Hans Kellner Dot Com :: a mighty fine website!

I busted my clavicle 6 1/2 weeks ago bike racing and seem to be on the exact timeline as Chad. Range of motion is almost normal, I do have some posterior shoulder pain, but it's improving daily. I'm still not riding outside, and am going crazy being limited to the trainer. It's May the weather is beautiful and all I can do is stare at it through my window while going nowhere on my trainer.(Thank you to World Cycling Productions for Tour, and Giro DVD's!)
For all those out there with new fracture- Hang in there they do heal eventually. You will get paranoid but try not to. Try to stay active. I rode a stationary recumbant bike from the first week on with my exercise sling on. (get 2 slings, wear it in the shower after exercise to clean it and for comfort) I know the pain is horrible, but hang in, it gets better! Ignore any information on the web that says clavicles heal in 2-4 weeks. I work in the medical field and bones do not heal in 2-4 weeks. It's a complicated process that takes time. The best medication is a tincture of time, apply liberally.
Eric

If you haven't checked out my helmet cam videos, then click the Videos link in the top menu then click in the Cycling Videos section. Download the videos and watch them on your computer while you ride your trainer. Helps kill the boredom and it's just like being there! :')

Broke my clavicle on 4/15/06 riding my bike. X rays looked exactly like those pictured, I was out of the sling in the second week (never had a figure 8 brace) and currently have no pain with full range of motion. Sometimes when I pick things up with my arm I have a sharp pain, but nothing else. Still bruised in my chest though :( I feel sorry for this poor guy that was in a figure 8 for 5 weeks! I guess people heal differently.

Eric D./Chad/Hans-
I seem to be in the same boat as you two. I am at 5.5 weeks and was just released from the figure of eight yesterday. The x-rays showed the fibrous bridge holding the bone ends together. However, now that the brace is off I can feel some "play" in the bones. Doc said don't worry, they'll stick. I don't want to put the brace back on (almost 100 degrees here and 3 inches of foam makes it feel like the seventh circle of hell) but I can't figure how the bones will continue to heal if not absolutely still. Doc said kids hang from monkey bars at this point. Thats great and all except I am 35 (wow, when did that happen?). Anyway, I guess my question is did you feel the same thing when coming out of the brace? How strong is the fibrous bridge?

...just another clavicle story. I am writing this with a simple sling on my right arm. Last night I decided I'd try out my 17 year old son's mountain bike for the first time. Followed my older son (a wild man) through an overgrown trail next to a creek. Plowing through some vegetation, I didn't see a small drop-off ahead. Found out how touchy the front disk brakes were. Did a flip forwards over the handle bars and landed on the right shoulder. Landed with a big thunk like meat hitting the locker floor...or an All-Star Wrestler being slammed into the concrete outside the ring. Fortunately the helmet did it's job. Didn't know what hit me. Got up, shook myself off, and continued riding for about another half hour, even though the shoulder was sore. Thought I could just "shake it off". Couldn't sleep last night very well. Sore this morning, so I went to see the Doc. X-ray confirmed a very clean 90 degree brake through the right clavicle. The ends are in place and stable. ...Thinking I might be doing too much risky stuff for an old f*rt, (almost 54). What's worse, I have to get up and practice dentistry in the morning. What gets me is that in the last 12 months I have road biked about 4500 miles without ever falling off my bike. I was on an unfamiliar bike for about 10 minutes and broke something.... bummer....

For Dana (May 17), my fibrous bridge was very stable when I came out of the brace. My doctor was able to push on it without any movement. My AC joint is a different story. It was very loose and that has not changed much at all. If the fibrous bridge has formed, give it time and take extra calcium. You are on the road to recovery.

My 12 yr. old fractured his clavicle last night. Being an athlete like the rest of you, he's devastated. He has a 4-day long course swim meet this weekend and forget tennis camp for the next 5 weeks and scout camp the 1st week of July. I guess he's in for a long boring summer. My question is...does anyone have any sense of when he might be able to get back to swim practice or tennis again and is the fgure 8 brace helpful? The ER doc said they're extremely painful and not that helpful so he sent him home with a sling and pain meds. The ortho can't see him for a week, of course, but the nurse said they don't use it either.

Vicki - Luckily, your son is young and that helps for a quick recovery. As for how soon, well it's not possible for anyone that has not examined your son to give you a time frame. Since your son is very active, especially with swimming and tennis, I would highly recommend you have another doctor evaluate him. One that understands the needs of an athelete. The ER doctor's advice about figure-8 braces was incorrect. I used one and had great success with it. If it is worn incorrectly then it can be uncomfortable. Also, it's really only needed for the initial few weeks when the bones are beginning to fuse back together. It's at that time that it's very important to keep the shoulder aligned and not to move the collar bone.

You will find that opinions on the use of the figure-8 vary widely among doctors. I heard both sides and decided to follow the advice of my doctor and use it. I realized that using it would either help or do nothing but it wouldn't hinder the process. Therefore, since it offered a chance of helping the healing process I went with it.

There are many more comments about using the figure-8 on the site here. Read through a few of the other pages linked back at the top of the page to find them.

Hi
I have just broken my collar bone for the 2nd time and had it plated for the 2nd time. I had complications with the first break that resulted in requiring surgury to plate it back together.
Anyways, I was wondering if anyone who has broken their collar bone now wears a shoulder brace or similar protection when they ride?
Thanks

Hello,
I fractured my left clavicle (middle, maybe slightly proximal break) 3 weeks ago in a MTB race. Some fellow racer friends who have broken c-bones in the past keep telling me how quickly they were back on the bike while my doc tells me to rest, rest, rest. I am very active like the rest of you and have been wondering if the hiking I have been doing on weekends (starting one week after the break) is OK - I have been doing 6-7hr hikes in the mtns of Colorado. IS THIS OK or is it somehow stopping my bone growth. For the most part, it does not hurt to hike, but once or twice a hike I seem to somehow stumble and jar the bone, which does hurt quite a bit. The thing is, I seem to jar the bone doing SOMETHING every day (just living)! I also started on the trainer 1 week after the break and was able to rest both hands on the bars 12 days after the break but had to take another week off due to surgery on my right hand (also from the MTB wreck). I will start on the trainer again tonight. Can anywone tell me if my activity level is stopping my bone from healing ((esp the hiking)?????? Thanks!!!!

Kel - I haven't met anyone that wears shoulder protection for that reason. It would make sense if the collar bone hasn't healed properly. Although I'm not sure there are any braces or pads that would be comfortable to ride with and help if you were to take another fall.

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Jill - Hiking should be fine. But jarring the bone and any activity that causes you to jar or move your collar bone is not good. Movement, escpecially jarring, can set your recovery back. Also, your body is attempting to heal and is using resources to do so. If you deplete your resource because of extreme or intense activites then your body has less resources to devote towards recovery. So I would recommend scaling back a bit and giving your body some rest and time to recover.

Hans and Chad,
Great site. I'm 6 weeks into bike race related clavicle fx just like Chad's X Ray but with no bony callous and I also have had one weeks duration of nerve pain from my left upper arm to wrist. This is intermittent but severe possibly from bracial plexus pressure. Anyone with similar symptoms? Outcome?
Hans, Courtney and Abbie say hello.
Brian Beach,Tioga Velo Club, Owego, NY

Brian - I encountered similar pain for a short time after my break. My ortho indicated if it persisted after a couple of weeks then I would need to follow up with him. Luckily, it soon went away.

(Re: C & A... Small world!)

Hi; Just back from Pismo, Oceano Dunes.
I hit a "kid's figure 8" hidden in the dunes & went over the handle bars 4th gear pinned... Broke my collar bone & x-rays show overlap of about 1 1/2 inch. They gave me a sling @ Grover hospital. I'm 17, Should they have given me a figure 8? Can I just buy one w/out going back to my ortho since our insurance won't pay for second opinion..
Matt Wills, Calimesa CA

Matt, I am in almost the exact position as you. I'm 17 and my break is 17.01mm (3/4") apart and is not looking good. I was recommended by the ortho to wait 5-6 weeks and see how the healing process goes. If it is not healing well, surgery is a scary but realisitic posibility. He however did not recommend a figure 8 brace. But a couple of people (including the emerg doctor who first saw me) said that I should be wearing one. So I went out and picked one up. And despite the immense uncomfortability I'm going to see what happens with it.
*Crossing fingers!*
Caryn, Ontario, Canada

Ask and you shall receive. I came across this site while searching the Internet for medical documentation re: fractured clavicle. Almost two wks ago while road riding I fractured my right clavicle, a few ribs and suffered a concussion. My ortho MD did not put me in a figure 8 brace, he told me to wear a simple brace and to “do nothing with my right arm”. I wanted to find out more about what, if anything, I could do to facilitate a rapid and anatomically correct recovery. Sorry to learn that many others have also suffered as I am. I have found this site inspiring to say the least. Pedalling is my passion and trust that in time, before winter arrives in the northeast, I will be back bicycling. Although I had to cancel my plans for a Century ride in VT to celebrate my 46th birthday I am grateful that my injuries were not worse and that the weeks rains kept me from picking up my brand new bike from the bike shop and my crash was on my old bike, which really did not suffer much damage considering. So I know have a new bike to look forward to and of course typing with two hands.

I have a life fitness cycle that I intend to use in the meantime. Pros and cons on biking indoors during this healing process?

Id rather be biking!

janice - Riding indoors on a trainer is fine as long as you are not placing weight on your shoulder. I started a training program soon after my break (follow the link "Broken Clavicle No More" near the top of this page to see the workout plan). Initially I would ride with my hands off the bars. Over time, as my shoulder healed, I would lean forward and use my good arm for some support. Eventually I was able to lightly rest my other arm on bars.

So don't let your break keep you from excercising. Just train smart and don't do anything that causes pain in your shoulder.

I broke my collar bone exactly 4 weeks yesterday and i feel the doctor i have really couldn't care less about how mine is healing. All he keeps saying is oh 3 more weeks 5 more 10 more. I mean it must not be healing properly. I broke it directly in half and was told that it'll never go back together again because of the position it's in. However surgery is very rare on collar bones and i was told i needed one but they could not perform that procedure because of the lack of blood flow i have in that area. I'm very interested in the athletic program for collar bones because i'm quite the athlete with rugby, soccer, wrestling etc. and need to stay in shape without it affecting my healing process.

Ana - I recommend that you find a good sports oriented physical therapist to help you setup a recovery training plan. It's important to find one that works with atheletes and will understand your needs.

Also, surgery for a broken collar bone isn't rare. It's actually a commonly performed procedure. If you read through the comments here and on the other broken collar bone pages you will see others having surgery. But, surgery has its risks so you should always be sure that's the best option.

Am now in week 10 after breaking clavicle - bones still haven't joined - 2 more weeks and they will decide if they are going to plate it. So very bored now !!

Broke my clavical (shoulder area) exactly 2 weeks ago. Does anyone know how soon after the break should a plan of physical therapy begin? I am a dancer and need to regain full range of motion. My doctor told me to see him in three more weeks, but until then I cannot raise my arm either forward or out to the side.

A friend of mine who is a nurse says I should already be involved in physical therapy for my range of motion. What has been your experience?

Christie - I recommend you speak with a physical therapist about how soon and what therapy to perform. You want to be bery careful not to perform movement that will inhibit your healing. Also, since everyone's injury is unique there is no set time as to when to begin PT.

Loss of range of motion can occur when recovering from a broken collar bone. Performing hanging arm rotations and elbow bends can help reduce that problem. Speak with a qualified physical therapist and that will be your best route towards recovery.

great to read other responses

I broke mine during a lacrosse game two weeks ago. After one week my doctor told me to take the sling off and just use the figure 8. I can already lift my arm until it is about level with my shoulder, but anything further isn't possible.

One thing that concerns me about not having the sling is that I will sometimes forget that there is anything wrong with the arm. I will then start to use it and that will cause some discomfort. Also, with the arm more or less hanging around, my shoulder gets extremely tired. Should I be back in the sling with the brace?

Blake - Ah, I remember my Lacrosse days. Luckily, the worst I had was getting clocked in the helmet by a shot as I crossed the crease. Hit me so hard I spun in place for a bit then came back to the real world. At that point I see guys charging right at me since the ball ricocheted off my helmet, straight up in the air, and then was dropping back down on top of me. Ended up getting clipped and knocked on my butt before I had a chance to react.

But, enough of those memories and back to your question. I recommend that you leave the sling off. I went through what you described. But by having the sling off you will force yourself to begin using your range-of-motion and strengthening your arm and shoulder. Just be extra vigilant not to overdure moving your arm.

Sounds painful. I'm a goalie that uses a fairly small chest pad. I hadn't sinched it up in a while I guess, and it slipped down just enough that my collarbone was exposed. Took a shot that I estimate at about 80 mph right off the left side. Impact of the ball split the bone in two. I kept playing for a bit, as even though it broke, it did not come apart immediately. It just felt like a really bad bruise. I even took one more shot. About a minute later I started to chase a shot that went behind the cage, and the running motion caused the cleavage that was created by the shot to actually snap. That...hurt...bad...

Good news is that it was the championship game of a tournament, and I was able to make it back from the ER with five minutes to go and watch my team win in a tight one.

I took a nice fall off my moped(yes, i'm ashamed) and gave myself a hell of a scare. Wife drove me to er and found a real clean break of clavical, almost thru the skin. The PA in the ER put me on darvocet and a 8 brace. The first night sucks, the broken bone is moving and the figure 8 is about as fun as a punch in the nose. I finally gave in and took a darvocet around 3 am since I was keeping my wife up. Went to ortho today and he basically tightened the figure 8 and told me to have fun doing nothing for the next few weeks. I am 39 and in good shape, How long will this bone wiggle? How long after accident did those of you start to drive a car again? I need to drive for my job. Any ideas on a realistic expectation?

mac - Sorry but there are no easy answers to your questions. Each injury and person's ability to heal is unique. You might get lucky and be healed in 4 weeks. Or you might be 3 month person. There are many factors that influence healing. If you haven't already, look through the comments on each of the collar bone pages I have published. There's others around your age that have commented. That might give you more insight.

Thanks Hans i went to a sports therapist and got an amazing exercise programe as well as PHYSIO which is my life right now i'm beginning to play flag football slowly but that isn't working out too well for me. However my recovery is just golden, well compared to what it was before so thanks for the advice!

I also broke my collar bone in 2 places in a mountain bike spill, the bone is now shortened and displaced by about 3/4 inch, making a Z shape. I am concerned that it will effect my strength and movement, my other sport is kayaking. I have seen 2 doctors but I am getting conflicting advice, one is recomending plating, the other rest and support. I am going to see a third doctor tommorow. I am concerned that if the bone heals in the Z shape that it may lead to joint problems in the future especially with the kayaking.

Hi i am 13 years old. I was play hockey. I was at practice when i got hit into the boards. I fractured my Collar Bone on SEPTEMBER 21, 2006 . When i was at the ER the doctor told me i was out of gym and contact sports for 6 weeks. I have my arm in a sling right now. I went to the Orthoprdic ( THE SAME ER DOCTER ) and he told me that i am out for 3 MONTHS ! He did NO tests to me when i was at the orthopedics,all he had was the same X-Rays.

WHAT SHOULD I BELIEVE ? WHAT IS YOUR GUESS OF ABOUT HOW LONG I AM OUT OF HOCKEY ?

Andy - Conflicting advice is the norm for collar bones. I don't know if your injury will lead to a joint problem. You should specifically ask your doctor about that. I would recommend that you be very clear with your doctor(s) about what your expectations are for healing. Make sure that your doctor understands the type of activity you want to be able to perform and what problems might occur with one treatment vs. the other. Also write down a list of questions for your doctor before you go. It's easy to forget once you are there.

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Nick - It's possible your ortho doc had a chance to better evaluate your x-rays or received advice from another specialist about your injury and recovery time. But, three months does sound like a long time for someone your age. No matter what, now is the most important time for you to work on your recovery. Keep your shoulder immobilized. Use a sling and figure-8 brace. The first two weeks of healing are when your body is working hard to heal. If you move your shoulder or your arm too much then you risk setting back the healing. If all goes well you will begin to feel better in a couple of weeks. If you don't make an effort to let yourself heal then your doc's second estimate of three months might come true.

Is there something eles i can have my arm in to keep it healing ? WHAT WOULD U SAY IT A ESTAMATION ABOUT HOW LONG FOR A 13 YEAR OLD TO HEAL ?

Nick - For broken bones, the younger you are the better and quicker you will heal. Since you are 13 there is a good chance you will heal sooner. But it's not possible to give you a fair answer to how long you will take to heal. Only a doctor that has examined you will be able to give you a fair answer.

I have a Bruse by my left shoulder. It is purple and when i woke up today it is getting green. What does that Mean? Am i healing Fast ?

Nick - The color change is a sign your bruise is going away. That's all it means and is independent of how your collar bone is healing.

I slammed into an opponent during a soccer match a week ago, fracturing my clavicle. I am feeling a lot better now, but of course I am very careful not to stress my shoulder/arm where the break is. As far as exercise, I am doing limited weight exercises that do not involve my upper body, and lots of cardio on using the recumbent bike machine. Hopefully I will be back to soccer in a few weeks, when the next season starts.

Hi, very interesting this. I'm from the UK and 5 weeks ago I broke my right clavicle in two places in a bad fall leaving a fragment in the middle. I'm a bit concerned about my progress even though the hospital has told me there's no need to come back now. They only took 2 x-rays, one on the day of the accident and one two weeks later. They didn't bother x-raying in the 5th week.

In the UK they don't give you a figure of 8 brace, just a sling. I am out of the sling now, but my shoulder is very weak. I don't have any pain in my shoulder, but the clavicle itself still feels funny even though the doctor said that it had united (after pressing the lump quite firmly). I don't "feel" like I can really exercise the shoulder that much due to the wierd feeling in my clavicle.

I may decide to go and get another opinion.

Thanks everyone for sharing experiences.

Graham, like you I am from the UK,and also have a fracture in 2 places, which I did on the 7th September. I you are considering getting a second opinion, which my doctors, in the NHS, offered, find out who the shoulder specialist is and ask for them. I wish that I had got a second opinion earlier in my treatment, I'm seeing the shoulder specialist on Thursday 5th October.
I'm making progress with movement, I can now reach both my arm pits which is also good news for those around me.

Hi Andy

I really think a second opinion would be good although I did actually see two different people when I first broke the bone. The first guy I saw the day after the accident was a really old chap who looked like he was probably a consultant filling in for the normal guy. He basically said go home and do nothing and come back in two weeks. When I went back I saw a different chap who said that the x-ray showed a slight increase in the distance between the ends of the bone, but nothing much else, again go away and come back in three weeks.

Well during week 5 I got rid of the sling and actually felt okay. I wasn't in pain and was able to move the arm gently and my slumped shoulder had returned to normal upright stature. I went for my 5 week checkup and saw the second normal guy again who pressed my bump very firmly and then lifted my arm up to 90° from my body a couple of times. I really was very surprised he was doing this at just 5 weeks! I can't help feeling that these doctors sometimes upset natures work with their aggressive probing. Still, I felt okay immediately afterwards and he told me that I didn't need to come back unless I had problems.

However, at the start of the 6th week (today) I have felt the bones moving (or at least I think that's what it is), not painful, but a definite feeling of motion when I twist my shoulders. I've put my sling back on this evening just to give the shoulder a bit of rest.

I could really do without the possibility of an operation. I've already had three weeks off work and quite frankly my employer really struggles without me. I just want it to be healed... :-(

I find it intresting that no one has mentioned how difficult it is to type with one hand. Anyway, I'm about two and a half weeks out from a break to the middle of my left clavicle. Two things make my experience worth writing about. One, I no longer get along with geese. One decided to take flight 15 feet ahead of me on the bike path and I was doing 18-19 mph. Knocked me off. It happened so fast. X-ray shows a clean break. Orthopedic doc says "how does it feel?" I reply pretty good as long as I hold it like this. He asked me I would be comfortable with that and with a "yes" reply I sent away with no support at all. So far I think everything is okay. I was wondering if anyone else has been sent home with niether a sling nor x-brace?

I broke my R clavical on Sept 30 when I went over the bars of my dirtbike while at a motocross track. I packed up my bike and drove the hour drive home thinking everything was fine. I decided to go to the ER just incase and after 4 hours of waiting the doc walked in, said I broke my collar bone, and walked out. He barely would have the time of day for me. I went back to the hospital on monday as the sling was giving me grief. The head nurse took off the sling and put on the 8 brace. She didn't seem to know to much about them. Does anyone know how tight I should have the brace? Also, should I be wearing the sling as well?

After reading this forum I have decided to try for a second opinion plus request to see the xray so that I know where exactly it is broke.

im 15 and im a golie i fractured my collar bone 4 weeks ago today by screwing around in pe. its happened to me before so i just went to the nurse and they called my dad to pick me up, since he is a doctor he took me to the hospital he was seeing patients at i didnt go to the er i just took x rays and i didnt even see them they said i could go and my dad would see them when he was done working. my dad said it was a clean break and i need a sling so i gotone at the pharmacy. by 3 weeks i had full range of arm motion but a small pain when i lifted it up straight up, i was hoping to be healed by this week but obviously im not, about how much more time should it take me 2 heal because soccer season starts in a week

Anthony - It's an ongoing joke about how most people that break their collar bone will return from the hospital with only a sling and some Tylenol at a cost of several hundred dollars and several hours of time. If you didn't even get a sling then I think you were really shorted! :') And yes it's odd that you didn't even get a sling.

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Tasha - A figure-8 should be snug but not so tight it's cutting off circulation or causing chafing. It's meant to help hold your shoulders steady and aligned while you recover. Wearing a sling in addition helps to take of the stress of the weight of arm on the shoulder. It also helps a bit ro reduce movement which is so important during the first two weeks after a break.

It's important to note that stretching and moving your arm to excercise the joints should be done during the recovery. Not using your joints can lead to problems. If you read through the comments on my various "broken collar bone" pages you will find more information about this.

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david - You are actually healing at a good rate and should feel lucky. Just give it a little more time. It's also not possible to give you answer as to when you will be healed. That can only be done by a qualified doctor that examines you.

I broke my collar bone a bout three years ago and i have had tighnes in the area since, latley i have had pain and crepitus with movement, mostly circumduction etc, does anyone else have these problems?? i have been doing rotator cuff exercises due to thought problems in this area, but not much effect!!

I broke my collar bone on September 21 , 2006. I play hockey. I was going down the ice and i was hit. i broke it near the shoulder ( " hairline fracture " said doctor ). so i have been out for awile. The first time i saw the orthopedic he said it is healing fine ( about 1 week after ) he said stay out of sports for 3 months. I saw him the next time ( 3 weeks later, last Thursday ), he had an x-ray taken. He told me it was connecting and something about something " Sticky ". I said OK, and he told my parents i can't go back out on the ice, because if i fall i might hurt it more. He said if i was an all- star kid then it would be fine going out there but you have to take a RISK of not hurting it.Then he told me around 3 months AGAIN untill i can be in games. Do you think i will be fine going to practice this week, with no contact, or do you think i should wait 3 weeks untill i see the orthopedic.

Karim - I would recommend that you see a physical therapist or an orthopedic doctor. Three years is a long time since the original accident. It's difficult to know what may be causing you problems. It may have been caused by the original accident and you have developed degenerative condition. It would be wise to have it checked out now rather than waiting any longer.

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Nick - Listen to your doctor. He's correct that you don't want to risk injuring it again. That would delay your recovery and may cause more extreme damage. I do think 3 months seems long. I was able to begin bike racing 2 months after my break. But, everyone heals differently. So follow up with your doctor in 3 weeks and listen to what he says. By then it might be good news and he will recommend a quicker return to sports.

I broke my clavicle 4 weeks ago now. The broken ends overlap by about 3cm. The surgeon said that he thought there was a 50-50 chance of the bones healing without intervention. I see him again tomorrow and we are going to discuss alternatives. He has expressed a strong view that if the bones do not heal to leave them broken as opposed to plating them; he expressed the view that I would have a full range of motion and it should not affect its strength. I was somewhat suprised by this but if it works then it saves any risks that surgery entails; I don't care what it looks like as long as it works. has anyone had such advice, or have any views on that advice?

Rob: I had similar advise, but after 8 weeks I had the surgery partly because I didn't want to wait any longer. I think some benefits of surgery is that you get a better aligned collarbone. I also think that whether you try to live with a non-union is a function of your lifestyle. The more active your lifestyle the more you should consider surgery. I had surgery about 8 weeks after breaking my collarbone in a cycling accident. I was 51 yrs. old at the time, and I had a compound overlapping mid-clavicle break. 4 weeks after surgery I was able to start light exercise, and 8 weeks after surgery I was able to exercise with some vigor. 12 weeks after surgery I was back to full exercise with the exception of heavylifting. I concluded a full season of serious recreational cycling(about 2,500 miles), and just had my 1-year post-op visit with my orthopod. My shoulder feels great, and there are no plans to remove the plate. I do have some very minor numbness in the chest area which was a result of cutting through some nerves during surgery. The scar has healed quite well, and I have no limitations. I made the initial mistake of seeing an orthopod who was not a specialist on upper extremities. This led to a frozen shoulder which complicated my recovery, so my advise is to be sure you're getting good medical advise. Good luck.

I have resently fractured my collar bone and i found that when you are in bed prop up pillows around you and try to get up out of bed quite early the earlier the better and get your shoulder moving it will prevent pain has anyone else got any tips about sleep with
a fractured collar

I broke my left collar bone 5 weeks ago in a biking accident (went over the handle-bars, direct impact to the top and front of the shoulder). The break is in the outside third of the bone, towards the shoulder. It still has about a 1/2 inch separation with no evidence of a fibrous bridge beginning to form. My doctor seems pretty casual about it... he just keeps telling me to wait and come back in two weeks for more x-rays. I was given a figure 8 brace at the ER but no sling, and I stopped wearing the figure 8 brace about a week ago (with my doctor's permission) because I had persistent pain and numbness in my arm from the shoulder to wrist, and even some in the hand. The pain seems to be MUCH worse when I wear the figure 8 brace. I saw my chiropractor today to get another opinion, of sorts, and he seemed to think they should have "set" the break within the first few days. Does this sound right to anyone? I'm becoming VERY frustrated because I don't seem to be healing and my regular doctor doesn't seem concerned by this. The Chiro put me on a calcium supplement and Diothermy therapy every day for the next two weeks. Any ideas?

I don't see one to quite compare with my story.
July 15th I was riding MTB with my two sons who are 14 and 16. I am 45 and was a little rusty, but I try not to get to carried away!
We were riding at Wisp resort in Maryland and on the second run down an intermediate trail I got slightly off track in some high grass. No big deal I thought, I'll just ride it out. Well when the slope leveled out I hit something in the grass, Never figured out what! Next thing I know I'm over the bars rolling on the ground try to catch my breath. I knew I hit hard and should lay still till I assessed the damage, but I just couldn't grab any air. So I slowly roll over and manage to squeeze in a breath or two. My sons are there asking if I'm OK, I tell them I think so give me a minute and then I move again. At that point I get the sharpest pain in my right colarbone I've ever felt! "Crap, This hurts, get me a ride I ain't going anywhere". So off one kid goes to get help.
I take my helmet off and it is shattered, Not a good sign as I disscovered later! It took over an hour for them to slap me in a neck brace, tie me to a backboard and haul me off for many Xrays and Ct scans.
The verdict, Fractured C7, T3, T4, T5 Vertabrae! [stable thankfully], Fractured right collarbone. 2 days in the hospital, released with a whole stock of pain killers :] and a miserable Minerva back and neck brace holding my neck and back stationary.
Two weeks later I went in for follow ups, my back and neck look fine. The orthopaedic doc takes a look at the clavicle xrays and says, "You're going to want that pinned, It's a mess"! It was scattered and not even close to being together, wonderfull.
They had to work out special OR procedures to hold my neck immoble during surgery and on August 22 they put a pin through the center of the bone lengthwise. Dr said it would take him about 20 minutes to do it. It took him an hour and 45 minutes! He thought the bone was in 3 pieces when in fact it was in four. He could not get the pieces lined up without doubling the size of the front inscision. It was supposed to be about an inch or so long, in fact it is about three inches long, but he did a nice job sewing it up and the scar is not nearly so wicked looking as the ones I've seen of people who had the plates. I'll take the pin!
I went back at 5 weeks and he sees signs of the fibrous healing, but still some big gaps. I go back at 9 weeks and hopefully it will be at the point the pin can be removed. I've been told to be very carefull as the pin is narrow and will bend. If it bends it is in there for ever! The plan is they leave the end of the pin out at the shoulder end, under the skin, then they take out two retaining screws and pull it out when the bone is healed. I can't wait!
The back brace I wear has been on three months and comes off in 4 days. The following week the pin may be ready. So sometimes this stuff can take a long time to heal.
I would be happy to have only broken my collarbone!
Don't land on your head!!! Always wear the helmet, Please! I'd be sitting in a corner babbling and drooling if I had not been wearing it! Or boxed and planted!

HI there. My 8 year old son broke his collar bone last week in an exhibition hockey game. Got checked by the boards....it was a clean hit. He is very eager to get back on the ice. I've been telling him six weeks. He sees his doctor on Friday. It sounds from all I have read here that it could be much longer....is that right?? He would be crushed if he is out for 3 months. That would only leave him with the last month of hockey.......he would not like that. He is in a figure 8 and a sling.....which the ER doc said he really only needs (the sling) for 24 hours.....but my son feels much better with it on so I've been leaving it on........though at night now he takes it off to watch tv and moves his arm from the elbow down around. Anyway, Im rambling......any input would be appreciated....thanks

Tracy,
I play hockey 2. I am 13 years old & i got hit in practice and " Fracture " collar bone. Near the tip by my shoulder. The orthopedic said i am goin 2 be out for 3 months as of Septermer 21, 2006. I am in about 2 months my hockey season. As of right now i see the doctor on November 1, 2006. Tomorrow i am goin on the ice and just shooting and skating NO HITTING ( can cause serious injury ). I am probley goin to play in my first game on probley in November i will only play about 3 shifts in the game. I would guess he would be out for about 9 weeks.( BUT I AM 13 & I AM NOT AN ORTHOPEDIC ) I am out longer because i broke it near the shoulder.

Meghann - I haven't heard of anyone having their collar bone "set" without surgery. I've had friends with their collar bones broken in two places with the inner piece perpindicular to the two attached ends. Each friend's doc told them they could just leave it to "heal". That's the nature of the collar bone. You can actually get along just fine with your collar bone not healed back together. BUT, it can cause issues with your lifestyle. Someone that is physically active and requires the additional stabilization the collar bone provides should want to be treated more aggressively.

I always recommend getting a second opinion, especially if you are not satisfied with your first doctor's advice. But be sure you are providing your doctor with enough information about your lifestyle and how you use your shoulder.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Mark - Thanks for writing your story and enforcing the advice about wearing a helmet. I've had my share of split helmets and lucky to have been wearing them.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Tracey - Yes, it can take some time to heal. But, it varies greatly with the person, the injury, and how well the person makes an effort to heal. Luckily, the younger the quicker to heal. It's very important though to let the injury heal. As Nick wrote, it's not wise to push it too soon and risk re-injuring (good job Nick!). A 2-3 month recovery may turn into a 6 month recovery by not being careful. Thinking long term when young can be difficult to do.

My 11 year old daughter broke her collarbone four weeks ago. The figure eight and sling are now off, she has no pain, and doctor said she can start "range of motion exercises." But, he didn't give her any, and I've read conflicting info on when to begin what. Any suggestions on good exercises to do between now and the next four weeks (when she's supposed to be cleared to begin sports again)?

Just an update on Reid......he saw Doc today and he said keep figure 8 and sling on for another week for sure. He is sending Reid for x-rays on Thursday morning and we have to see him in his office Thursday afternoon. Sounds to me like he is thinking 6 weeks for sure.....but who knows. Doc said he will not give any guidelines about returning too hockey until he sees what the bone is doing. Doc said we must be sure he is healed or else he could go out on the ice and break it again just by doing a slapshot. Would not want that!!! He said if it broke again it would more than likely require surgery.

I'll keep you updated....
Trace

Jeff - There are some basic physical therapy excercises for recovery after a broken collar bone. But each individual's injury is unique and one excercise might not be right for another's. I recommend a visit to a physical therapist.

Another Reid update. Went to doc yesterday and he was able to take off the sling and the figure 8. He can start hockey practice on the 10th of this month and his first game will be the 25th (which would be exactly 6 weeks). Reid is happy. He said the collarbone is healing very nicely. Kids heal fast. Im just worried about how he will do with the body contact but only time will tell I guess. Thanks to everyone here who gave me some useful information.......
Apparently Reid is proof that the young are very resilient.
Thanks,
Trace

hi i have recently broken my collar bone for the second time in the space of about four months, the docters said i could start to play rugby in november 06 wen i broke it in july or towards the end of july 06 will the bone be weaker and would i be able to caryy on playing rugby once it is healed? thanks

Orph - Once your clavicle fully heals it should be as strong as before the break.

My boyfriends daughter broke her left clavicle about 5 weeks ago then just friday broke her right she is slumped forward and her shoulders seem to not be aligned they didnt put a brace on her like last time because they said it would cause her discomfort but it seems to be healing incorrectly . The nurse at her school is even concerned .her fingers were swollen and dry and there seemed to be no circulation in her arm ....help

Veronica - I highly recommend that you have her see a doctor. It might be better having her get a second opinion from another doctor. The injury may be impairing her circulation and pinching nerves.

Also, wearing a brace such as a figure-8 may cause some discomfort but it will help in the long term. If it helps to allow the broken bone(s) to heal faster and aligned better than it is worth the slight discomfort. Having the figure-8 properly adjusted will also reduce or remove any discomfort. I used one and believe it worked for me.

ahoy.just got my r collar bone fractured 3 days ago on a scooter while practicing for a race.i was shocked to see the xray and demanded to make a surgery asap.doctor said no coz it has the same tenure of recovery and possibly much longer to heal if surgery takes place.put me on a fig 8 brace no arm sling(provided myself when i got home)bills, medications, bye bye doc.
1st day is pain day,but able to sleep on bed(shallow),drive(w one hand),put shorts n shirt(shrt sleeve shirt),take shower on my own.
2nd day, getting the hang of it.learn what position doesnt hurts my shoulder.oh yeah, getting up on bed really needs a lot of practicing to do(i've overcome that)push your good side of the body on the side of the bed then take off in sitting position.whoa!does it hurt?practice.
3RD DAY,i've found out that people really heals differently.it's up to you how to approach the situation or the trauma.traumatic or positive approach.you got medications, Doctor, supplement, also the web for info.what more could u get to heal

Broke my collarbone three weeks ago in a road bike accident. Snapped off the end of the collarbone such that it is 'nonaligned.' Had surgery and a plate inserted immediately. Since then, I am a little better every day. On the trainer 5 days after surgery. Physical therapy the following week. Raked leaves yesterday. Will be riding outside 6 weeks after surgery.

My ortho doc and several folks in his office ride and are sympathetic to my need to get back on the bike. Of the @150/year broken clavicles he sees, only @ one requires surgery. The post-surgery is *very* painful, but at least I don't have to wait and wonder about whether or not I will acheive a union.

Jeff - My eleven year old daughter is now 8 weeks into this. X-ray still shows small line, doctor says she needs to wait two more weeks before she can resume contact sports. This surprised us, since x-ray at ten days in showed it was well aligned and we expected fast healing. Doesn't this seem long for someone her age? Now I'm wondering if the roller coasters she rode in Orlando (small ones, but coasters nonetheless) at 7 weeks in could have reinjured her (although she's had no pain for several weeks and didn't have any pain on coasters).

HELLO ALL,
ON NOV. 28 2006 WHILE RIDING MY MTB I LOCKED-UP MY BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING A DOG AND AS A RESULT I SLAMMED MY RIGHT SHOULDER TO THE GROUND.THIS WAS ON AN OLD RAILROAD BED MADE INTO A TRAIL FOR PUBLIC USE FOR RUNNING WALKING BIKING AS WELL AS HORSEBACK RIDING.THERE IS A LEASH LAW AND THIS DOG WAS RUNNING LOOSE NEEDLESS TO SAY I WAS VERY UPSET,THE DOGS OWNER OFFERED TO CALL 911 BUT I TOLD HER TO JUST LEAVE FOR I WAS VERY ANGRY NOT TO MENTION IN A GREAT DEAL OF PAIN.I GOT UP AND TRIED TO WALK OUT BUT I SOON KNEW I HAD A MAJOR INJURY SAT DOWN AND CALLED 911 AND WAITED FOR THE CREW TO GET ME OUT.TO SUM THIS UP I ENDED UP WITH A BROKEN COLLAR BONE ,4TH RIB BROKE AND A PUNCTERED LUNG.A SURGEON PUT IN A CHEST TUBE AND RELEASED ME TWO DAYS LATER WITH AN APPT. TO SEE AN ORTHO DOC. ON DEC.14.THEY SAID IT WAS ALMOST A COMPOUND FRACTURE.WHAT SHOULD I DO TO CARE FOR MYSELF THEY PUT ME IN A SLING AND JUST SAID TO BE CAREFUL.I TRAIN FOR TRIATHLONS AND ALSO TRAIN IN WINGTSUN KUNGFU AND I WANT TO RECOVER A.S.A.P !!I AM A 43 YEAR OLD FORMER U.S. MARINE AND MUST ADMIT THIS INJURY IS TOUGH TO DEAL WITH!!

Mark - I would recommend reading through the various posts on this page and on the other collar bone pages linked at the top of the article. There's lots of information about what to do to recover.

Quickly though, the best thing to do right after the break is to keep your shoulder immobilized for two weeks. Wearing a figure-8 brace in addition to the sling really helps for this. Movements during the first two weeks can negatively influence the healing.

Oh, and since you indicate being involved in various sports, I would also recommend you get a second opinion from a doctor that understands and recognizes your physical needs once healed. If you require surgery you will be able to have it sooner rather than later.

I broke mt right collarbone while bicycling on Nov 30. Hit a wet, slick spot on a piece of pavement that was banked the wrong way, and landed HARD on my right side, snapping the clavicle in the middle. The two pieces were separated by 2 or 3 cm, but the first two doctors I saw said it would be fine, the ends would find each other eventually and would mend with a bit of a lump in the center. I didn't like that answer, so I found the best shoulder specialist I could on short notice and sent him the xrays -- he said it needs surgery, no question, so two days later he put in a pin. Three weeks out now, it seems to be going well -- so glad I had it pinned up, as before my shoulder was sagging down and I didn't look symmetrical. Now things feel pretty good, and I'm out of the sling, able to dress and shower with no help.

I'll heed the advice here and try not to push things too quickly, but walking seems pretty boring in comparison to biking and tennis. At least it's not spring/summer!

Strange thing about my injury is, the collarbone never really hurt much at all. The road rash and general bruising was much more painful, and I didn't have to take any pain medication for the fracture itself (I took a little for my hip and elbow which were bruised pretty good).

i broke my colar bone about 8 weeks ago and i have no pain from range of motion moving. But the thing is iam a breakdancer and it requires me to put alot of weight on my arm, which is still hurting. I am scheduled to travel to the yukon for the canada winter games around Feb 20 and i need to start training soon. When do you expect i will be able to put my full weight on my 1 arm with no worries? how can i speed this process?

It's not possible to give you an honest value on when you will be fully healed. It varies with each person and depends on many factors. Your doctor is going to be the most reliable for that information.

To help speed your recovery you can focus on letting your shoulder heal. Don't use it or stress it too soon. Listen to your body. Pain is not a good thing. Also, taking supplements such as calcium has been recommended. If you search through the comments on the broken collar bone pages here you will find more information that others have left.

- Hans

YEY for this bonding-broken-bone site, I don't feel so alone now. *s* I'm a cheeky 35 year old biker chick from the UK & was in my mates car 4 weeks ago & we were unfortunately hit by a drunk driver (insert numerous swear words & huge sigh of relief I wasn't on my bike). I broke my left clavicle (& a few ribs for extra measure) & had to have a plate & pins put in my shoulder three days after the crash.

I've been given 3 exercises to do by the surgeon & I see him again on the 15th Jan to find out how things are going. X-rays one week after surgery showed everything inline but with a gap of atleast a cm. Hopefully it'll all heal up ok & the gap will fill up. After reading some of your comments I feel pretty lucky as I have no loss of feeling and have a pretty good range of motion already. I'm dying to go to the gym but am concerned on what's ok to do. Sitting on the stationary bicycle is ok I'm sure. Unfortunately it won't be my Yamaha Fazer 600!
Anyway, healing thoughts going out to you all. Take care x

here is a link to my initial break

note the little piece near the end of the bottom bone

sorry for the bad quality

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/4757/cboneer8.jpg

Hey folks, here's an update on my broken clavicle (Sept. 12, 2006).... So, it seems that some people just DO NOT HEAL. lol At 7 weeks my regular doctor ex-rayed my clavicle and told me it was healing, that he didn't need to see me again unless I had a major problem with it, and to continue to take it easy. Now, I'm no doctor but I saw that x-ray, and to me it looked just like the FIRST x-ray, plus I still had some discomfort and I could tell the bones were still shifting around (my break is widely separated).... so I called a specialist and made my own appointment, regular doctor be damned.

The specialist takes one glance at my x-rays, pokes around at the (still slightly swollen, very tender) break and says "We can't tell anything from these x-rays, you need a CT Scan." Okay, fine... so I have the CT scan and guess what? The specialist actually called me in to look at the CT on the computer, just to make sure I understood there was ABSOLUTELY NO SIGN OF HEALING. This is at 13 weeks, folks.... 13 WEEKS & NO HEALING! Apparently, some peoples bodies just don't produce the "bone callous" that it takes to heal a separated bone like this, and lucky me, I'm one of them! lol So now I have a machine called an OrthoFix Physio Stym.... basically a harnassed unit that emits an electrical pulse/magnetic field, and is supposed to stimulate the bones to regrow. I have to wear it every day for 3 hours, anywhere from 6 weeks to 9 months, but hopefully it will start to cause the bones to heal. I go back to the specialist for re-eval at the 6-week mark, but hopefully I'll still avoid surgery.

Moral of this story.... GET A SECOND OPINION! And not just from another general practitioner. If you have doubts about how you're healing, (and let's face it, you know your body best) don't be afraid to see a specialist and have it evaluated by someone who deals with these things everyday. While you can live with a broken clavicle, and ultimately deal with it not healing, if your lifestyle demands a higher level of strength or activity, you REALLY want to get this taken care of, and there are other alternatives to surgery out there! So, be well and happy healing to all of you.... I'll keep you posted on the machines' progress! :-)

~M

Firstly, love this site! Thank you Hans. Words cannot describe how much better i feel having read these comments.

I've allegedly shattered my clavicle 5 days ago in the terrain park at whistler blackcomb. I say allegedly because I never felt any pain. I've broken many bones over the years through various extreme sports and am very familiar with that distinct feeling, but all i experienced was slight numbness and my common sense telling me to get it checked out.

So i went to the hospital and $700 bought me a jar of tylenol and a sling. I didn't even get to see the xray!! No explanation whatsoever, 6 weeks, see you later.

I just had to emphasize your comment since what you experienced appears to be the norm. Oh, but I would also add the several hours of waiting around in the emergency room.

- H

looking in the mirror, the bones are clearly broken and appear to be overlapping by 20cm. Will they still knit together like this? I have full movement in my shoulder, but i'm keeping it in the sling for now. I can feel it moving and grinding when i walk - no pain, but it does psyche me out a bit.

There's no way to know if your bones will join. Each person's ability to heal is unique. A doc that examines you will give you the best information.

Movement of the shoulder isn't good early in the healing process. If you are feeling the bones moving and grinding then you are hindering the healing. You should do what you can to immobilize your shoulder. A figure-8 brace is great for that purpose. And even though it doesn't hurt you should still take it seriously. Otherwise, living with a non-union or surgery may be your future.

I know i should get a second opinion, but i'm in a resort town in a foreign country. i doubt there is a specialist here i can trust. Thanks for letting me tell my story. Will go buy calcium tablets right away. I almost wish this injury did hurt, so i would take it seriously. At the moment i'll be back up the mountain in 2 weeks (i'll be staying well clear of the jumps though!)

Hi

I came off a mountain bike 5 weeks ago. Had surgery 3 days later. Broke my right collar bone in 3 places, had 7 screws and 3 plates to try and put back in shape. I find the movement to be maybe 50%. I find the nerves around the area are herting. eg over the plates.

Is fish oil and calcium really all that good? I got told if it doesnt get fixed this time it wont get fixed.

what are the pros?cons of having the plates and pscrews removed?

I hit a dog on my road bike on November 26th (nearly 8 weeks ago) and ended up with a compound fracture of my right collarbone. Saw the Ortho doc a few days later, and he recommended that I stay in a sling and let it heal, but was a little concerned about all the sharp points sticking out everywhere (it wasn't a clean fracture by any sense of imagination).

During my follow-up at nearly 4 weeks, he showed me the fiber bridge that had formed, and told me I could lose the sling, and start as much physical activity as I could without it hurting, so I started running and riding the spin bike. I started some stretching exercises the following week, and added light handweights the next week.

I'm slowly getting my wind and legs back, but from the shoulder perspective, things aren't healing nearly as fast as I would prefer. I'm predicting that it will be 12 or more weeks before I have reasonable range of motion and relative freedom from pain. At this point, any stretching motion across my chest is very constricted, and I can still feel the huge lump where the breaks are grating on themselves and other bones/tendons.

I tried a push-up the other day just to see what would happen, and had a lot of pain and could still feel flexing in my shoulder that shouldn't be there. Needless to say, I stopped that in a hurry.

At 47, I was in the best physical condition of my life, so I was hoping my recovery would be quick, but unfortunately that is not the case. As others have mentioned, this injury is no fun at all. I wouldn't wish the pain I've had on anyone!

I broke my collar bone about 5 years ago. Had surgery, and I still have the plate and screws attached to my collar bone.
Last night a puck hit my collar bone/metal plate. It is sore this morning, I still have the same range of motion as before I got hit. It is sore when I move it. There are no bulges, grinding noises etc. Should I be getting this checked out, or should I wait a couple of days?

It might just be sore and bruised from the impact. Keep watch for any changes for the worse, such as bleeding or increased pain. If it doesn't begin to feel better after a few days then follow up with a doctor visit.

I broke my left clavicle in a mtb prang in the Snowy Mountains ten days ago, plus extensive lacerations. Broke my helmet, but no head wounds AT ALL. The collar bone has a complete break, off centre. Action has been to keep it in a cuff and collar sling or similar position, though I often have the sling off. I have found GPs to be laid-back about it - keep it in a sling for 3-6 weeks and let it heal itself. I have wondered why surgery to align the two sides of the bone is not adopted as a norm - it wouldn't seem to be a hard job? What do others think?

I broke my coller bone 3 weeks ago while jibing...I still have a figure 8 sling so my bones heal correctly but i have no pain what so ever...I can rotate my arm (up, down, etc) I can lift a 30 pound weight without pain...people really do heal differently

Lee, I broke my left clavicle 2 months ago, (was hit by a drunk driver). Mine snapped right through the middle & I was told surgery was the best option. I'm not an expert about it, but if you're not happy I'd definately get a second opinion from another doctor. At the end of the day you're the one who's gotta live with how it heals. Good luck x

since my question on 23 Jan, my GP explained that surgery is a good option, BUT they won't normally operate if there is broken skin nearby [eg shoulder laceration, as I had] because of the fear of infection and, when the laceration has healed after a couple of weeks, the bone is already knitting and - why bother? There is also the concern about a major artery lying just under or behind the clavicle. It seems that for most of us, the new situation leaves us with almost 100% mobility as before, so it's not seen as a big issue. Claire, thanks for your reply and I hope yours has worked out really well. x

My husband (age 29) broke his clavicle when he fell off his ATV during ice fishing on Jan 27th. The ER people were nice, but the Ortho sent a nurse to tell us about the break. I like the medical field and detailed information, so I was a bit disappointed not to be shown the x-rays or be told the exact specifics of his break. He has a follow-up appointment with a different ortho this friday so I hope to learn more. anyway, they sent us home with a simple crappy sling. I managed to find a brace that goes around his bicep, his hand, and his abdomen. He says it is helping, but I still am curious about the figure of 8 brace...I read conflicting reports. It just seems like he is in an awful lot of pain despite immobilizing his arm...he can barely get up/move around. It just seems like other people report being a bit more mobile vs completely reduced to laying on the couch...I guess I am just a bit worried that the ortho/nurse didn't tell us enough and that his break is worse than we think.

It's only been a short time after your husband crashed. I wouldn't worry too much. The amount of mobility is very specific to the individual. There can be other injuries involved that limit it. The muscle strain and soreness from my crash limited my mobility more than the break.

The type of brace you purchased I also used. It helped since it kept me from moving my arm and shoulder. I used it in addition to the figure-8. The figure-8 is great since it immobilizes the shoulder and keeps it held back so that there's no slumping. Not moving the shoulder is very important for recovery.

- Hans

oh crap, I meant his right clavicle, not his arm, I don't know why I typed arm. guess I am delirious from all the care he is needing......

I corrected your typo for you. Also, don't forget to take care of yourself. That's also important.

- Hans

I crashed my road bike October 9, 2006. My right clavicle broke in the third nearest the shoulder. (yes, I am right handed) The ends overlap by about 1/2 inch. I was given a figure 8 brace, sling, and pain pills to help me sleep. The Doc said I shouldn't have any real problems as long as I kept it immobile for a few weeks. It was a simple break with a sliver broken out. The brace was nearly impossible to wear because it put pressure right on the end of the piece that was laying on top of the other. The sling tended to pull my shoulder toward my chest. This aggravated the break and pulled my bruised back crooked and out of align. This pain was worse than the impacted rotator cuff, which was really sore. I made slings out of two large hankies. They pulled straight on my neck, didn't pull my shoulder in, and were much more comfortable. It seems the only long term problem I am having is that the overlapping bones healed shorter, and made my shoulder turn in. Now it has to be trained to a new position it hasn't seen in 63 years. I was on a recumbent tricycle after two weeks. I was on a two wheel recumbent after three weeks. In seven weeks, back on my regular bike. I think that the biggest concern should be to keep the shoulder pulled out and back so the ends of the clavicle are just together, not overlapping. My shoulder muscle tension wouldn't allow that. Yes, I healed well enough, but I can tell my old shoulder is still going to take a long time to be normal. The doctor didn't seem the least bit concerned. He was right when he said it would heal up just fine. A friend my same age said his shoulder took three years to adjust. After nearly four months I can do anything I want. It just hurts like hell. Us old folks apparently have problems youngsters don't.

I broke my right collar bone a week and a half ago (Super Bowl Sunday!) while rollerblading. I was on a greenway path and had to swerve to avoid a little kid coming straight at me on a scooter. I bailed out on the grass, but slammed my shoulder into the ground. Apparently that was enough for my 55-year-old bones. Fortunately, no road rash or any other injuries. Initially my orthopedist said I wouldn’t need surgery, but yesterday, after a second X-Ray, he said I would. I’m going in tomorrow to have a plate put in. I was encouraged to read David’s post of Oct 16 above regarding surgery. He and I are of a similar vintage. If I have to have surgery, I’d rather do it early in the process, rather than lose 8 weeks as he did. I hope to have as good a recovery as David seems to have had.

The funny thing is, I’m not in a lot of pain right now. I took a generic form of Vicodin for about 2 days after the accident. But, I’ve watched too many episodes of ‘House’ to want to get hooked on that stuff. I switched to 2-3 Aleve a day for most of last week. Yesterday and today, I’ve been on nothing (except a couple of Tylenol last night), since I can’t have any blood thinners going into the operation. The pain level is only about a 2 out of 10 (it was at least 9 out of 10 the night of the accident). My arm’s been in a sling the whole time. Haven’t had trouble sleeping.

By the way, the ER doctor put me in a figure-8 brace and an arm sling. The next day, the orthopedist said “Well, the first thing we’re gonna do is get you out of that brace. It’s not doing a thing for you.” I’m not sure whether it would have helped, but I was glad to be rid of it, since I couldn’t adjust it without outside help (all of the adjustments were in the middle of my back). I’ve been wearing just the arm sling. I can shower, shave, and get dressed without any help.

I was hopeful going into yesterday’s meeting with the doctor that I wouldn’t need surgery. I’m well aware of the risks of infection and general anesthesia. The lack of pain, the fact that it looked ‘OK’ from the outside, and the fact that I had read that 98% of collar bone breaks don’t require surgeries, had me hopeful. The X-Ray presented a convincing case, though. However, now that I see Chad’s X-Ray above, it didn’t look any worse than that (looking at those pictures, it’s amazing that the bone can heal across that gap). I’ve been going to this orthopedist for 25 years and this is the first time he’s recommended surgery for anything, so he’s not knife happy. I have to assume he thinks this is my best chance for full recovery. He mentioned arthritis as a possibility down the road if I didn’t have surgery.

Anyway, as they say, minor surgery is somebody else’s surgery. Wish me luck. I’ll try to report back to provide another data point as to whether surgery is worth the trouble.

Aside: I had to laugh (in a cringing misery-loves-company kind of way) at austin’s post of Jan 22 above. Jeeze-oh-man, you got hit by a freakin’ hockey puck right on your plate? I can barely stand to think about how much that must have hurt. I assume you’re OK, since I didn’t see any follow up. Maybe that plate provided protection.

Hi, My mom - she is 58 yrs - had a fracture in collar bone last week, and she has difficulty in sleeping - Any ideas on how to sleep so that pain is reduced?

Try using several pillows so that you can form a cradle around her. Some have found propping themselves up sitting style helps to reduce the pain. Use the pillows for this or find a good "easy-chair".

- Hans

I broke my collar bone five years ago after falling off a mountain bike. It never knitted back together although I only recently found out that it was a non-union. I've lived with it quite happily with no decrease in strength or mobility but over the years I noticed my posture was becoming worse, with the shoulder dropping, and I'd get aching towards the end of the working day, driving, and curiously just standing around not doing much (art galleries were particularly painful). Last year I went to see the Doc about it who told me an operation was possible, but not without risks. Two weeks ago I had an operation to plate the bone back together and here I sit. It seems to be getting better day by day and movement is quite free and painless, I can see that my posture is better, and the big bump I had is gone. So fingers crossed it knits back together!
I remember when I broke it the Doctor expressed some concern about a bone fragment on the X-ray and sought advice, although in the end she put me in a figure of eight and a sling. When I got back to Holland, still in some pain, the doctor there threw away the figure of eight, told me there would be a bump, and that was that. So I guess the moral is that you never know if it will knit back together. I would say if it doesn't knit get it plated as soon as possible.

I wonder what effect throwing away the figure-8 had on your original recovery? It's funny how some doctors feel it's not worthwhile and just remove it. I have heard no strong arguments for not using it.

- Hans

Im 14 and I was playing football at school during lunch.....long story short..I got sandwiched by a strong and fat kid... The strong kid was like a truck and the fat kid was a wall. I felt and heard it break az soon as i got hit. I knew i wuznt gonna be playing anything 4 a while. I tried putting my shirt on and all this pain shot to my shoulder. It turns out I broke my right collar bone. I cant do anything 4 about 8 weeks but I'm gonna take a little more time 4 it 2 heal so i dont hurt it during high school football. its barely my first week and it hrts alot but Im just glad that Ill be able 2 ply football again...eventualy. And Im sorry 2 all og u who were less fortunate than me...get better soon

Sam the horse bucked me off in the woods and slam dunked me like an arrow into the ground, creating a hairline fracture in the clavicle. I was given the brace to wear for a few days, then told to switch to a sling. (?) Do hairline fractures heal more quickly? Or slowly? Could there be torn ligaments not yet identified? Sam is fine- he galloped home, leaving me in the woods to painfully trudge home.

Ouch! I bet there were no oats for Sam after that little maneuver. A hairline fracture may heal faster because the bone is still connected. But care should still be taken not to place stress on the collar bone as that might hinder recovery. As the bone is weakened another impact or strain may further break the bone.

It's always possible that there is unidentified ligament damage. If you are concerned about possible damage then I recommend you speak with your doctor and express your concern.

- Hans

An update from the post above. It's now four weeks since I had my collar bone plated. I'm now out of the sling although I get small twinges every now and again, nothing big though. The collar bone now feels quite solid. The dressing came off a week ago and the incision was a neat 20cm long. Dissolvable stitches have made it look very neat. I've got a good range of motion - the Doc was impressed. So much so he said that I didn't need physiotherapy - I'm not sure about this. I get an X-ray in 4 weeks when I'll know if the bone is knitting together. Fingers crossed. :-))

My 17 yr old son broke his right collar bone a week ago. He was running full speed in a baseball drill and was plowed over by another player. He has alot of bruising and swelling. At first look from the specialist he was recommending surgury. Four days after the accident they have put him in a figure 8 and took another x-ray. Our doctor says he leans toward surgury 55% and not doing surgury 45%. He also went to other specialists one of which is the best in our area. Both of the other specialists say not to do surgury just let it heal. He is very active (plays 3rd base and pitches) we want to do what is best for long term continued playing. Any suggestions who to believe. We need to make our decision by tomorrow if we want to do surgery, as they want to fix it on Friday if we decide.

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK IN NASHVILLE. HIT ICE, ROLLED THE TRUCK,TOTALLED,SOMEHOW ENDED UP OUT IN THE ROAD. BLEEDING,IN AND OUT OF IT. AMBULANCE TO VANDERBILT.BROKEN,COMMENUTED FRACTURE. 2 WEEKS LATER ROD PLACED OR SCREWED MY BROKE IN HALF CLAVICLE. ON DEMEROL. DR. THINKS MAYBE 8 WEEKS BACK TO SURGERY TO REMOVE ROD AND SCREWS. ALSO HAD BONE GRAFT TO FILL IN WHERE THE BONE SHATTERED.PAINFUL,YES. HATE TAKING MEDS BUT SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO. I AM A NURSE. MY ADVICE 1.GET GOOD DR. 2. DO WHAT HE ORDERS. NURSES MAKE BAD PATIENTS.3. BE PATIENT AND PRAY THAT GOD WIILL HEAL YOU, AND TAKE IT EASY. IT DOES GET BETTER,SLOWLY. PRAY FOR ME AS I WILL KEEP ALL OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS. HAPPY HEALING. RICHARD

I am a 54 year old male ,slightly overweight!I had a fall from my bike about a year ago,treatment was a brace and painkillers,the doc at the hospital I went to here in Thailand was'nt really interested!so after a year and still feeling movement at the break I went to the government hospital in chiangmai,they recommended a plate and a bone graft,that was two weeks ago now I can feel movement at the plate,is that normal?by the way the care for a foreigner in the state hospital is wonderful,very caring!fantastic staff!but you have to pay!

Another one bites the dust! Ok, my friends all tell me I’m not a kid anymore but at 49 I still feel 29. Well, let’s say I did until I was out riding in the desert on my Honda XR-650R on February 23, a little over two weeks ago. I went over the bars and landed on the back of my head (helmet attached)and my right shoulder. My collar bone was clearly fractured and was sticking up against my skin.

With no insurance I opted to have some friends research a bit before running to the emergency room. General consensus seemed to be there is no real rush or anything that really needed to be done immediately except address the pain and try to keep the bone in place. Well, I downed a lot of Ibuprofen between that Fri. and Tue when I saw the Ortho. A friend loaned me a regular sling and tried to buy me a 8-sling but couldn’t find one anywhere. I had to sleep sitting up, I couldn’t begin to lay down. The bone was moving around a lot and it scared the crap out of me when it would poke up against the skin or pop back in and out of the opposing side of the fracture and I thought I’d pass out from the pain when it did.

On Monday I went to get X-rays at an imaging center. With no insurance, I was extremely nervous about needing surgery. Well, the young lady walked out of the developing room and slid the x-rays up on the light. A little under her breath she said, “crap, that thing is shattered!”. Uhggg! All my hopes were just shattered as well. I asked her if it was really that bad and if she thought I’d need surgery. She looked over her shoulder and said, “Oh I’m sorry, I really can’t comment on the x-rays, you’ll need to talk to your Dr. about them” Oh, thanks!!! So off we go feeling a little bit less optimistic to say the least. Another very long night of trying to sleep sitting up.

Tuesday at 4:30 pm I saw the Dr. The pain was bad, I was crouched over trying to keep the bone in place as I walked into the examination room. The Dr. walks in, throws the x-rays up on the light for 5 seconds and says, ”Oh that doesn’t look too bad” Calls for the nurse to bring in a figure 8, he puts it on me, says don’t take it off for a month and come back then with new X-ray. Then asks, “anything else I can do for you?” Wow, I was so shocked! He didn’t even examine me. Nothing! The visit actually was over in 3-4 minutes and a minute of that he was chit-chatting with my lady friend about her German accent. I was like, Ah… Well could you give me something for the pain? His reply was, “Oh sure, isn’t that what people actually come to Drs. for?” Wow, I was so shocked! I couldn’t believe my ears. He gave me a prescription, and out I went, no instructions on what to do, what not to do, Nothing!

After I had some time to get over the shock, think and do some investigation I called the Drs. office that Thursday with a couple of my most pressing questions. They wanted me to make another appointment to answer a couple questions, but later agreed to have the Dr. call me that afternoon. Well it’s Monday and I haven’t heard a thing. Does anyone know a good Ortho anywhere near Lake Havasu City, Arizona?

Here’s my question:

Will the bone just fuse one day? That boggles me. One day it’s flopping around the next day it’s not? I mean the bone is loose right now (17 days), but I have a lot less pain and when the bone is matched up to where I think it fits together there is no real gap. So do I try to hold it there this early in the game? It usually sticks overnight but always breaks loose after I’m up about 15-30 minutes. I’ve tried staying as still as I can for about 36 hours but I live alone and I just cant stay that still. Gotta eat, drink, and... Is it just to early to grab. I haven’t really heard anyone talk about this.

Anyway, I made myself resourceful on the internet with all this time on my hands. I have found some interesting information that I hope will be helpful to the rest of you.

1) Do not use anti-inflammatory over the counter painkillers for pain from fractured bones There is much research that shows (NSAIDs) impede healing of bones, drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/article/3047/bone-fractures.html

2) If you smoke, quit! Smokers heal up to 60% slower than