she was completely amazed at my range of motion and how the mechanics of my shoulder/scapula had changed (for the better).  After seeing me, she said having that surgery was the right thing to do.  Things still aren’t perfect, but are much better than before surgery.  My shoulder and scapula were in the wrong position for 6 years of intense Ironman training before giving out.  It’s going to take time to retrain it.  Time for the disclaimer.  I probably would not have had this much trouble if it wasn’t for the amount of overhead exercises I do.  Lifting weights and the repetitive overhead motion of swimming took its toll on a misaligned collarbone/shoulder.  Pushing through pain, hoping it will get better is obviously the wrong thing to do.  Especially pain that lasts for months.

My personal opinion, and that’s what it is, is to get a collarbone fixed if you are an active person.  I’ve been in both situations, and I will get it plated every time from now on.  Zero doubt.

More “Broken Collar Bone” Articles

Don’t miss reading the information and comments in my other collar bone entries:

Broken Clavicle (collar bone)
Broken Clavicle No More
What to Expect From a Broken Clavicle

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339 responses

  1. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Hey Everyone
    Ok enough is enough, it has been 12 weeks since my collar bone break ( 2nd time around). I am still having quite a bit of pain and discomfort around the break area, I can’t tell how much is soft tissue or the break itself.
    I have obeyed the surgeon’s directions and only have done assisted mobility exercises, I almost have full range of motion, require assistance for full range using my other arm. When I do this I feel a pinching in the area of the break. But it seems If I try any increased motion activities like opening the door, putting away groceries , the area starts to hurt. There was a bridge starting to form in the xrays at 7 weeks. I was really expecting to be able to start swimming in a couple of weeks.
    Last week I lifted a pail of water 3 times with both arms, kept my bad arm right next to my body and tried to just use my bicep, and shifted as much weight to the good arm. It wasn’t painful but I could feel the stress in the area. I have really paid for that this week. Something tells me Im not going to get clearance to start weight lifting next week.
    It bothers me every night and every morning I wake up with that stabbing pain in the shoulder when you first get out of bed ( do you know what I mean?) fortunately it only lasts a couple of minutes. I also can’t lay on my good side without feeling discomfort in the break area.
    I don’t remember having this much discomfort after surgery the first time. Except for the plate discomfort , the pain was gone in about 8 weeks time.
    Can anyone share their experiences with recovery around the 12 week mark?
    On the bright side, my running and cycling on the trainer is going well.
    I look forward to your comments
    Cheers
    Donna

    Reply
  2. Rupert Garcia Avatar
    Rupert Garcia

    Hi Folks,
    Bike crash 3 weeks ago tomorrow.
    Back from the country. Went to the doc down there and a fracture clinic – all free on the good old NHS. Loaded up on Codeine most of the time, but read a lot – all three volumes of Solzhenitsyn’s Gulag Archipelago and A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch (so grim, but it made me feel better!) and a few bike mags! Watched too much TV! Shoulder was horrible for the first week but managed to sleep on my back with a hard pillow for my head, resting the arm on a soft pillow laying flat on my right side. I ended up laying one on the left too, to balance the equation and it was quite comfy.
    Getting up is hard as you have no leverage. Try rolling onto your good side, sticking your bum out and then pushing yourself up sideways with your good arm. If you try and sit straight up you may hurt your back, especially when you are all stiff in the morning. Have got t-shirts down to a fine art – but you must relax and breathe and do it in stages!
    The massive bruise has mostly disappeared and the pain has subsided most of the time. It still feels very sore and gritty. Seems to be healing up ok – pretty good movement. The fracture clinic doc told me that the sling is just for comfort and to try and move it as much as possible. The physio recommended a few light excercises too. I always wear the sling when I go out as it warns people not to bump into me.
    I wanna ride my bike – but I can’t yet!
    I can type though so watch out!
    Best Wishes to y’all.

    Reply
  3. Alan Avatar
    Alan

    What a great site – very good information here. I was doin some internet searches as my 15yr daughter broke her left clav today while sledding. As her father, I’m devasted what the kid has yet to endure. It is a clean break at the center of the clav. After seeing the xray of the break ends so far out of alignment, I was amazed the doc said the bone would fuze and heal. The ER put her in a sling and a waist support brace. I have a few questions I hope anyone can answer. Thanks –
    Must she sleep sitting up to avoid pain? Is there any other position to sleep that may not cause her pain and not inhibit healing?

    Finding the most comfortable sleeping position for someone is always tricky. Sleeping upright is one way. Others have used multiple pillows arranged so as to keep the body from rolling around and also to raise the injured side’s arm slightly off the bed.

    She was wearing a long sleeve under armor and we’re not sure how to get it off since she cant raise her arm. How will she get into and out of any top body clothing if she is not suppose to raise or move her arm?

    Cutting off the long sleeve shirt is the best option. For clothes, anything with buttons or larger than normal is going to be the most comfortable. Or clothing with larger neck openings will help. Start by sliding the injured side’s arm through the sleeve then stretch the shirt/top so that her head may pass through the neck opening.

    Is there a type of sling that stabilizes and supports the arm but does not have to drape over the shoulder? Seems kind of stupid to make her wear a sling that drapes over and puts pressure on the clav that is fractured.

    There are a wide variety of slings. The one I used didn’t have strap over the broken side. It had a strap that crossed over to the other shoulder. You might try looking in a medical supply store or web site for another sling.

    Reply
  4. Rupert Garcia Avatar
    Rupert Garcia

    DAY 3: Back to A&E as woke up in scorching pain feeling sick as a dog. Too much codeine on an empty stomach? Had a second check-up.
    DAY 4: Doped up and feeling OK had a shower. Had to take it real slow getting a t-shirt on. Pause and relax etc. Lady at college did some ‘alternative’ therapy on me … nice.
    DAY 5: Going down to the country for a couple of weeks to chill. No internet there so…see you later.
    Hey Hans! I used to live in SF in the 80s right by GG park. Had a chrome 1984 Ross Mt. Whitney – classic! Lots of trips to the Marin Headlands – magic place. Had an ally Balance too, w/ a Manitou front end. Those were good days. I played drums with some punk and metal bands and all that too. Sick Pleasure, Code of Honor etc. Once played a show with Black Flag with my arm in a cast from a skateboarding injury – awesome! My nickname was Sal back then. Still is to some people. Anyway dudes and ladies, I am outta here! Hope you all feel better soon.

    Reply
  5. jun Avatar
    jun

    hi der everybody……i also had a clavicle fracture. just wanna ask if is it ok for me to have sex with my girlfriend while im on my arm sling and just on my third week since my accident?

    Reply
  6. Rupert Avatar
    Rupert

    Dear One Armed Bandits,
    DAY 2: 3pm. Only 3 cigs so far today – not bad. Managed to sleep about 4 hours last night, half sitting up in bed, with lots of cushions. Took off the crappy sling but woke in the same position and was able to get up with only a couple of yelps! I warned my next-door neighbour that if I suddenly yelled **** in the middle of the night, that it was not what he might think it was – hahaha! Shaved off my goatee as there’s little point in looking like a bad-ass biker type when one is as meek as a kitten. So now I look like a lawyer! The ‘consultant’ at John Radcliffe Hospital was a bit smarmy and had a budding young medical student check me out first. She was nice, but kept saying “sorry” all the time, which was slightly irritating! They sent me packing with a nice velcro sling, some codeine and paracetomol and a follow-up in 5 weeks.
    I managed a shower when I got back and was able to get a clean t-shirt on by sitting on the bed, putting both arms into the correct holes down in front of me, then gradually working it up so I just had to pop my head in. Thank God I don’t have breasts is all I can say. Had a packed lunch in my room as I couldn’t face the college dining room and all the stares/questions.
    Medium sized bruise in middle of shoulder and lots of swelling. It looks good, but I keep wanting to drop the shoulder. Must try and keep my posture!

    Reply
  7. Rupert Avatar
    Rupert

    Hi Folks,
    Just broke mine today t-boning a car on my new hybrid and ending up on the bonnet(hood)! Typical break – maybe 1cm of a gap. Gonna see the osteo in the morning.Oh my god does it hurt! Cannot lie down for long and Karl Marx is too heavy right now anyway! LOL! In second year of college and not looking forward to the rest of term with this pain. Typing with left hand is slow! Got to quit smoking and no nicotine gum either! Let you know how it goes. Thanks for being here! Rupert 47 years old Oxford UK

    Reply
  8. Shan yang Avatar
    Shan yang

    Dammit I seriously hate clavicle fracture…it’s definitely going to be different living with a clavicle fracture till the end of my life. I can do most movements but hate raising my arm…i tend to get that uncomfortable feeling and my body is trying to reject me from going certain areas that strains my fractured bone. I keep telling myself if i should go for surgery. I just can’t live life with one side shorter then the other! It feels weird and that weird never goes away! It’s been 4 months to my recovery. Any suggestion how you are live life with an overlap bone?

    Lots of folks live with the overlap. But each person deals with it in their own way. It seems like something that really bothers you. Maybe you should speak with your doctor about the possibility of having surgery.

    Reply
  9. claudia Avatar
    claudia

    I’ve been reading these posts for the past week as I consider surgery to repair a broken collarbone that I received skiing 3 weeks ago. First the double 8, then the sling. All the while experiencing severe musle spasms in my shoulder and arm, a shoulder blade that is torqued into a position that is unnatural, and an arm and hand that is numb and rapidly losing the ability to move on its own will. I’m 53, very active, have a summer of cycling, golfing, swimming, hiking and motorcycling planned, and I don’t relish spending 3 months waiting to see if the bones (which according to my doctor are so displaced that they are residing in two different states). So, surgery later this week. From those of you who have had a plate, what can I expect with respect to how quickly I will bounce back? I’m booked on a cruise to Mexico the 1st of March! 🙂

    I never had to go through surgery but several folks that have commented here have gone through it. Search on the word “surgery” using the search field on the upper left side up this page. That should help you find some of the comments about recovering from a plate and surgery.
    Also, the combination of your age, how bad the break sounds, and the number of physical activities you like leads me to think surgery is a good option for you.
    Heal fast and let us know how it goes.

    Reply
  10. Chris D Avatar
    Chris D

    I routinely put a pin in clavicle fractures. Plates bend and they leave screw holes. A pin allows you to do unrestricted ROM at 3 days. I have kids play D1 level football at 7 days. Basketball, Baseball, volleyball in 3 days. Road racing is at one week. Weight lifting is at one week as well. In rare cases are you not at sport in one month. The pin does have to come out after the fracture is healed. So unfortunately it is a second surgery but the time off for the second is 2 days. If you have a displaced clavicle fracture then find a surgeon that will fix it for you. Long term your shoulder is better off.

    Reply
  11. Aron Avatar
    Aron

    Well, I didn’t have the appointment on Dec 28th, but on Jan 11th. The doc took the x-ray from a very low angle, showing the entire separation between the break. Looks nasty (the image is on the website). I think if I saw that first week, I’d have surgery. It’s strange though, I feel fine, and the bone definitely moves as one, but that large gap is very discouraging to me. I had about 90% range motion and I was using weights before that x-ray. Curling ~20 lbs, shoulder exercised with ~10 lbs, I could do chest exercises and even push-ups. I actually played one soccer game before the last appointment, because I thought the appointment with the Doctor would go really good. Turns out, it’s the other way. If I fell on that shoulder during the soccer game I could have seriously hurt myself, so I’m thankful that didn’t happen. Doctor looked at the new x-ray and said no weights or sports for 2 months. =( He said everything should turn out fine, but it’ll take time since it’s ~1.5cm away said to wait 2 months before a new x-ray. I’m bummed out, and I get even more bummed out every time I see the new x-ray. I almost wish I had surgery, then I’d know that the ends are really close together and that the clavicle is properly aligned. The possibility that troubles me is that I’ll wait 2 more months and then still be at the same place. Then I’d need surgery, then wait ~3-4 months, and then take the plate out and wait ~2 more months. It’s the year of the clavicle for me. =(
    Anyone has any suggestions or advice? Has anyone had a similar x-ray and made a full recovery?

    Reply
  12. David Avatar
    David

    I broke my collarbone in Novemeber at the NYC ING marathon. I was volunteering escorting the wheelchair racers. I was coming down a hill and turned onto anothe road, looked back to see where my wheelchair racer was and must have had a loose grip on the bars because i hit a rut and got tossed off the bike.
    An ambulance was called and they felt my shoulders and told me my collarbone was broken. I refused any more service and rode the rest of the route to go to the hospital my wife works at.
    As soon as i got up from the fall i knew something was not right, and a broken collarbone was my assumption.
    10 miles later and finding a secure place to leave my bike i was in the ER. ( i stopped at stabucks to get some coffee for the er wait) They were extremely quick to see me and put me in a sling, xrays, and some pain killers. They gave me a ortho to see byt he didnt take my ins and i wasnt laying out all that money.
    My wife works in a hospital and got me in to see a good ortho who also takes care of the NY Jets football team. My Ortho appt was a few days after the accident and he immedietly said i needed surgery and scheduled it.
    Surgery wasnt bad at all, he was running behind schedule so i had to wait for 4 hours hungry, tired, and in desperate need of caffine. My head was pounding. With the exception of the post op nurse everyone was good.
    I got 6 screws and a metal plate put in. The next day was great, i took off a day from work and sat in barnes and noble reading magazines for a while and napped. I went back to work the next day. The scar is big and you can see that the metal plate is there but i dont really care.
    4 weeks post surgery the ortho said i was healing great and told me to stop wearing the sling and to start pt. at this time i asked if i could start using the trainer so my 2008 racing season wouldnt be ruined. he said no, and that i probably could after another 4 weeks.
    This past monday was my 8 weeks post op visit. He said it was healing good and showed me on the x-ray where the bone was growing, all looked good etc. I asked again if i could ride now, thinking in the back of my head ofcourse i can. he said no again and probably in 4 more weeks.
    He said that i should not even be carrying my jacked with the bad side, i think he’s out of his mind.

    Reply
  13. Nick Avatar
    Nick

    I have just joined the 2 clavicular fractures in 6 months club.
    Personally, I’s rather not be inducted! I broke the first (R clavicle, and tore the R SC or sternoclavicular joint, it now subluxes out of place when arm is over 140 degrees)at a Track race in Indy Velodrome June 21, 2007 when someone cut into my front tire from up high. I was in terrible pain for 4 weeks, that gradually decreased to the point that by December I almost felt normal except for the big bump deformity. I had a 1.5 inch overlap, that tented terribly. Two seperate docs said, “no surgery”, even though I had 2/4 of the surgery indications. I was worried I would have different shoulder symmetry and function, but all was okay by December. I wore a sling for a week, then a figure 8 brace for 4 weeks. by 2.5 months,I returned to biking, weight training. By fall was training with my IU little 500 bike team that I captain at IU. Also,rode the Hilly Hundred with my Dad.
    So, this Jan 2nd I felt really good skiing (with family) in Breckinridge Colorado. I was jumping bumps and catching air 3-4 foot, conservative for me. So, at last run I jumped a little ledge at the bottom, and my skis grab into the soft snow (it was 41 degrees), and I do a double forward release, I twisted to avoid the R shoulder and landed on L and broke the left Clavicle. Knew it right away. Thought it was an easy visit to the ER get brace and meds and go home and experience pain and suffering and physical restrictions for the 2-3 months. You should have seen the ER doc’s face, he didn’t even look at X-ray, guess I had a huge hematoma (blood clot) size of an orange, thought I nipped the subclavian artery arches which runs closer to clavicle on the left side. I nearly passed out imagining all my blood draining away from the tear my sharp bone break must have induced. My mom and I earned a ride on the ambulance to Denver (1.5 hours) to get a die enhanced blood vessel scan, with a vascular surgeon ready to open me up and repair on site. Turns out I passed the blood vessel scan, and I was out of there in 30 minutes. I am now relieved to just have a 2nd clavicle fracture. I guess brachial plexus injuries or complications are not uncommon with clavicular fractures, so don’t let anything press down on the fractured bones. (I did do this on the first clavicle and experienced whole arm swelling from pressure on the subclavian vein. Trying to reduce the tent defect) My bone is still sticks out and is so sharp still today on the R, that if I press a heavy backpack over it it would probably break through the skin. I still hate it!
    However, a 6 year old boy had face, skull and body fractures,knocked out teeth, plus lung punctures, in the Er with me. I know I am lucky. I heard he will live.
    I hope you with new clavicular fractures will watch for nerve and blood vessels complications, and go to the doctors right away (hematoma, arm swelling, nerve changes in arm etc). I will stay fit, because the fit healer faster if we let our bodies rest.

    Way to keep up the positive attitude! That alone is worth a lot for recovery. And you might consider getting another doctor’s opinion about surgery for the right side. It’s obvious that the tenting is an issue for you. Make sure the doctor understands your concerns and also your expectations about healing. Also, be clear about the types of physical activities you perform and want to continue to be able to perform.
    Heal fast.
    – Hans

    Reply
  14. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    I am going to tell you a story of what not to do. I smashed my clavicle on July 31, 2006 in a half ironman race, bike portion. Finished the last 20kms of the bike route though! Had surgery with a plate on Sept 1 because it met all 3 conditions , curvature inward, displacement more then 2 cm, multiple break and my right shoulder was two inches lower then the left. Got mobility and strength back by Dec 2006. Had a great 2007 triathlon season and signed up for ironman Canada.
    The plate was bothering me so I got it removed on Nov 14. Everything looked good, surgeon warned me that there would be weak spots where the screws were. I didn’t realize how weak and was playing a very light game of squash with a 70 year old friend, did a forward flick shot and crack… broke the clavicle cleanly on a screw line on Dec 9. You don’t have to say it, the look on the surgeon’s face said it all. I had been swimming and weight training with no pain the week before never dreamed of this happening.
    On the bright side it is a clean break and should heal under the normal healing process. My coach has told me not to worry about the swimming 2 to 4 months training before the event will be fine but I have to put in my mileage in running and on the trainer. I only found one post from a runner. The surgeon indicated I could run using a sling. I found a better solution I think by using a belt so my arm and shoulder are securely stabilized and my arm won’t get so tired after a couple of hours. I will try it this weekend. It doesn’t hurt much more then normal during the run and is a little stiffer the day after the run, I just don’t know how the pounding affects the healing process. I am very careful not to move the shoulder, are there any other runners out there that can share their technique.
    To everyone else, be patient, and don’t be stupid like I was. It was one obstacle I didn’t need to overcome for my ironman dream.

    I can only add that your personal story and web site (http://www.donnasironmanjourney.ca) is inspirational. Keep up the spirit and don’t let the collar bone break slow you down.
    – Hans

    Reply
  15. Ken Avatar
    Ken

    I slipped on the ice and landed on my back/left shoulder. I have a big bruise on the back of my arm below the tricep and a bump ontop of my clavicle. I have pretty much full range of motion and moderate pain when I stretch my left shoulder away from my head. This was 3 days ago. I don’t know if it is broken or not. Any thoughts?

    The only way to know is with an x-ray. Although, if you can place your hand on the collar bone and feel two pieces of it moving independently then I would highly recommend going to see a doctor and getting an x-ray.

    Reply
  16. Aron Avatar
    Aron

    Hi Miguel,
    I updated my website with the new x-ray, it looks like the edges are softer and there seems to be some “fuzziness”. I think there will be visible new/large bone there in another month. I’m not too worried, my bone moves together with the shoulder, so there is a connection, and from what I’ve read, the bone hardens and starts showing up on x-ray after about 8 weeks… I feel a lot better too, I can move my arm fairly normal. I’m still not trying to move my arm above horizontal level, even though I feel that I can easily do this. I’d say I’m at about ~60% range and ~20% strength. The bone edge and the bone chip are giving me less troubles, even though it’s a very strange sensation to be able to feel them from the outside.
    Like I’ve said before, I could care less for the looks, as long as I can do what I was able to do before the injury. I have a similar time table as you, I took my arm out of the sling after four and a half weeks, and it’s been better and better. Each day I get a little less discomfort, a little more shoulder range, and a little more strength. I totally agree with you about taking really good care of your injury for the first 4-5 weeks. After that I’m sure it will join and it will naturally heal. I also have read that it does take many months (4 to 6) to get the bone completely solid, so I’m not in a rush. I’m getting more and more confidence that surgery will not be necessary in my case, and I don’t want to go through it either. I hope we both turn the corner with our injuries and heal strong. Take care.

    Reply
  17. Miguel Avatar
    Miguel

    Hello Aron,
    Just got back from the orthopedist and also got my x-ray. He said that he could see scar tissue starting to form which also looks like “fuzzy whiteness”. I also stopped wearing my sling yesterday as my arm is feeling much better and felt I had no need for my sling. I also started sleeping on my good side and can even lay on my stomach so that’s been great. The doctor also said I did not need to continue wearing it and if so it is more for comfort.
    I have the x-ray but need to figure out how to take a photo and attach the picture but the bones did indeed come closer together as it is starting to fuse. My arm seems to feel better every day and I have more range every day. I also started doing those pendelum excercises. The bone takes a while to completely fuse which may be four to six months by the time it’s 100%. The doctor did say that I should not try and lift my arm yet. My next x-ray is scheduled for January 3rd because of the holidays and apparently the doctor is busy with surgeries right after Christmas.
    I am healing fairly well and I think people should continue to consider natural healing and not jump into surgery unless it’s absolutely necessary. Sometimes the doctors do push surgery but I think there are risks with that route and the bone may not fuse even with a plate and screws as some others have posted. I turned 40 in August and things look good for me but I did take good care of the break the first five weeks and have always kept in good shape and eat “right” by staying away from processed foods. I do eat processed foods as sometimes I crave them but everything in moderation and just enjoy it when it happens without the guilt.
    Anyway, good luck Jason and to everyone and hope everyone heals well.

    Reply
  18. Aron Avatar
    Aron

    Hey Shan,
    You might have a point of the fractured bone pushing into a muscle which gives you discomfort, I have the same thing, and it is slowly getting better. The clicking sound you describe, could it be your muscles and tendons moving over your fused bone fracture? Take it easy and keep gently moving your shoulder, I think everything will be fine.
    I just came back from my x-ray. It’s been full 5 weeks, and I’m starting my 6th week of recovery. I have a good range of motion and strength is coming back. My bones move together, but the bridge/new bone is not showing up on the x-ray. There “seems” to be some fuzzy whiteness, but I’ll let the radiology/orthopedist make the final prognosis. I’ll pick up the x-ray tomorrow or Friday and update the post. I feel good and staying positive, but it’s a little frightening not having the x-ray evidence to show it, we’ll see what the doctors say. I have another appointment on the 28th, keeping my fingers crossed that things will look better on x-ray then.

    Reply
  19. Shan yang Avatar
    Shan yang

    I do not have the x-ray results. The doctor did not really say i could take the x-ray results with me. My fracture is one in and the other out and should be around 1.4cm overlap. And I’m sure that the clicking sensation is at the fracture collarbone. I just hope the clicking subsides, if not my physician told me i will have to live with it! I will try to get the x-ray results on 26 November when i go to the hospital for my checkup. For some reason my fracture side shoulder feels lower, it feels not better supported then my non-fracture side. I break dance with my right arm(fracture side). I hope my fracture is not a non-union, the doctor said my fracture is special. He says the bone is attached together and seems to be healing so he didn’t bother. Well at least i know during the accident the 2 end of the bones are not further displaced, they are still together. And i hate the feeling when i raise my arm i can feel the extra feeling on the fracture bone.

    Reply
  20. Aron Avatar
    Aron

    I think it’s alarming how little attention doctors pay to fractured collarbones, especially in the ER. I had very few instructions from them and the radiologist took the incorrect angle image (as I posted earlier). I wish they moved my medial bone closer to the lateral. Right now the medial part (the one towards my heart) is positioned a little outward of my chest and a little higher than the other collar bone. I don’t care too much about this (the way it looks) as long as I get all of my strength and range! I’m done with 5 weeks now and I’m out of the sling, my bone(s) move in sync (so should I say bone?), but there is a small pointy edge on top of the fracture (from medial bone) and a small pointy edge on the bottom (from the bone chip). I’m hoping those will not bother me in a few months, but if they do I might do something about them. I do my small shoulder exercises but I’m still trying to keep my shoulder in a proper position most of the day and I won’t do any hard exercises until I see a good bond in the x-ray. I have a check up on Wed 12/12/07, so I’ll post the images on my website.
    Dan,
    Can you post your x-ray images so that we can see what the fracture looked like before and after surgery? I just want to share that from my reading on fractured collarbones, especially in older people, the healing can take longer, and may show up late on the x-ray; week 8 to 10. I’m no doctor, but I think you should drop the caffeine and keep eating the good foods so that your body has the best chance to heal the bone. Also I’m not an orthopedist so I don’t know how much you should exercise and move the shoulder. But I would imagine you shouldn’t try weights or full range motion exercises until the bone has healed. I hope everything works out for you and you heal soon.
    Shan,
    The disadvantages? Well, you definitely can’t do normal things until it heals. Did you mean the disadvantages if it stays a non-union? I’ve heard people living normally like this, but I can’t imagine having the same strength and comfort as before. Either way I’m not doctor, and you should definitely go see a few doctors (orthopedists) just to get different opinions. Also you’re 15, in the end things should heal up fine. About your therapy and exercises, are you sure it’s not your shoulder that clicks/pops? I would make sure that your bones are in a good alignment, you’re saying something about a 2cm overlap. Do you have x-ray pictures of your break? Can you post them? I think figure 8 does a good job immobilizing the shoulder and leaving it in one place (which is what you need to do). A sling can do the same thing, but it takes a little more self control to try to keep your shoulder in the same place (you can still move in a sling). I would look in the mirror and make sure that your shoulder is kept at the same height and distance as the normal shoulder. It has been two months for you so I would again talk to an orthopedist and ask him all your questions and tell him all your concerns. Take care of resting that shoulder and keeping it in a “good” position (and wear your figure 8 or sling until your doctor tells you otherwise), try to keep your shoulder in a fixed position at all time, unless you’re doing your simple exercises. I always think of a simple arm break (in the forearm). I’ve broken my left arm as a kid 3 times! =) Each break was only one of the two bones in the forearm, but they still set the bone correctly and then put a cast, completely immobilizing that bone and making it stay in the same place until it heals. So my (logical) thinking and yours should be the same, is that collarbones and all other bones need the same thing. You need to keep the bones next to each other and fixed as much as you can, at all times in the day (Except for those short periods when you’re doing pendulums and such exercises. Again I’m not a doctor, this is just my thinking. See an orthopedist and talk to him, he should give you the best advice. Again you’re young and all your bones are still growing so bone healing will definitely take place, but you have to help your body heal. Take care of yourself and I hope everything heals up fine.

    Reply
  21. Shan yang Avatar
    Shan yang

    My physician told me to do therapy. But i feel that the clicking sensation should totally subside before i do. When i do the therapy at home i feel uncomfortable at the fractured collarbone and the clicking starts to come back. What should i do! Help please!

    Reply
  22. Shan yang Avatar
    Shan yang

    I wonder will there be any disadvantage of a fracture collarbone?

    Reply
  23. Dan Novosad Avatar
    Dan Novosad

    7 weeks after motorcycle accident. Mine was a typical break, right in the middle. I went for the 2-week checkup and my orthopedic doctor’s colleague talked him and me into surgery (conventional plate on top). My purpose for commenting here: as of 6-week checkup (4 weeks after surgery), the bone is not fused yet per my doctor. I wish Meghan would have followed up after her Sep ’06 posting to tell us if the electromagnetic stimulation worked. My doc says that will be the procedure if it continues to not heal, 2 to 3 months from now. I’m 46 so I hope it’s just my age slowing things down. I’m moderately athletic, eat very healthy, and since the accident have been avoiding alcohol but not caffeine, take a lot of Caltrate plus my usual vitamins, drink a lot of milk, avoided NSAIDs from the beginning. I don’t know what else to do to stimulate the bone to fuse.
    I promise to check back in periodically to tell you my progress!
    Other details: I’ve had very little pain except the first week after surgery when it was 4 to 6 on a 10 scale. I have minimal loss of range of motion. Have been to PT twice and do the range of motion exercises at least once a day. The muscle on top of my shoulders (both sides) is alarmingly shrunken and I have considerable loss of strength but the therapist says the strength will come back quick. I’m afraid to do any weight-bearing exercises yet, other than up to 5 pounds. Feeling great, I don’t think there will be a huge lifestyle change except no hard blows from contact sports, falls, fighting, etc.
    My advice: do as much of the pendulum exercise as you can comfortably do, and go to PT as soon as doctor says to. Wish I knew if it was good or bad to go back to work 6 days after surgery (I just write, type and walk around, typical office work). Seems like even the doctors don’t know the best way to heal a collar bone.
    Hans: thanks so much for this forum. It’s very comforting to hear from others with this unique injury.
    -Dan

    Reply
  24. Miguel Avatar
    Miguel

    Aron,
    Maybe I will email you next time as others may not like these continous posts. I think you are doing all the right things and unfortunately only time will heal the fracture so we both and everyone else will need to allow it to heal. I have been riding and racing mtb for the past 10 years so maybe I can consider myself lucky that I had no unfortunate accidents until now. Wish I hadn’t gone riding that day but I can’t undo that. But what seems worse is that I had purchased a new mtb and now I won’t even be able to ride it. The sling has worked for me so far and my doctor did not recommend the figure eight like others have mentioned.
    You should not worry about the bone chip (easier said than done) as that should take care of its own. What’s most important is proper fusing of the clavicle. All I can say is that I read some good books and watched some good movies so take this time to do other things you have been thinking about. I’ve been feeling the same as you but I try not to dwell on it too much. The body will take care of its self so this may be a good time to focus on other things in your life.
    I did an easy ride on my trainer for the first time since my injury. As Hans has posted, it’s good to start but only if you feel ready to do any activity and pool excercise are certainly a good way to start. I also read and had fogotten that excercise facilitates the production of hormones that also aid in the healing process but we should start up slowly.
    Take care and good luck

    Reply
  25. Aron Avatar
    Aron

    Hey Miguel,
    Thanks for sharing your story and I also have to say that agree with you too. I will take it easy as well until the end of December, just to be safe. I will also have an x-ray done next week and I’m hoping to hear good news. I take my arm out of the sling (well it’s still in it, I just release the strap) when I’m at work and in a chair. My arm rests comfortably and supported on the arm-rest and I feel no movement of the shoulder; I hope this is not doing me harm. As I said before I have some uncomfortable feeling in certain positions, but when I gently touch the broken area I feel that the little bone chip is being pushed toward the skin, so I believe that is the culprit. I also feel that sharp edge from the medial part of the collarbone slowly start pushing to my skin in some positions. No pain thou, I just feel it and it’s sometimes uncomfortable. I don’t feel any independent movement of the broken bones of my right clavicle, in fact I’m pretty certain I feel them move together when I slightly move my shoulder (might be my optimistic imagination). I hope everything heals well for both of us, that we get through this in reasonable time, and that we regain full strength and full range of motion.

    Reply
  26. Miguel Avatar
    Miguel

    Aron,
    I have been reading all these posts and unfortunately I joined the group two days before you, Nov. 4th. I broke my clavicle while mtn biking down hill on a trail called rocky ridge. Unfortunately for me, I had direct hit to the clavicle when I landed on a rock. I’ve had two more days of healing and also have a x-ray scheduled for next week. I do not have a digital copy of my x-rays but mine was closer to the distal 3rd. I have done almost everything you’ve mentioned in your post. I have also read the same articles about the healing process, supplements, etc.. and I can’t agree with you more. I also feel that my clavicle is healing and do not plan on completely removing my sling until the end of December.
    Don’t get me wrong, I do take mine off while at home sitting on the couch and move it best I can so I don’t get frozen up and all. I don’t do any specific exercises except move my arm and elbow being careful not to lift the arm. In a way, I may have been lucky because I had no pain the second day except for the bruising around the area where I hit the rock. I only had one pain killer on the first night feeling afraid that I may not be able to sleep due to the pain. I did ice the area for the first few days but incredibly I had no pain due to the actual break. Sometimes it seems like it’s all healed until I move around and you notice something is “wrong”. I’ve taken care of not moving my arm except when bathing, changing clothes, or simply doing day to day things but it’s always been on the sling while using my good arm. Any movement you do, it feels like the broken clavicle moves. Sometimes it feels that I can just remove it but I also want to make sure I have as little movement as possible while it heals.
    I have been eating “right” and taking the supplements but I used to do this while I was healthy so it’s nothing new for me. One thing I did read is that one does need to eat “natural” foods, green leafy plants/vegetables, to allow the body to “absorb” the supplements and this includes exposure to the sun to obtain the needed vitamin D. Again, I feel that I am healing but I will know for sure next week when I get the x-ray.
    One thing others have not mentioned, that I believe is as equally as important, is positive thinking, visualization, meditation/prayer. I won’t go into the whole spiritual thing but I do believe it plays a large part in one’s life and situations such as these. Again, this is just another element that may benifit others.
    Some links that I found useful:
    http://www.emedicine.com/sports/topic25.htm
    http://www.jpy.com/john/clavicle/#the_theory
    http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=205885
    http://www.newstarget.com/calcium_absorption.html
    Well, hope you and everyone else heal from this unfortunate accident.

    Reply
  27. Aron Avatar
    Aron

    Thanks David! I massage my shoulder whenever I can to promote blood circulation and I have been doing the pendulum exercises every 3-4 hours in the past few days. I feel that my shoulder isn’t as strong as before but I do keep moving it gently whenever I can. It feels like the bones have fused together, but I have a sharp tip at the top and the bone chip at the bottom of the fracture area get uncomfortable in some positions (borderline starting to bring a little pain). The three doctors that I saw all tell me that the body should slowly remove (eat away) those sharp edges with time. I think I’ll wait for about 6 months and if they’re still bugging me then I might ask to have them to remove the chip or file it down somehow. But that’s a long way from now =) I’m still wishing and hoping for a good/strong bond at the fracture area, and I’m also doing all the little/gentle exercises to provide some movement with my shoulder. Basically, I agree with you David, I definitely don’t want a frozen shoulder. Thanks again for your comment.
    Are you the same David that posted on “October 16, 2006”, where you waited 8 weeks and had surgery? If you are, can you tell me what kind of surgery you had? Was it a plate, or a pin? Also I know I’m younger and “should” heal fine. But if you look at my x-ray (www.hypertide.com) did your collarbone have a similar gap or a larger one? If you have x-rays that you’d be willing to share or any other advice please email me at hypertide13@yahoo.com Also, did you make a full recovery: strength / mobility? Are you planning on taking the pin or plate/screws out?
    Also if anyone knows any other exercises (in addition to the pendulums) that are gentle but help keep the shoulder from freezing please share. I believe pool exercises are great and I plan to start sometime between weeks 5 and 6.

    Reply
  28. David Avatar
    David

    Aron: Just be careful of getting a frozen shoulder if you keep your shoulder completely immobolilzed for too long.

    Reply
  29. Aron Avatar
    Aron

    I just want to post an update. I’m not seeing many replies or new posts, but I’m sure someone is still reading these and still wants to hear new things. It has now been almost a week since the last post, and I’m feeling better every day. I know things outside my injury aren’t really necessary to post here but my aunt is a lot better and things are better with my girlfriend (together again).
    My clavicle is better. I feel like it has fused and I also feel the medial part of my clavicle move in unison with my shoulder. I think this a good sign of a bridge forming and new bone fusing the broken ends. I can move my shoulder a little and I do so every few hours. I’ve begun doing those pendulum exercises described in my earlier posts and I can definitely feel that my shoulder is weak. I feel a small crunch in my shoulder as I do small exercises, but I do not want to push myself and re-break my clavicle. I know the shoulder is weak now too, and the ligaments and cartilage aren’t nearly up to 100%. I’ll be taking it easy and take the arm out of the sling for good portions of my day, I’ve already done this and it’s a funny feeling when you know your arm is weak and needs support holding the shoulder up. I don’t think I’ll try to put my arm up to horizontal level for one more week. So next week I’ll also go in for a check up which will be around a 5 week mark. I’m hoping to see some signs of the bone growth. I know from others on the ports that it can take over 8 weeks for the x-rays to show this, but I’m athletic/healthy and 26 so I’m hoping for a faster recovery. I’m slowly starting to get over the pessimistic view and into the optimistic view. I’m not letting this new found bravery push me to do foolish things with my arm. I’m just happy to feel progress, and I’ll be truly happy to see and hear it from the doctor. I have high hopes of putting this injury behind me in good time and to make a full recovery in a few months. I want to avoid a non-union more than anything, because it would be tough after going through all this, to have go through surgery and baby the arm/shoulder and wait 2-3 months for bones to fuse. Then remove the plate or pin and again cautiously wait 2-3 moths for full recovery! I’m very active and I’m praying it heals right the first time.
    I just want to tell everyone going through the similar injury that resting the arm/shoulder and holding the clavicle fixed in the same position for the first 3 weeks is very important. This is when your body tries the hardest to fix things back to normal. Things you shouldn’t do are smoke, drink alcohol or caffeine or take too many meds; all these things (from what I’ve read) slow down bone growth. You should give yourself the best chance to heal, so avoid them at all cost. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the figure 8, I haven’t used it and I hope it doesn’t come back to haunt me. All the doctors I’ve spoken to didn’t really speak against it, but said that it’s hard and uncomfortable to wear consistently. Meaning that in the end you might do more harm trying to move into a comfortable position. I’ve used the sling and tried to hold a good posture and a good position of the shoulder. For 4 weeks now I’ve slept like a mummy, on my back or slightly favoring my left/good side, it’s been working for me, and I won’t change this for at least another month. All in all, so far so good 🙂 I also want to say that I’ve been scared at times and I thought that things will never be right, but now I’m optimistic and I believe and hope for the best. Being a little scared is alright; it’ll actually help you take care of your broken body that much better. Good luck to everyone recovering from injuries.
    I’ll update again after my doctors appointment or earlier if there is anything new/significant.

    Reply
  30. Aron Avatar
    Aron

    I read a lot on the bone healing process. It is very important not to take anti-inflammatory drugs during the early stages of the healing, meaning from point of fracture to about few weeks later. Afterwards, you don’t really need them anyways. Also as everybody has probably already found out, smoking is a big no-no, don’t do it and you’ll recover faster. You should eat high calcium foods, not just calcium pills, because your body can retain more through food digestion. Try yogurt, milk, calcium fortified orange juice and so on. I read that lysine increases your calcium absorption, and low fat milk, fish and soy products do the trick. Increase vitamin C foods, orange juice helps but there are many other sources (vitamin C is important). I also read this: “To maximize the rate of healing it is helpful to avoid bone robbers such as sugar, salt, alcohol, caffeine, red meats etc.” (red meats weaken bones? Don’t know if it’s true!)
    From what I get out of all this is stay off of pain killers as soon and as much as you can, and make sure you eat as healthy as you possibly can. Eat plenty and have many meals a day, don’t lose weight, in fact gain a little (from healthy foods), and stay away from wonder chemicals. Our bodies are miracles they will repair themselves. We need to keep the broken bone steady for about a month or two (depending on age). I do understand that steady slow movements will make sure other parts of your body don’t “freeze up”, but moving a broken bone can’t be good. I mean a much simpler break as in an arm, where just one bone is broken (out of the two in the forearm), the doctor still sets the bone and immobilizes your arm in a case. Meaning zero movement of the bone; and even like this the bone takes month+ to heal. I strongly believe that being calm and rested will help more that running on your second or third week. And, for the argument about your joins locking, it’s ok to move them a little and in a controlled/supported way, but are they really going to lock up and give you long term problems if you don’t do aggressive rehab really soon? I don’t think so! What happens to patients in comas? Do they lose all mobility, no, it all comes back! I guess a good balance between resting and small activity is good, my suggestion is to take it easy and help your body heal in the first few months.
    Hans what are your thoughts on this?

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  31. Aron Avatar
    Aron

    Just to add, I want to emphasize the importance of a good x-ray. It’s a 2D image and you need to ask for multiple angles. Best is the angle from below your chest, leaving little or no bones in the background of the image. This is how I found out about the bone chip/fragment. Then you should also get one from the top, so that you can see “all around” the clavicle.
    The orthopedist today said that that a large bump will form (shouldn’t that have happened already?) and that the bone fragment might get re-absorbed in the large lump or new bone. Then in later stages (months away) it should slowly go away. Otherwise the fragment will just be next to my bone and should go away eventually.

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  32. Aron Avatar
    Aron

    I went to keep updating about every 5 days I hope that’s not a burden you people reading here. I’ll give more details n my situation and I’d really appreciate any comments or encouragements. Again “it” happened 20 days ago11-6-07, pictures are at http://www.hypertide.com. I fell in soccer and first ER x-rays which were taken incorrectly showed that the bones are aligned almost perfect, but my second ER visit (just cause I didn’t want to wait, no pain or anything) using correct x-ray angles showed a fair amount of separation, and a bone chip. I was scared and depressed at the time. What’s more 4 days before the fracture my aunt had heart surgery and is still in the critical care unit, she’s getting better slowly.
    Oh it gets better, the same day of my aunt’s surgery I had a big fight with my 4 yr girlfriend, we broke up. I’m crushed and heart broken, I lost my girlfriend/best-friend and now it feels like I’m going through this all alone. It’s hard to feel good or even normal when so many difficult/sad things happen at the same time.
    I went to the primary care physician and talked about my x-rays from the ER on 11-26 (www.hypertide.com). There was a sports orthopedist there to so we all talked. They all don’t want any surgery, they think since I’m 26 that this will heal up just fine and that I don’t need to do anything except rest and keep my arm supported and in correct position. Which as I’ve been told is to have the shoulder at normal height and slightly backward (as if you took a nice deep breath) This is kina what a figure 8 does. The orthopedist today actually said to keep my arm out of the sling for most of each day… Saying that they will still fuse fine and that I need to have my shoulder moving. I’m not so sure about his advice, since its one day shy of 3 weeks now, and I feel like I should be doing that in week 5. I feel like I need to be as still with that part of my body so that it can heal, moving it (in my mind) will make it way more difficult and maybe lead to a non-union. He also told me to “try” not to move the shoulder too much, but to slowly do pendulums. Fixing my shoulder in place with my muscles and then leaning over so that my right arm hangs down straight. In this position I should try to do circles and slowly strengthen my shoulder, so that it does not lock up. I’ve been moving it a little here and there but I don’t feel like I’m ready to risk re-injury. Especially after being free with my arm around 11-12 (7 days after fracture) I felt no pain, just a little tight and I moved my arm feeling tightness in my fracture region. Pain came back for a few days (no ibuprofen needed) and went away in a few more days. I think I set myself back almost a weeks worth of recovery time! Well now I feel no pain, and my right / hurt side feels like my left side if it was in a sling. I feel like healing is taking place, but I’m not 100% sure. I’m going to increase the range of motion exercises in a few days and hope to keep a good balance of keeping my shoulder moving a little and not letting anything happen to my clavicle.
    I also got a referral to an orthopedist that my friend went to for shoulder/back problems. I’ll see him at the end of this week or early next week and let you know what he says.
    If you had or know or fractures similar to mine, please let me know what to expect, and if how you’ve healed. I would love to see an initial fracture x-ray and then a progression of healing with x-rays, especially up to full healed bone. If anyone has any links/pictures/advice please send them to HyperTide13@yahoo.com. Any encouragement / advice will be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
  33. pete Avatar
    pete

    I live in the Uk where we have the wonderful NHS.
    Broke my collarbone back in august 06 and have been told I have a none union. Being NHS means you have to wait 6 months after beng told you can have an operation to actually get it, and this is after already waiting 6 months to be told you have a non union. To make this worst I could not accept the date of the operation when it came round and had to go back on the list. Yep another 6 months or very nearly.
    To cap it off on the day of the operation my surgeon tells me the bone appears to have healed, I am actually sitting on the ward bed at this point. Still in pain I cannot believe it – the pain is worst now around the joint than before. I have to get more scans and xrays which you guessed it will mean another 6 month waiting list…..
    Docter may be right. I had several broken ribs at same time which healed within weeks, could be that the collar bone end(?)has dropped down to rotator cuff and everytime I moved my arm it undid any healing that had happened. As the bone finally healed (bloody fossilised)it has now locked it in place so it hits the top of my joint when I move it. But this could have been avoided if they had plated it a year ago????
    Think I shall be going private very shortly……. has anybody else had a problem where the collarbone has dropped down on the joint?

    Reply
  34. Aron Avatar
    Aron

    Hi, I broke my clavicle in soccer when I fell hard and landed/rolled over my shoulder. This happened just over two weeks ago. It felt a lot better seven days after the break so I moved my arm a little out of the sling, then the pain came back, now I’m back to little/no pain. I’m afraid that I set myself back a weeks time. I know now not to move it at all, other than when it’s supported and I’m promoting circulation in elbow and shoulder. I’m very athletic and I’d like to recover as quick as possible. My question to you is when I should expect to have some normality back in my life. I think the gap (see http://www.hypertide.com/) is large, but I’m not sure if this is just my paranoid opinion. Will the bone bridge that far? Do I need to get it set, so that the bones are closer? Is it too late for that? I don’t care about the bump that is/will be visible, I just want to heal properly and in a normal span of time. I want to be able to do the things I did before. I’m worried and I’m looking for some opinions and hopefully some encouragement. Thank you all.

    Your x-rays don’t look as bad as some I have seen. For example, I saw one broken in two places with the middle piece pointing upwards. But reading x-rays requires a professional. It’s very difficult for the untrained eye to see good or bad. A professional will see healing where we might see empty space.
    As for “setting the bones”, I’ve not heard of that being done for the collar bone. It would seem to make sense. Maybe one of the reasons everyone recommends using a figure-8, maintaining good posture, and not moving the shoulder is so that the broken bones stay as aligned as possible while they mend.
    It’s still early in your recovery process. See how you feel a month after the break. Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice and continue to do your physical therapy. If all goes well you will have some “normality back in your life” soon.

    Reply
  35. Steve W Avatar
    Steve W

    I thought I’d provide a final update, including a report on my plate removal surgery. I broke my collar bone on Feb. 4, 2007 and had plate surgery on Feb. 14, as reported in my two posts above (Feb. 13 and Mar. 14). The end of the plate was prominently protruding (it looked like the end of an index finger sticking out from under my skin), so the doctor said he would want to remove it eventually. In June, he announced the bone was healed and we should think about removing the plate. On July 25 I had that surgery. It really was relatively minor. I spent a total of 5 hours in the hospital, including doing paperwork. General anesthesia was applied, but weaker than before. I was more aware of things, like how cold the operating room was, but I don’t remember anything about the operation. In the recovery room, the pain level was about 5-6 out of 10. As I told the nurse, I’ve run with worse pain than that. No painkillers were administered. Afterward, I took generic Vicodin/Lortab for a couple of days, but probably didn’t need to. The incision was slightly shorter than before, about 2 1/2 inches and 10 staples instead of 3 1/2 inches and 14 staples. It followed the same line as the previous incision, so there is no additional scarring. The staples were removed after 10 days. Once again, the hospital tried to charge an obscene amount (about $11,000), and Blue Cross got them to accept about a tenth of that, and I paid $150 out of pocket.
    One thing to be aware of after plate removal surgery is that, for a period of time, your collar bone is once again vulnerable to breaking. You now have screw holes in the bone (in my case, four of them), which weakens it. Also, your bone has been shielded from stress by the plate, so it is not as strong as normal. I was told to avoid risky activities for 5 weeks until the screw holes filled in. So, no biking or aggressive running, hiking, etc., for 5 weeks. I continued to do re-hab exercises, and some controlled weight work to gently stress the bone (but not break it!). After 5 weeks, the doctor X-rayed and announced that my collar bone was as strong as the uninjured one, and I could return to normal activities.
    I’m glad to be rid of the plate. Not only did it stick out, but it also felt like it wasn’t completely in sync with the bone when I did exercise. With the plate out, strength work should now strengthen the bone as well as the muscles.
    Some observations about this whole broken collar bone experience:
    – If you’re over the age of 35, seriously consider surgery. It’s my opinion that healing success is age related, and the older you are the less likely it is that you will have full union healing without surgery (again, just my opinion). After reading this board for the last 9 months, I don’t believe the “99 % of broken collar bones heal without surgery” statement. I think that probably comes from a time when kids under the age of 20 were the only ones active enough to break their collar bones. I’m 55 (male) and I’m glad my doctor recommended surgery relatively soon.
    – Having had plate surgery, I would recommend that you look into the pin surgery that is discussed in several places on this board (also here: http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/im_pin_fixation_of_clavicle_frx). It seems to be less invasive than the plate surgery. Ask your doctor about success rates.
    – If you are going to have surgery, ask your doctor about bone grafts. My doctor included a synthetic bone graft (so, grafting doesn’t have to mean taking bone from your hip). The last thing you want is to have surgery and still end up with non-union healing, as has been reported here.
    – The plate did not set off any airport metal detectors, either in the US or in Europe.
    – The scar doesn’t look that bad

    Reply
  36. tony Avatar
    tony

    when you break ur collar bone you learn to watch alot of movies

    Reply
  37. Shan yang Avatar
    Shan yang

    Update from oct 4. So far my collarbone is healing fine, about 2cm overlap. Doc said i should be able to return break dancing after a full recovery….but what i am concern is after a full recovery, will the fractured collarbone break easily? when i try to move my fractured side forward i feel a clicking sensation. Really feels uncomfortable…and I’m afraid the collarbone might snap. Right now i don’t really feel pain, just really uncomfortable and it feels like the fractured side, shoulder is lower then the other but is not. Really weird feeling…By the way thanks for boosting my spirit Hans!

    Good to hear you are moving towards recovery.
    Your break, when healed, will normally be stronger than before. Just let it heal.
    The clicking you hear might be the sound of soft tissue, a ligament for example, that’s moving around. I had that sound but it eventually went away.

    Reply
  38. dennis the menace Avatar
    dennis the menace

    OK like the rest of you, typing poorly with one finger due to right collar bone break… not as young 47, but very active including time with 13 y. o . son … day 15 of break…
    MY STORY: dr #1 emerg room. really has nothing to say but to go see dr#2 who took new x-rays and said it’s a bad break but it will heal….. i asked what about better than “it will heal” his response ” if you want surgery, FINE my wife wants a new KITCHEN ! That was not a good answer ! ((welcome to New Jersey )) So off to dr #3 who is part of the orthopedics that operated on my knee on March 07, (I know – give it up and sit on the couch) He also said it’s a bad break but will heal. No other damage is related.
    I want it to be the best i can be. Is that to much to ask. I also hear the bones will heal faster when plated together.
    I pay for all my medical premiums and all other related medcial work. (I want some service) I heard about the plates.. (sounds good to me) He will not do it……. I read about “Haige” Pin/bolt and have a call into that Dr.Basamania to fine out if somebody can do that in the NYC area.
    Any comments from people that had surgery in-place of just letting it heal.
    Thank You and Good Night !
    i’m down and depressed, can’t work and i’m self employed.. i have a 2 month “out work period” before money will be tight. Getting worried.

    From all the comments folks have left, it appears that recovery time for self-healing (non-surgery) is a gamble. Some recover in a month and others never recover. Surgery usually provides a specific time frame for recovery. But surgery doesn’t guarantee 100% recovery and there can be other complications because of it. The trend appears to be moving towards surgery for clavicle breaks. Maybe because of the better odds of recovery. If you are swayed towards surgery the sooner the better. Especially in your case where you will need to get back to work sooner.

    Reply
  39. Devin Patterson Avatar
    Devin Patterson

    My shoulder is slightly out of place, and my MRI came back positive should I still play pop warner football.

    Well… I’m sorry Devin but I don’t have, and I’m sure nobody else will have, any idea based on the information you gave. And honestly, your doctor is the only one that can recommend if you should still play or not.

    Reply
  40. Scott Davidson Avatar
    Scott Davidson

    I fratured my left clavicle snowboarding at Homewood, Califiorna on 13th March, 2005. I have broken bones before but i must admit that this was the most painful of all my breaks. My arm was put in a sling and i flew back to Scotland the following week. As the weeks and months past my break was failing to unite. The consultant treating me suggested an operation or alternatively a bone stimulation machine which i tried but to no avail. My shoulder was giving me problems when surfing amd playing tennis and so 2 1/2 years later and on 10th October, 2007 i underwent surgery for an internal fixation to have a titanium plate and 6 screws inserted. I had the operation at 9am which lasted 1 1/2 hours. A few hours later i was eating my lunch. I spent one night in hospital and was released the following day. The first week was a little painful but that has now ceased.
    I wish i had found this site earlier as from reading other peoples comments i would most definetly have opted for the surgery much earlier on. My advice to anyone in a similar position to myself is to get surgery if the fracture is not uniting. The surgery itself was not that painfull and certainly not nearly as bad as the original break.
    I have been snowboarding throughout the last 2 winters with my clavicle broken however the consultatnt recomends that i wait until March as the bone should be much stronger. Is their anyone out there who is or has been in a similar situation to myself and if so what was youre recovery period until you could play such contact sports.
    Cheers Scott

    Reply
  41. judi Avatar
    judi

    Follow up for posts of Sept 24 and Oct 18. . . . I’m now 9 days post operative and my clavicle is much less painful than before surgery. The surgery took 2 hours, I was in at 6:00 a.m. and released with a nerve block in my arm at 12:00 p.m. on the same day. Lots of support (and food) from friends! I ignored the warning from the doctor and nurses to move my elbow before and as the nerve block wore off, and boy what a shock to the “funny bone” as it re-awoke after all the weight of my arm had been on it (in a sling) for 16 hours! Vicodan is a good friend, but only for short periods of time due to the constipation. I took 2 at night for two nights, then 1 at night for 1 night, then NSAIDS all the way. The first bandages are off, and the incision is about 6 inches and very tidy.
    The only remaining pain seems to be what I’ve decided is “phlebitis” of my external jugular vein. I’m been trying to get an appointment to see the Dr. to be sure and to take any precautions . . . has anyone experienced this inflammation post op?
    Surgery isn’t a walk in the park, but it isn’t as bad as I imagined. Probably much less painful that walking around with a broken collarbone for three months or more 🙂
    Appreciate your being there, and the words are support are wonderful. Keep up the great site!

    Reply
  42. Brenda Avatar
    Brenda

    I also broke my collarbone 10 wks ago.Still having pain,only doc said my bones weren’t coming together.I mentioned about surgery and he said no surgen will touch me now. what do I do now? I also have a broken heel that is healing nice.

    Reply
  43. judi Avatar
    judi

    Update from September 24 fall with horse. Thanks for the help Hans! I got a second opinion which differed greatly from my first doctor. We set a date for surgery to plate the collarbone (it hasn’t shown any sign of healing more than 14 weeks post fracture, and is still painful). Then I went to a third doctor just to be on the safe side. . . Dr. #1 says my previous fracture might be difficult to get screws into. Dr. #2 says no problem, and Dr. #3 says no problem, so I’m going to go under the knife!
    I’m really scared of general anesthesia, and the idea of what might happen post op, but things can’t continue this way. The tingling and redness at the base of the second and third finger have subsided a bit, but the break keeps my ROM very minimal and pain is continual.
    I’ll write again post-op, and I welcome any words of support or comfort!

    Having three doctor’s opinions really helps in making a decision. And surgery for broken collar bones is becoming more common. Have a supportive friend or family member with you when you go in for the surgery. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
    – Hans

    Reply
  44. paul Avatar
    paul

    I broke my collar bone nearly five weeks ago now in two places due to a motorcycle accident. At this point i stil can not lift my left arm or type with it.Ive been told that i should not ride a motorcycle or lift any heavy objects for at least 6 months. Stil painfull and still in a sling with a large bone sticking out of my collar.Tking plenty of calcium and doing what i’ve been told by my gp,but still little improvement…

    Reply
  45. Shan yang Avatar
    Shan yang

    My next appointment is on 16 October .Is it too late? I couldn’t get an earlier appointment because it was fully booked. By the way, usually therapy starts after how long the collarbone recovers…I’m seriously afraid that i can’t use full range of my shoulder after i recover. Because i am a break dancer, i need full range of my shoulder like before….so i don’t have disadvantage in doing certain moves like powermoves.

    Reply
  46. Shan yang Avatar
    Shan yang

    Hey i am 15 and i broke my collarbone 1 1/2 weeks ago. During gymnastic I did a move and landed on the mattress on an outstretched arm. My right hand hit my right collarbone. Doc said to rest and visit him after 3 months, but he did not said anything about therapy. I have been trying to consult a bone specialist but there is always an appointment and i can’t stand to wait 2 weeks later. From what i think, the doctor do not take clavicle fractures seriously.
    There is a bump on my collarbone from what i can feel by touching my fracture collarbone which has that ‘A’ shape, one out and the other in. It really feels scary and heartbroken when i touch my fractured collarbone,it tells me that this is a mark that will forever will be in my life till i die! I am now using a sling then a figure 8 bandage, Doc did not say anything about figure 8 brace to me! That is why i have so many questions and wondering a sling or a figure 8 brace is better. I am a very active person and i love break dancing…anyone can please tell me if i still can break dance after recovery!
    Right now i can feel the stretching feeling on my collarbone and the muscles around the right side of my neck feels stiff. I love break dancing and i will do whatever it takes to align the collarbone even if it relates to surgery….when i try to bring my shoulder backwards i can feel a tense feeling on my neck, like the muscles are stretching, and if it gets painful i will start to have little headache at the back of my head, right side. Probably to do something with the nerves? I feel very traumatic by this and it always makes me think a lot of the scenario after i recover. I seriously can’t take any of this and wish that i could go back time to correct my mistakes. I’m suffering a lot now…i can’t bathe or sleep properly and the worst think is i am having my exams! Seriously had no mood to study at all. MY WHOLE LIFE IS RUIN ='(
    Feel like committing suicide….can anybody please tell me what i should do and whether i still can break dance!

    First, your whole life isn’t in ruin because of the collar bone break. Your young and should heal fast. You will be able to carry on and do the things you enjoy such as break dancing. It’s tough going through the experience, especially when you feel you are not getting the care and information you desire.
    At the moment it sounds like you are doing the right thing. Wear the sling and the figure-8 if you have one. Try not to use your shoulder and move it around. You want to let your shoulder and bones heal. Read through the other posts on this page and the other pages and you will find lots of information on healing.
    Also, I recommend that you try, if possible, to get another doctor’s opinion and a physical therapy schedule. Be very clear with the doctor about your expectations once you are healed. Explain the activities you will want to be able to perform (break dancing, etc). If a doctor doesn’t know that you are an active person and require the full use and range-of-motion of your shoulder they might not take as aggressive a recovery route. Remember that doctors deal with lots of sedentary people. And treatment for them versus someone with an active lifestyle can be very different.
    So pick up your spirits and realize that you get through this.

    Reply
  47. Mylez Avatar
    Mylez

    okkay so i was playing football yesterday…..got the handoff.. took prolly 15 yards.. then i got tripped by a defender and crashed full speed, right into the ground and landed right on the tip of my left shoulder…. fracturing my collarbone (i was’nt wearing n e equipment =D ). Right when i fell, i felt my left arm go numb for a bit.
    First i thot i messed up my muscle or something, it was this morning when i went to the ER for an x-ray (just to get things checked out) that i found out that i fractured my collarbone (bone is still straight, just cracked.. lucky!!) Now im in a sling and im told im expected to have a full recovery in a month.
    I was wondering, how long would the pain be there? and how long would i have to wear a sling =s ?? btw im 16

    Only your doc can give you a good estimate for your questions. Nobody over the internet is going to be able to tell you. Each person’s injury is unique and how they may and how long it takes to heal is different. Luckily you are young and have a high chance of healing quick. So a month estimate is probably a fair estimate.

    Reply
  48. Midori Avatar
    Midori

    Zac, according to my doctors and everything that I’ve read since my injury, overlap is not uncommon. It does seem hard to believe, but the muscles that surround the clavicle will also help the broken ends find each other again.
    Most people who heal naturally do have a noticeable bump, but surgery will obviously leave you with a scar…so if its aesthetics that concern you, it is a draw. I would be more concerned with function, and though my doc said there are cases of people being able to function without a clavicle, I wouldn’t want to try it. You might consider getting a second opinion from an orthopedic surgeon who will take the time to show you the Xrays, explain treatment options and what you can do to get the best outcome possible. Good luck and take care.

    Reply
  49. Zac Avatar
    Zac

    Hey there.
    Great information directory! I have to say I was a little more calm BEFORE I had read anything here, as I’m discovering the severity of my situation. Ignorance IS bliss.
    For a little backstory, I’m sixteen, fairly athletic, but more concerned about the aesthetics of my collarbone than my future sports aptitude, as I’m more of a model than an athlete.
    I was driving my bike down a steep hill on the way to school this morning, and being young, confident and naive really screwed me over. I took a right hand tun at about 30mph, noticed I was going too fast to clear it, and pressed my back brakes. Did I mention it was raining heavily, and I wasn’t wearing a helmet? Well, my bike slid out and I went flying over it, landed some six feet away and brushed myself off, only to look down and find a bump about the size of my thumb on my left clavicle – an obvious fracture. I fell to the ground and dialed 911 from my cell phone, while some drivers pulled over and kept me warm. Good thing, because the ambulance took 12 minutes to arrive. I get the standard (unnecessary) neck brace which digs into my collarbone and makes me even stiffer, and I proceed to get to the emergency room and wait two hours for attention. I got the normal emergency room treatment like Hans has described. Luckily I live in Canada, so it was free!
    Even more luckily I had only scratched my head, no skull/brain damage. A definite clavicle fracture, however.
    The doctor brushed me off when I questioned him, made some vague hand gestures to explain the nature of the break, said these things sort themselves out, gave me a thin brace and said to come back in 11days for another xray and ran off elsewhere, without even showing me the first xray slides.
    I was under serious nausea due to the shock and Tylenol 3’s, and when I made it home all I could bare to do was lie on the couch and take a nap. Sitting still doesn’t hurt, but as we all know it is hard to make any motion without moving the clavicle. When I awoke I felt a serious concern about the trustworthyness of the diagnosis “let it work itself out”, especially when applied to two bone-knives floating freely in my collar area! So navigating with one index finger I found my way here, where I read until the wee hours of the morning.
    My main concern is how to get my clavicle pieces back into a natural alignment. From what I’ve been able to see/feel, about 75% up the bone the fracture occurs, and overlaps the remainder for perhaps an inch. I am going to demand or create an excuse to get my xrays back in the morning, to confirm this. I’ll also look into a second opinion – though that is what I seek here.
    I read that a figure eight brace has shown some success in forcing the clavicle back into proper alignment? I’m keeping my posture fine, but this overlap is unacceptable. I’m tempted to manhandle it back into position myself! I really don’t want to resort to surgery, and I’m not sure if it would even be viable.
    The thought that a clavicle overlap may be necessary is horrifying me, and making me rather depressed. I really don’t want my young boyish figure turned into some Quasimodo, haha. That coupled with the solitude and physical ineptitude of the recovery process trial I face really won’t help my experience be stress free. Please, does anyone have any information on non-invasive clavicle realignment methods? I am very desperate and would be more thankful still for some replies.
    I’m off to try to sleep on a bed for the first full night, wish me luck.

    Reply
  50. HP Avatar
    HP

    Correcting my own misinformation:
    Per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidney_stone#Prevention
    Vitamin C actually helps create kidney stones. Drinking a lot of water helps prevent them. 😉

    Reply
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