Hans Kellner Dot Com

A mighty fine website!

What to Expect From a Broken Clavicle

The following is a funny story sent to me by a rider that broke her collar bone while cycling. She found my site when searching for more information on training and recovery from the break.

Along with the story she mentions “I know it would’ve helped me alot if this information had been available when I was lost in the land of one arm. I have attached my ridiculously long account”. She then adds that I may post the story if I wish.

Well, I think it’s well worth posting. So here it is.

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.

What to Expect From a Broken Clavicle

By Laura Erker

On March 23rd I had the exciting experience of breaking my left clavicle while riding my bike. I thought I’d put together a synopsis of what to expect so that anyone else can read and see what’s in store. If you’re reading this and you have broken you clavicle then get someone to run out to the store and get you some really good calcium. You should take 2000mg of calcium with 6mg of Boron a day! While they’re at it, have them pick you about four books to read and ten movies to go through. Further, a really funny account of the first five days with a broken clavicle can be found on line http://www.kurlancheek.com/clavicle.htm. Also, relax, it’s gonna be a while.

So, what happened? Good question, everyone has their own version of who is to blame and how it all went down. From my vantage point I only know that I was cruising along in a group, riding into a crosswind. Someone had the bright idea to put it in the gutter and everyone started fighting for wheels. Then, I heard some tires hit and “…zzt zzzt zzt crack crack crack”. The bike in front of me came to a screeching halt and as I hit my brakes I went into a skid that had my back wheel hit the back tire in front of me. Next thing I knew I was picking myself up off the ground and getting back on my bike. But, as I rode away I realized that something was very wrong. Not only was my left shoulder ON FIRE with pain but I could feel/hear a clicking there that could only be a broken bone. Deciding that I was not stupid enough to try to ride the remaining 25 miles with a broken bone I attempted to bring myself to a stop and threw my bike in the dirt glad to be rid of that infernal pain machine. The pain was so intense now that fainting was the only possibility. But, I had to wait to lose all consciousness until I could hail down an ambulance, cab, person! I could see a group of cars a mile away down the road at the site of the crash, where I should have stayed. Well, hindsight is always 20/20. I hailed the ambulance like a cab and crawled in just in time to faint. I was then transferred to another ambulance and so began my new adventure into a one-armed existence.

The emergency room was exciting and the staff was very generous. All in all, a three hour affair in the door and out. It ends up I broke the distal third of my collar bone. However, getting a hold of someone to pick me up became a new challenge. I didn’t have my cell phone with me and not knowing any phone numbers I had to go on the internet to get the number of my team director, Chris Evertsen. Chris or an official was able to relate to my husband where I was located and he headed off to get me. After sitting in the emergency entrance for hours, seeing my husband come through the door of the emergency room was one of the happiest moments of my life!

Week 1 (This is movie week)

One quickly learns that it is a two-armed world out there and this will not make your broken clavicled life any easier. But, on with life.

Killing the pain. First, let’s discuss the power of alchohol. Through the ages this fine substance has been used to dull the pain of many a fallen soldier. Seeing myself as such, I broke into the whiskey with wild abandon. Choosing Jack Daniels’ as my personal “fav’ I set out to imbibe. If you dose this correctly you won’t have to pick up your prescription vicadin. Careful to drink a glass of water for each alcoholic drink so you avoid hangovers.

Dressing, this becomes a new adventure. You must keep your hurt shoulder extremely still. This means that the arm attached to it is completely useless. If you are a woman then forget the bra. If you must have a bra get someone you “trust’ to put your most comfortable one on and realize you will be wearing this item for at least two or three days. Unable to work out how to get a t-shirt on I tried my shirts that button up. You soon come to realize that buttons are not an option. Ok, back to regular shirts. I could get large t-shirts on by feeding the sleeve of the bad arm over my useless hand up to my armpit and then carefully pulling it over my head and then putting my functional arm in the other arm hole. Getting the t-shirt off again is usually a two-person project. Forget tying shoelaces or wearing tight pants, they become the enemy.

Sleeping. Most certainly, one must avoid, at all costs, rolling onto the affected shoulder during the first week. This will wake you up in just as much pain as the day you crashed. I found that propping pillows all along the length of my body helped to reduce unwarranted movement. I slept a lot, there wasn’t much else to do. But, this doesn’t really matter, as dressing, eating, and drinking will take about 5 times longer than usual, so I filled my day accordingly.

Book read: Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Movies watched: a lot!
Alcohol consumption: can’t accurately remember :’)

Week 2

Now I was really starting to feel better, less pain in the shoulder and I could use my hand a bit. But my shoulder turned a pallid green. The bruising is disgusting and continued to creep down my torso for another week. But, since I only owned three t-shirts that I could manage to pull over my arm and head I just continued with the same state of affairs. It was about now that I realized I only had one thing to do to entertain myself!go to work. So, off I went arm in sling. I had only two things on my “to do” list each day. These items were usually something that would normally take me about an hour. Not now, I could spend all day working on simple problems. I had to get people to open the freezers for me and handle mice etc! But I got to talk with everyone at work quite a bit :’). I’d be able to work about 6 hours maximum a day before I completely cracked. This is when I learned to value of ibuprofen! One little pill can take a cranky/pained Laura and turn her into a working machine for about 2 more hours, lovely.

Comraderie. It was now that I learned that walking around in a sling attracts a lot of attention. People have to comment. They can’t help it.

“Fall off a bar stool?”
“Boy, broken collar bone, that’s the worst!”

I quickly pointed out that being on fire would probably be worse, but ok it’s nice to know people care.

I also learned that other injured people are most certainly your friend. You have to ask them what they did, and if they have a good left arm then you always ask if you could borrow it, or something corny like this. But, it’s fun.

I also started to get on the bike at the gym around this time. According to one man, I was great inspiration working out with my sling on. Well, I’d surely give up my inspiration status to use my left arm again, buddy! I went home suddenly after some of these visits to the gym because I would try to do too much and BLAM, pain again. Don’t do sit ups.

Doctor visit. It was mid-week that I was able to go and see a doctor. I sat there for about an hour just to get a referral to an orthopedist. Once I got in to see the nurse she looked straight at me (let me remind the reader that I was wearing my left arm in a sling and was covered with a big green bruise that covered my arm and torso)!

“So, what is your problem, today?”
“I have a broken clavicle and need to be referred to an orthopedist”
“Which arm is broken?”
(again, I remind the reader that my left arm was is a sling)
“My left arm”
“Okay, and what are you doing for it?”
I point to the sling, flabbergasted.
“When did it happen?”
“One week ago” I replied.
Surprised, “And you haven’t been in to see a doctor yet?”
“Well, no, I was just starting to feel like I could venture out of my “healing cocoon’.”
“Alright, let’s get you an appointment. Right, so the soonest our orthopedist can see you will be April 22nd.”
“That’s in three weeks! I have a broken bone. Isn’t there something sooner?”
“There isn’t really anything we can do for that, do you have any ibuprofen?”

Eventually I got x-rayed and was told to come back in three weeks.

Book Read: Second Foundation, Isaac Asimov

Week 3

I felt the same as Week 2 but was able to get on the trainer with my sling. I got a workout regimen from Hans Kellner on line. Very nice guy, who broke his clavicle a while back, you can go to !

Hans Kellner Dot Com :: Broken Clavicle No More

The training regimen consists of workouts broken up by Week 1, Week 2, and Week 3. Wow, I thought, this guy was training at week 1. Well, straight onto the trainer then, let’s get to work. Ends up, “Week 1” should be approached more as “the first week he began training after the break”. Holding my entire upper body up on my bike trainer with just my right arm was another challenge I hadn’t anticipated. I pushed through it. Also, it seems it only took Hans three weeks to recover, that’s only as long as his workout regimen was. Excellent, I’ll only be on the trainer for one week! This is great. Again, it ends up the three week training regimen can be repeated ad infinitum until you heal, just a little heads up.

Pit of Despair. This probably only applies to women. I could not shave the injured arm’s pit! This was horrible and I began to refer to this area of my body as the “pit of despair”. This is when you realize the ultimate greatness of the Mach 3 razor. You can literally shave without lifting your arm! Well lift it as much as you can. Good luck girls!

Book read: Swimming Across by Andrew Grove

Week 4

Having contracted some kind of horrible cold (which I affectionately call “the snot blanket”) I was unable to sleep at night or workout. I fell into a depressive mood. Out of desperation I rode my bike on the road for one hour and ended up hurting it again. This is when I completely cracked under the strain of heading out into the world each and every day facing new painful challenges. I was tired of it. I wanted just one day where I didn’t have to struggle to get my clothes on or sleep! I felt that no one could possibly understand the pain I was going through. It was during this time that a friend and coworker died in a tragic car accident. Suddenly I found myself very appreciative of my situation. I was alive, fairly healthy and had people that loved me.

Back to riding, I found that I couldn’t reach the handlebars with my bad arm until the end of Week 4, this may be because I had a distal break, but I don’t know. I just kept focusing on my appointment with the doctor and the x-ray machine. He would certainly tell me that I was completely healed and I could resume my life again. Alas, it was not to be, the x-ray looked the same as the day I broke my arm. Well, I headed back home to cry, pulled myself together, bought a year’s supply of calcium and vowed not to drink any alcohol until I was better and healed! I hear alcohol can reduce your healing abilities. Also, when you break a bone you should take 2000mg of calcium a day with 6mg of Boron.

This was the week that I talked with Dr. Allan Richberg, also a cyclist. He informed me that seeing no healing after four weeks was normal for a 30 year old. This greatly lifted my spirits! He talked with me for a good 30 minutes on what to expect from my injury. He informed me that if you ride in the early healing stages of a broken clavicle you will most probably put a rib into your lung if you crash. This was alarming, why didn’t my doctor tell me this. Thanks Allan!

Book read: Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Doug Adams

Week 5

My arm started to feel a lot better now. I could lift it over my head! Also, I could start driving my car with two hands. This was great! I started really riding the trainer a lot and was able to just get my left hand up to the bars comfortably and put a little weight on it. I did seven hours on the trainer this week, good for me. Whoever thought I’d be riding my trainer so much in So Cal with it sunny and 80F outside!

Book read: Finished Hitch Hiker’s Guide

Week 6

I risked a ride on the road, against the doctor’s orders and found that my arm was ok. Whew!

Book read: Sequel to Hitch Hiker’s guide “Restaurant at the End of the Universe” by Doug Adams

Week 7

Now I am back to riding 3 times a week and really enjoying it. My body sure is tired though.

Book read: Finished Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Doug Adams

Week 8

I have an appointment with the doctor to get x-rayed again. Keep your fingers crossed. I am really looking forward to racing and just glued my ksyriums with the help of the best husband in the world, Jacob Erker.

Book read: Started Ringworld by Larry Niven

More “Broken Collar Bone” Articles

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

May 20, 2004

Cycling, Racing

Clavicle, Collarbone, Cycling, Health

759 responses

Peter Hsu

August 18, 2005

My broken clavicle from 18 days ago has healed very fast, however, the overlap has shortened my shoulder length and the angles of the overlapping bones seem to leave my affected shoulder in a permanent “shrug” compared to my good shoulder, so not only does it look shorter, it looks like it’s higher too.
The two triangular ends of the break overlapped at what looks like the two shorter (furthest apart) ends of the triangles and although I ‘ve been told it was a radial break so that much of the length I though I was losing (the two hypotenuses of the triangles plus the overlap) is less (because parts of what I was considering the triangular ends were really the same piece of bone but I’m seeing the radial half of each end.
Has anyone else had this problem? Is there any good methods to try to elongate my bones at this timeframe (weeks 3-4). I’ve put my figure 8 back on and cranked it super tight even though my doctor says it probably won’t do any good any more. I’ve also made it a point to stretch my shorter shoulder back as often as I can while at my desk job at work.
Has anyone else had similar issues with shortened bones and had any advice to lengthen them? thx.

Reply
conrad

August 16, 2005

7 1/2 weeks after breaking my left clavicle, I completed the
Full Vineman Triathlon (iron distance) in Sonoma county California
this past Saturday, August 13th.
Granted, I pushed the recovery process to the limit, but
nonetheless, shows what can be done.
No one here should lose any faith and hope. Be positive and
focussed and you will heal.

Reply
Mary

August 14, 2005

On August 5, 2005, I was in a motorcycle accident (car pulled out in front of us) and broke my left clavicle along with both knees being ripped open. The best part is that I am left-handed. I can’t do much and I can’t walk very well either. Thanks to everyone that shared their stories here. It is nice to know that I am not alone in my frustration. The depression is killer. I just want my life back. My clavicle broke and came through the skin so I had surgery and was sent home in a sling. It is now the enemy and I greatly despise it. When it is done serving its purpose, I intend on burning it. I go back to the Orthopedic Surgeon in a week and it sounds as though they will put me in a figure eight brace at that time. I’m glad that I found this site, it gave me an idea of what to expect in the coming weeks. I hope everyone recovers quickly w/ little pain and can get back to living their lives.

Reply
Terry

August 14, 2005

I was told the bump on the collar bone is normal. The bump on top of the collar bone poses no health concerns, but a large bump on the bottom of the collar bone may affect some nerves. So if you feel any numbness or tingling in your arm/fingers…get it checked out.

Reply
John

August 14, 2005

On July 17th, my 24th b-day, I joined the elite broken clavical club. I wish I could say that I broke my collar bone by riding a bike, playing football, or something worthy, but that’s not the case. I had a barstool slammed into the back of my head and when I lost my balance and fell to the ground, I used my arm to break the fall, also breaking my collar bone. I’m active duty in the Marine Corps, and lets just say that back in the day..it would have been ok to go back to work all busted up and share bar fight stories, but now, the command really looks down upon alcohol related incidents. So, the night that it happened, I took a trip over to a civilian hospital to get 37 stitches and a sling that was too small. They gave me a few percocets and shot me up with morphine!so the phone call to my command was pretty humorous because I really didn’t have a clue what I was saying due to all the drugs that I was on. I just knew I was trying to get out of work on Monday.

So Tuesday, I took a trip to a Navy medical center to get x-rays. The doc was real cool about the situation and explained to me healing process and how much of a pain in the ass it is to have a broken clavical. He also told me it was probably the 3rd worst break that he’s ever seen and it would probably take me about 12 weeks to recover from this. So there goes everything I was just working hard for!5 days lifting in the gym, 3-8 mile runs in the mornings. The day of incident, I was 5-11 208 pounds and just working on getting stronger. Almost a month later, I’m still 5’11 lol, but dropped down to 195. My diet has been all screwed up, partially because I have been depressed from the situation, but the other part is because it was such a pain in the ass to do dishes for the first week and a half.

The first week was hell. I had my girlfriend cut 3 of my t-shirts off of me because it was too much of a struggle to get out of them. Trying to get in uniform was even worse. And like I mentioned..my diet went to crap. I barely ate for the first 3 days because of the percocets they had me on, which I stopped taking after that because of the drowsiness. I was just so down and out because I kept playing the situation over and over in my head and kept wishing I just walked away instead of mouthing off to about 6 dudes. I was even more mad about not being able to lift or at least run. I hate running, but I was getting cabin fever from all of this crap. And my dog was being a pain in the ass. I dreaded taking him for a walk because he likes to pull. I managed though.

The 2nd week offered a little bit of relief. Now it only took me about 2-3 minutes to put on a shirt and I was back to my diet at least. Still no exercise. I went down to get the collarbone checked out in the middle of the week and also get the stitches taken out. The start of the 2nd week I decided I wasn’t going to wear the sling anymore. I was tired of everyone seeing me with it on in uniform and then having to explain what happened. I hate drawing attention. So I see the doc in the middle of the week without the sling on, and the cuts and bruises on my face were disappearing!a complete 180 from the previous week. The doc was shocked to hear that I wasn’t taking the meds and that I wasn’t wearing the sling. He gave me some motion exercises to follow and said if I felt like I could go on a stationary bike or maybe a short jog, to do so. But, if I felt the slightest bit of pain!not to push it and just wait. So, just jumping up and down in place, I could feel my collarbone couldn’t take the jarring movement of a 2-3 mile jog. So, I just sat out the rest of the week.

Week 3!amazing. I waited until Tuesday of week 3 to attempt a run and to my surprise, I had no pain and full movement in my left arm. It’s amazing what being sidelined for 2 weeks will do to you; from running 8 miles with no problem, to starting over, and running 4 miles and stopping several times on the way. I could feel my bone was starting to mend and I had full mobility with my arm. Oh, I didn’t mention I have been sleeping on my couch so I wouldn’t roll over on my collar bone in the middle of the night.

Week 4- I went to a conference in Atlantic City and noticed when I woke up, I was experiencing bad stiff necks. I could feel slight pain in my collar bone that went to the center of my back. I’m not sure if that was from laying in a bed for the first time and rolling over, or just part of the healing process.

Week 5-This is the start of week 5. Tomorrow, I’m riding back down to the Navy hospital to get more x-rays, see orthopedics and talk to my doc again. The stiff necks went away, but I believe a calcium deposit has formed over the bone and it caused this huge lump to stick out of my collar bone area. I could really give a shit what it looks like!I’m just curious to see if the bone has fully mended and when I can get back to the gym. Well..that is my experience so far. I wish everyone a fast recovery that is dealing with this same experience and any advice that can be shared would be awesome.

Reply
Ruth Wood

August 13, 2005

I just broke my right clavicle 3 days ago in a car accident. I’m wearing a brace and taking white willow bark at night. As much as I dislike the thought of having a funny shaped collar bone for the rest of my life, I opted to not have surgery mostly because of the expense and no health insurance. I ventured online today to find some “support”. Stories of others, how they broke theirs, how they cared for it, how it healed, long-term effects of a clavicle break, etc. This was very entertaining and uplifting, although it hurts to laugh right now, and I will NOT sneeze for another few weeks, believe me. My mother-in-law is an herbalist and I’ve always been keen on natural, alternative stuff. So if anyone is interested, here’s some things to take so your body can heal itself faster and better. I was shocked to read about so many who’s bone wasn’t even beginning to fuse after 4 weeks or so. Maybe it’s common, but that doesn’t seem right to me. A good mutl-mineral, as Laura pointed out, it very important. One very good product that can be taken with the multi-mineral or in large doses on its own is Tissue Mend. Read about it at: http://www.drugfreehelp.com/herbs/formulas/tissue_mend.htm
Buy it at: http://www.eherbsplus.com/search_results.asp?PAGE=3&txtsearchParamTxt=%2A&txtsearchParamType=ALL&txtsearchParamCat=ALL&txtsearchParamMan=4&txtsearchParamVen=ALL&txtDateAddedStart=&txtDateAddedEnd=&txtPriceStart=&txtPriceEnd=&txtSale=
Another thing I am going to begin doing this evening is taking homeopathic remedies. they are listed below.
Latin Name: Ledum Palustre
Common Name: marsh tea, wild rosemary
Description: Used for falls and bruises, puncture wounds, black eyes and other eye injuries, stings, rheumatic pain, sprains and strains, swollen extremeties, or face, or stiff tendons.
Latin Name: Symphytum Officinale
Common Name: comfrey
Description: Used for prickling pains, black eyes, and fractures. This remedy acts on bones, joints, and tendons
Latin Name: Calcarea Fluorica
Common Name: calcium floride, fluorite
Description: Used to increase tissue flexibility and for unwanted bone growths, deficient tooth enamel, back pain, and swollen adenoids. In children, it helps bone development in relation to learning to walk. Pains are often better with motion and heat.
Basically, I’ll be taking the calcarea morning and night for several weeks. Doses will vary depending on who you talk to. I’ve got 30x potency. I’ll desolve 2 tablets of symphytum in a fourth cup of clean water and take a tsp. of it. If I feel less pain or any kind of response, I’ll take the same amt. of ledum 4 hours later and alternate between the two. That’s the instructions I was given. Probably after a few days, I can take it morning and night instead. So there you go. Happy healing.
Oh, and one more thing, Arnica is awesome to take as soon as possible after the injury has occured. You can get take it orally or topically.

Reply
Tabitha

August 13, 2005

Hi All! My husband had his surgery yesterday and he is doing OK, except for the 2 large incision sites they made. And the pain. lol They put in a large screw that runs the length of the bone, with bolts to hold it into place. For anyone with break as bad as his-the surgery turned out to be very necessary. The surgery was supposed to take 90 minutes and actually took 4 hours, because when the surgeon got in there he realized that it was a lot worse than he originally thought. If we had left it alone it never would have healed, and he never would have regained proper use of his arm. I have posted pictures online for his family & friends to look at (and anyone else who wants to) so if you’d like have a look. Feel free to post your pictures if you have any (of your breaks) and let me know what you think!! I’ll be posting pictures more as the healing goes on. Thanks for all your support! This site has been a very valuable asset to me during this time!
Signed, A very relieved wife that this is almost over. 😉
Tabitha
http://groups.msn.com/StevesClavicleFracture/shoebox.msnw

Reply
Hans

August 13, 2005

Ben – It sounds like you are almost to the point of not needing to wear the figure-8. I would recommend wearing it a little longer. Four more days at least. The bones have just fused but the connection isn’t necessarily strong. The figure-8 will help to maintain support and possibly prevent you from tearing the connection.

Reply
Ben

August 13, 2005

Is it a must to wear the figure 8 brace..its now a week adn a half ago since i broke my collarbone…it seems to be healing quite nicely as there is no more pain and i cant feel the bones moving anymore. im able to use my arm without pain and the figure 8 brace doesnt seem to push the shoudler back much further than it already is. so is it a must to wear it?

Reply
Bonnie

August 11, 2005

This is an excellent site. The old saying misery loves company sure applies. I broke my collar bone on July 13 when I passed out during a ride. This is my second one. The first one was broken clean through and hurt much worse than this one. This one is broken two thirds of the way through and is healing quite nicely. It is really important to remember to wear your figure 8 brace, especially if it is broken clear through. Also, if you doctor does not suggest physical therapy, be sure to mention that you would like to go. The doctor waited too long on the first one and I got what they call a “frozen shoulder”. This on top of the broken clavical is just horrible. Good luck to everyone with their battle wounds and thanks to everyone for sharing their stories.

Reply
Joe

August 10, 2005

Chere, I can relate to your concern a bit. I broke my clavicle on June 21st – mt. biking of course. After 3 weeks, the x-rays showed no sign of healing. I went back in for another set of x-rays on August 6th – (6 weeks) and I’m just barely starting to heal. The pics showed a very thin thread of calcification starting to connect the bones. The doc said I can lose the figure 8 and just go with a sling when I’m out and about. I’m probably looking at 14 weeks total before this thing is considerably healed. I’m 50, so this time frame isn’t that unusual. Luckily, I didn’t experience any pain with this break – I’ve broken it 2 other times. The last time I had to have it pinned. The only pain I’ve had from this one was from keeping my shoulder immobilized for so long. With a sling and a figure 8 this might be a concern for you. You really want to avoid shoulder freeze also. One thing the doc showed me, which I think is a good idea, is to use your good arm to move the other one around. Nothing above the shoulder of course. This way you’re not putting much pressure on the injured area. I notice I get some pain in the shoulder when I do this but not in break area. And even that is starting to subside after a few days. I know the pain can suck the life out of you, but I think keeping active as possible is very important, whether it’s just getting out for walk or enduring the stationary bike as long as possible. It not only keeps the blood circulating but really helps to improve your mood. My feeling is not to go for a second opinion yet but wait to see what the next set of x-rays show. If you still not seeing any healing, then see what another orthopedist…maybe one who specializes in sports medicine…has to say. Good luck!

Reply
Joe

August 9, 2005

-Robert:
I was talking to someone Saturday and he had a similar story as yours. He re-injured his clavicle early in his healing. He was told the new growth tissue is still very pliable and would reattach after a couple of days. It did, but again it is different for everyone. Let us know what the doctor says.
-I broke my right clavicle 6-weeks ago. Today I went to my 2nd and final therapy session. When you heal again you need to get with a Physical Therapist to make sure you don’t overdo it again. She has me doing a routine every other day. Two sets of high reps and light weights for lats, deltoids, biceps, triceps, and light chest work. For the immediate future I am to do “no” weightlifting over my head, or pushups, pull-ups, etc! She also showed me some stretching exercises, but nothing over my head.
-When the time is right you also ought to try swimming long, easy, gliding strokes. It has really worked for me. However, make sure you exit the pool at the stairs or steps. It still smarts to attempt pulling myself out from the side.
ShouldersBack:
The worst thing about my recovery was wearing a Clavicle Strap underneath my suit coat. Very uncomfortable. In this forum I read about the ShouldersBack, I ordered one and it was a godsend, much more comfortable at work. In fact, I still sleep with it most nights. Currently I often sleep on my “fractured” side and wake up sore in the morning. It seems if I sleep in a ShouldersBack, there is no stiffness on those nights I roll onto the fractured area. So it must offer some needed support to the injured area.
Good luck with your recovery. After six weeks I am back to “moderate” swimming, biking (but not falling), running and light weights. Even so, the Orthopedic Surgeon wants to see another x-ray in 4 weeks. Last week’s x-ray showed new growth, however, it is a bad break so he wants to continue to monitor it during the healing process.

Reply
Chere

August 9, 2005

Thank you for this website – I just wish I would have looked for it a month ago!! Broke my left clavicle July 3 mountain biking and gracefully threw, errr launched myself over the handlebars. What do they say about balancing your weight? Went to the doctor yesterday (August 8) and there is no growth yet – my day of accident x-ray and yesterdays are identical. Concerned because I am lactose intollerant – only calcium is through vitamins…since the break haven’t been taking as much as you suggested in your story. Didn’t know about this non union thing!! Doc has me going back in 4 weeks – have to wear my figure 8 and my arm sling until then! Still having substantial pain. Is there a light at the end of my tunnel – anyone think a second opinion is in order? What is no fun – haven’t done ANYTHING for one month and at the time of the fall was training for marathon. Got on the stationary bike for 20 minutes one day and alas mixture of boredom and pain set it.

Reply
Hans

August 8, 2005

Dick – It’s possible to have a permanent non-union that causes no problems. I have one now that is held together by a fibroid connection. That’s a connection that uses fibrous tissue. I’ve done several backpacking trips with my shoulder in this state, including a small lump, without any issues. But each person and their break is unique. So you will have to evaluate yourself. I think people say “surgery is a last resort” because it’s considered better to heal using non-invasive techniques. Surgery can cause other complications such as infection and increase the length of recovery. I have not used an electronic bone growth stimulator. A friend used one and said it helped. But he couldn’t say if it really helped or it worked as a placebo.

Reply
Hans

August 8, 2005

peter – No answer for non-drowsy drugs. Also, don’t expect too much improvement after only one week. But be very careful during that week not to move your shoulder. The first week is when the body works the hardest to begin healing. You can hinder that process by doing too much with your shoulder. Good luck with your exam.

Reply
Dick Graybill

August 8, 2005

One thing I forgot to ask in my comments yesterday: What kind of results have people gotten with those electronic bone growth stimulators? My bone Doc has been mumbling about using one on me. Dick

Reply
Dick Graybill

August 7, 2005

I’ll keep the lurid details brief: over the handlebars on May 25. The left clavicle broke in the middle, the ends are overlapping and separated by about 1-2 cm. The gap seems to be widening and is directly proportional to the depth of my depression. Still no union (but then I’m 65). No big problem with mobility or pain. Questions: How bad is permanent non-union? Why is surgery usually called the last resort? Does a permanent lump make it difficult to carry a backpack? Austin (JAH): I’m also from Santa Cruz. Who is your doctor, and is he any good? Hans: Thanks for all the help. Dick

Reply
peter webb

August 7, 2005

i was jumping a fence with a horse yesterday anyway he fell and then i fell and broke my rt. clavicle. i have a written university exam next week and if i dont pass it i’ll have to repeat the year. luckily i write with both hands, but was wondering if anyone knows any good drugs UK that don’t make me drowsy what the hospital gave me is good but making me drowsy/. and how much improved should the fracture be by next wk. – the doc said not to expect any great movements! this has totally upset my study schedeule! any ideas – question mark

Reply
Robert Wegmann

August 6, 2005

Great Site..
Now for proof that there is always somebody that just won’t listen. I’m in week 5 of a collarbone break and was told that I was healing but wasn’t healed. I was to limit myself but start using my arm. Since I felt pretty good I did some weight work that was probably over the edge and felt something move in my shoulder with a good bit of pain. Now when I reach or lean on my right arm I get a really bad pain at the point of the break and figure I’ve re-fractured it again. Does anybody know if this just means another 6 to 8 weeks or will it be even worse/better? I’m back in the sling and the only time I get pain is with unusual moves or lifting. Since I’m sure the Dr. will not be pleasant next week I figured I’d ask you guys what you think.
Thanks
BMX Fool

Reply
kenvin

August 6, 2005

was kinda glad i found tis site as there’s so many of you here who has been thru the same stuffs which resulted in a broken clavicle bone.. i too broke my right collar bone.(into 3 pieces, something like a “Z” shaped) And was told by the doctors here in singapore, that it would heal naturally but it got worst as the gap of the bone grew further apart and the bone looked like it may tear thru my skin anytime soon. had no choice but to have a metal plating plus bone grafting to fix it back. it’s has been 3 weeks since the plating was fixed and does anyone know if there’s any side effects to it in future? it’s like i can feel the plating when i’m touching the once broken clavicle bone. it sure feels weird having a object stuck in your body..

Reply
Hans

August 5, 2005

Tom – Yes, pain is a great indicator of “stop what you are doing”. My doctor and physical therpist have said the same thing. Determining the level of pain is a personal thing. I gauge mine based on levels of discomfort I am familiar with. For example, when lifting weights or hard riding I reach levels that are high but not uncomfortable. If the level moves from strain/soreness to “it hurts” then I stop. That level is usually way below unbearable pain.

Reply
Tom

August 5, 2005

Hi,
My doctor says to use pain as a guide to how much i should move my arm – does anyone know if that means only do pain-free movements, or to only not move if its unbearable pain?! I must have the slowest healing fracture in the world – 13 weeks and counting… But this is a rare situation apparently, so dont let it worry you if you’ve just broken your collar bone! At least i can drive now, and the range of motion is slowly increasing. Good luck!!

Reply
Tabitha

August 4, 2005

I hope thats the case!! Thanks for your support. 🙂
Tabitha

Reply
Hans

August 3, 2005

Tabitha – Sorry to hear that the docs are making you feel that way. But the good news appears to be that the chest pain is only pain and not something worse. I would think that if they recognized the chest pain as something critical they would have done something right then and there. Maybe they are taking it seriously but don’t have good “bed side manners”. From your description of the injuries your husband sustained, I can see how he would be in so much pain. There’s a lot of damage and all those pulls and strains aren’t helping. Maybe a massage might help reduce some pain.
Also, remember to take care of yourself. It doesn’t help either of you get through this if you wear yourself out.

Reply
Tabitha

August 3, 2005

Hans, ARGGGHHH!! I’m so mad. I followed your advice and dragged my hubby straight to the ER. They did NOTHING, didnt follow up on the chest pain AT ALL. Just gave him a shot of pain meds. 🙁 AND, to make matters worse, his ortho surgeon called to reschedule his surgery for Wednesday (10th). Now he has to wait another week for this surgery which was SO NECESSARY. HA. We did get two other opinions though, which were all the same. It drives me BANANAS when someone complains of chest pain and they don’t take them seriously!! ANYHOW, Thanks for the advice. I’m still worried about him though, hopefully its just some strained tendons or something…This whole ordeal is really starting to wear me down. I can’t remember the last time I was so exhausted. (and I’m not the one with the broken bone!!)

Reply
Hans

August 3, 2005

Emily – I don’t have any answers for you regarding the shorter shoulder length or the chance of rebreaking. I would recommend having her get a second (or third) opinion from another ortho doc.
As for the figure-8 being “old guard”, yes that comes up. It’s almost like asking people about a Mac vs. PC computer. You are bound to get many opinions for either one. From my own experience I found it worked really well. Others have commented as to the same. I think there’s been only a few that commented that it didn’t work for them. So, I personally go with the thought that if it doesn’t hurt you and has a chance of helping, then use it.
——
Ben – I don’t know if your double break will take longer to heal. Injuries are unique and each person recovers differently. Have an orthopedic doctor examine the injury. Be sure to let the doctor know that the types of activites you like to do. For example, cycling, swimming, etc.. A doctor may recommend different treatments depending on your needs.
As for surgery, I recommend it only as a last resort. But for some injuries it’s the best solution. Again, get an opinion from a doctor. Get another if you are uncomfortable with the first doctor’s opinion.
Being younger, 18, you will probably heal up fast. That’s the lucky part of having a break when you are younger.

Reply
Ben

August 3, 2005

I broke my left collarbone yesterday riding my mountainbike. The x-ray showed that the bone is broken in two places. Will this take longer to heal? Would an operation be a good idea?
Btw im 18 years old..roughly how long would it take to heal by itself? thanks

Reply
Emily

August 2, 2005

My 14 year old daughter broke her right collarbone July 7 in a fall from a horse. The xray that day showed a complete break just slightly closer to the shoulder than the middle. The inner half of the bone was a full 3cm above the other half. I did not see how this could possibly heal but the er doc and the Children’s Hospital ortho, the next day, both said it should heal ok on it’s own. She was given a sling with a band that wrapped around the body also. Here in Cincinnati, the word is that the figure 8 is old guard. I wonder if she should have had it. Today she had another xray. The bones are now quite close together (not touching) and overlapped by at least 2cm. At each end of the overlap there are signs that new bone is growing. But, the top bone is quite high and the rather pointy end is not covered by much tissue. What are the consequences of having one shoulder so much shorter in length than the other? And how easily could this bump so close to the surface be rebroken? Is this a situation in whick surgery should be considered. Since her normal bone growth is about finished, do you think she should see an adult ortho (oh, you know what I mean!). Any info would be appreciated.

Reply
Tracie

August 2, 2005

Renee – I just passed the 6 week mark – fractured left clavicle in a high impact dirt bike accident- and can offer you a few tips based on my experience. I didn’t have vicodin but percocet – worked amazingly well for me but I only took it for a week as it made me fuzzy. You have to sleep with tons of pillows and you can’t sleep on your side for a loooong time – at least I couldn’t. I still have piles of pillows around me when I sleep. Three days ago I rolled over onto my right side to sleep for the first time – it was sweet. I found that as long as that shoulder was totally supported, there was no pain at the site but now that I’m starting to exercise the left arm I’m getting pain in other places – my neck, my biceps (did some curls this morning in the gym… baby ones and my arm feels ‘stiff’)It’s really hard on you, being immobile for so long – sad old tired muscles that can’t hold your arm up – keeping the clavicle immobilized is one consistent piece of advice you’ll find here – it’s something really important. I am now only wearing my sling when I go out and that seems fine. I broke my other clavicle when I was a kid and didn’t even go to the doctor (Finnish – something called SISU..yeahright) This time around I’m attempting to ‘listen’ to my body and basically that seems to work too – if it hurts, don’t do it.
Going on a driving/camping/Jeeping holiday in a few days and hope to be able to crawl into a tent and carry firewood. Hans has good advice if you have a significant other…
hooooney…
p.s. it works for about 4 weeks – then they get sick of your whining and start to think you’re FAKING IT!

Reply
Renee

August 2, 2005

Hello everyone! I am so glad to have found this site. I am on my 1oth day. I feel pretty much the same as the first day it happened. I do not feel to bad during the day, but the nights are horrible. At night my shoulder area throbs and I can not get comfortable no matter what I sleep on (chair, recliner or bed). I am in a fig 8 splint and a sling. Vicadin seems to do nothing for me. Does anyone out there have any suggestions? Is it ok to sleep on my side with the fractured side up? It still throbs but takes the pressure off the fig. 8 brace for a while. Also, can you tell at all when the bones begin to move back into place? Has anyone tried heating pads to speed up healing? Thank you for any comments in advance. Renee

Reply
cherie

August 1, 2005

Peter,
Your elbow feels more comfortable away from your body because it allows your back muscles to support your arm, which your clavicle cannot do. B6 will help with the inevitable back spasms.
I felt the fig of 8 pressed on the fracture site as well. Under closer scrutiny, I found the ER had fastened it on me updside down. In my quest for comfort, I purchased 3 other fig of 8 braces (plus over night shipping)…waste, they are all uncomfortable, and I found the sling made me hunch over, which could not be good.
I am heralding the shouldersback device so strongly because of how much better I felt. Now that I am almost fully healed I feel I need to inform others who suffered like I did. The fig of 8 certainly was not designed with comfort in mind, it made me think of earlier times when they probably just used a leather strap with cloth wrapped around it. Every other bone gets a friggin cast, and we have to let our broken bones grind at each other until time passes and they find a way to grow back together.
I really feel for all of you who have recently injured yourselves. May the days speed by to your 8 week mark.

Reply
Peter

August 1, 2005

Just broke my clavicle 2 days ago, mt. biking. It seems like I have it good compared to some of you, or Vicodin is just doing wonders for me. I’m using the figure 8 and not the sling. The Sling seems to put undue pressure on the injury, whereas, I feel more natural with my elbow further out away from my body. Does this sound right/ok for proper healing. The figure 8 goes under my arm so the gap it creates as a wedge makes it uncomfortable and unnatural using the sling.

Reply
Hans

August 1, 2005

Cherie – Good information about the ShouldersBack product. Thanks for updating us.

Reply
cherie

August 1, 2005

Hans,
The benefit of the Shouldersback brace is comfort. The fig of 8 provides no back support, and I had terrible back pain wearing it. The Shouldersback has a band that goes around your chest to help your back.
The other benefit is that you can wear it under clothing and not look like the hunchback of Notre Dame AND YOU CAN PUT IT ON AND ADJUST IT BY YOURSELF!!!!
I would have paid 200 (or more) for the brace, knowing how much it helped in relieving my back pain. After wearing the Shouldersback, the fig of 8 seems very archaic in design.
My OT and PT approved it, in fact, my PT placed orders for them.

Reply
Hans

July 31, 2005

David – Someone else posted a positive note about the ShouldersBack brace. I haven’t used one myself. The figure-8 brace I used was very inexpensive (~$20) and worked fine. I don’t see a benefit to the ShouldersBack brace vs. a figure-8 for clavicle healing.

Reply
Hans

July 30, 2005

Tabitha – Chest pain can be caused by many things, not necessarily the broken ribs or clavicle. It shouldn’t be ignored if persistent. Also, there are associated symptoms that, if found, would necessitate a call to 911 or a trip to the emergency room. Here’s a site with more information:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003079.htm
I found the page above through a quick google search:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=chest+pain&btnG=Google+Search

Reply
Tabitha

July 30, 2005

Hi all, me again. Just wondering if any of you have ever experienced any kind of chest pain after your breaks. My husband started having chest pain on the side of his break, and difficulty taking a deep breath. He says its just because it hurts so much, but I’m hoping its not a blood clot etc. I read that thats a possibility after a bone break. According to him its not just a mild pain. He DOES also have a few broken ribs aside from the clavicle, but they are not really in the area as the pain. Also the yellow bruising has started to fade. Any thoughts??

Reply
marisa

July 30, 2005

Thanks to all of my fellow one-handed typists for sharing stories and suggestions! I broke my right clavicle 24 hours ago while bicycling on a bike path during an extended weekend at Lake Michigan. We were about twenty miles into it and heading back to our car and then out to lunch! Instead, five hours in the ER – X-rays, a CAT scan… The ER MD described it as a “bizarre” break – oblique break along the length with two pointy ends Ouch! Almost fainted twicein the ER from the pain but the AC was so cold that I snapped out of it! Now instead of hiking the dunes , flying kites, and more bicycling, I am holed up in our hotel room trying to get myself psyched up for the five-hour ride back home tomorrow.
How did I do it? I hit a curb cut at a bad angle and did an endo! Thank God for helmets and gloves and for the brains to know to wear them. My helmet cracked in two places – I shudder to think had I not been wearing it…
Pillows, sling, and tylenol 3 for now – will see orthopedist first thing after weekend. My husband has been super – taking care of my every need! I am still in the scrubs they sent me home from the hospital in – I sacrifced a brand new riding jersey rather than put my arms over my head.
Funny thing – less than a week ago I flipped my recumbent trike for a nasty bit of road rash on my right forearm that is now trapped in the sling! My husband says he’s going to start calling me Marisa Rasmussen!

Reply
marisa

July 30, 2005

Thanks to all of my fellow one-handed typists for sharing stories and suggestions! I broke my right clavicle 24 hours ago while bicycling on a bike path during an extended weekend at Lake Michigan. We were about twenty miles into it and heading back to our car and then out to lunch! Five hours in the ER – X-rays, a CAT scan… The ER MD described it as a “bizarre” break – oblique break along the length with two pointy ends Ouch! Almost fainted twicein the ER from the pain but the AC was so col that I snapped out of it! Now instead of hiking the dunes , flying kites, and more bicycling, I am holed up in our hotel room trying to get myself psyched up for the five-hour ride back home tomorrow.
How did I do it? I hit a curb cut at a bad angle snd did an endo! Thank God for helmets and gloves and for the brains to know to wear them. My helmet cracked in two places – I shudder to think had I not been wearing it…
Pillows, sling, and tylenol 3 for now – will see orthopedist first thing after weekend. My husband has been super – taking care of my every need! I am still in the scrubs they sent me home from the hospital in – I sacrifced a brand new riding jersey rather than put my arms over my head.
Funny thing – less than a week ago I flipped my recumbent trike for a nasty bit of road rash on my right forearm that is now trapped in the sling! My husband says he’s going to start calling me Marisa Rasmussen!

Reply
David

July 30, 2005

Today I am at the end of my 3rd week, I would agree the first week was the worst. I did nothing but sleep. The second week I was a little more alert and trying to move around. dropped the pain killers, at this point they just were more of a problem in keeping me awake at night. The third week I went back to work doing paper work at my work ( Mechanic Normally } I had to remove my sling it was causing my middle upper back a great deal of pain and with-in two or three hours the pain went away and not more back pain. The back pain was almost worse then the collar bone pain and I had been having it for almost the past week. I still have little use of my left arm and am hoping by doing some arm stretches it will gain even more flexibilty. Here is a web site I found to help give me back some of the flexibility: http://www.racingsmarter.com/collar_bone_fractures.htm I am planing on just doing the motions without the use of the bungie untill my shoulder becomes more stable.You will have to look around since I have only come across this site last night in the middle of the night I have only one more week till I have to go back to my normal duties at work, so stated the doctor’s orders, he gave 4 weeks to be back to doing my job. Hans. I am not ever sure how I came across you web page in the first place now, but I do want to thankyou and all the fine folks who have made feel a bit more normal in the time frame of the healing process. I would also like your imput on what you feel about the back brace posted, I am referring to this web site: http://www.shouldersback.net Once again Thanks!

Reply
Cherie

July 29, 2005

Tomorrow will be 10 weeks from breaking my left clavicle falling from my horse. It was TORTURE for the first 3 weeks, but plenty of pain until my 6th week when I BEGGED my OS to allow me to see a physical therapist for the pain I had in my back, neck and chest. MY PT was able to work miracles.
After my experience, these are my suggestions:
1. Allow your body to heal, there is nothing you can do to make your bone heal faster.
2. Get to a physical therapist as soon as you can, they can help with your pain, range of motion, and most importantly, since they see you often will reassure you that you are healing ok. The clavicle is the only bone that holds your arm to your body, your muscles are making up for the lack of support.
3. THIS IS A MUST!!! GET THE SHOULDERS BACK device at http://www.shouldersback.net WAY more comfortable than the sling or fig of 8, and you might actually use it after you heal!
No more muscle pain now, just an occaisional deep, heavy pain at the break site which I am told is a normal “growing pain”.
Healing and happily riding again!

Reply
Joe

July 29, 2005

Conrad, I’m envious! You’re like the Terrell Owens of broken clavicles!! I broke mine the same day you did. Mine was mt. biking though. Should have listened to that rattlesnake that tried to warn me. I tried getting back into the gym a couple of weeks after the accident to at least get some cardio in. Was doing well until the lung I collapsed started complaining about it. Coughing up blood kinda’ freaked me out, so I’ve had to lay low until we figure out what’s going on with that. Congrats on the fast recovery and hope all goes well with the race. Excellent advice also!

Reply
Conrad

July 28, 2005

On June 27th I posted to the site. Just to re-cap, June 21st bike crash resulting in a left mid clavicle break, slight displacement, and comminuted. Plus severe abrasions on left shoulder and waist and hip and left knee. Plus trochanteric bursitis on the left hip. Thought my season was
over.

This will be encouraging to many. And I am not a kid, but a 45 year-old male.

What has happened is a miracle. Of course I was approaching top form as a long-course triathlete when I went down and my nutrition has been since last November, absolute dead-on, ie. no processed or canned foods, just lots of vegtables and fruit, lean meat and limited amounts of good fats.

Two days after I crashed, started walking, slowly and very short in distance. Every day. By day 5 and 6, walking 5 miles a day. Went and saw the Ortho on day 3 who gave me a figure 8 strap to wear. Starting week 2, put my old Nishiki on a mag trainer. Rode 89 miles on the trainer that week and power-walked 24.8. Including two hard sessions on the computrainer with my girlfriend who is a USAT coach (she was using me!!! as a rabbit). During that week, on day 10, had a follow-up with the ortho. To me the x-ray looked worse than the first taken at the ER. Looked more displaced. I pointed that out and suggested that perhaps the figure 8 was causing further displacement because the pressure point of the strap was right on the outer bone that was beong pushed down. He gave me a sling and swathe to wear. When I got home, took it off because it wasn’t giving me the required support that I felt I needed. So modified the figure 8 by taking a short piece of ace bandage and looping it around the front slings and tying it tight, was able to move the pressure point of the strap off of the break and on to the sternum part that was solid. The surgeon though on that second visit did comment when looking at the x-ray and feeling the bone that it was “amazing”. I asked if that was good or bad. He said very good. My bones
where already as he put it, solid, and not moving as with most. Week 3, the Tour de France. Rode every day on the trainer. 206 miles that week watching the Tour. Greatest Tour I ever saw. In fact, including week 2, rode every day for 14 days. Also power-walked 30.4. Started thinking maybe I can get back into that Ironman distance triathlon August 13th!!!!!

Week 4, was up in the mountains. In two days, power-walked 22 miles between 7400 and 9200 feet. 8 the first day and 14 the second. That 14 took me 3:59:30. About what I would run a marathon in an Ironman. That sunday, did a 4 hour mag trainer ride. Thank God for the Tour.

Week 5 of my rehab, started swimming. Just kick sets and one-arm breast, back and free. Would have started swimming much earlier but couldn’t because of the road rash. Only during this week were all the wounds closed and no longer still draining. On friday of that week, July 22, my third visit with the ortho. 4 1/2 weeks after the crash. Was nervous going in. Kept wondering if I had done too much. I always kept the thought “do not interrupt the healing process” first
and foremost in my mind. But I still had doubts. Well, the x-ray showed that calcification had bridged the gap! Even the untrained eye could see that. He had me then lift my arm which I did. He cleared me for above the shoulder activities with pain as my limiter. Also cleared to go back to work. That week swam 5.1 miles, rode 173, and ran (not walked) 34. The ortho wanted me to come back for another visit. I said no. Only if a complication arises. My bone is now of one and
improving with each day. He did say I could do that Ironman if I wanted, but I have to be very careful since the bone won’t be at full strength until around 12 weeks. The way I have
healed, I would put myself at 10 weeks. Have to be very careful riding. No crashing!!!!!!!

It is week 6. Tuesday was exactly 5 weeks after crashing.

Have swam every day since Monday. Started two arm swimming. Monday, very difficult. Painful. Couldn’t even stretch out my left arm doing breast. Did try some free. Very modified. I swim with a straight right arm recovery and full reach and roll, then start the left arm recovery as I start the right pull. The left entry is right in front of my nose pretty much much and is along for the ride so to speak. I can’t pull with any power. Tuesday a little better. Yesteday did
10×200 freestyle. Not very fast though. On 4 at :3:40. At least I am progressing. Also yesterday rode 70 on my tri bike at 18.3 mph. avg. with 2900 feet of climbing followed by a
t-run of 2 miles at 8:17/mile pace. I can now run with my left arm un-supported (before needed a ace bandage around my neck that I would grab on to for support as needed). Next week is my “test”. Only if I can complete the 3 day test, only then do I re-enter that race. On Monday, run 6, ride 20, run 12, easy swim pm. Tuesday, ride 90 with around 4000 feet climbing followed by a 2 mile easy run, easy pm swim. Wednesday, 1 hour open water swim follwed by a 20 mile ride.
That’s it. There is no taper for me but rather a buid to the race. After the test, it though will be just recovery training the rest of the way. I feel confident now. I won’t have the same game as what I was approaching when I went down. But have been able to hold onto probably 90% of top performance.

I hope this gives someone a little encouragement. Here is what I would suggest the wounded athlete. First, remember that you are still an athlete. Stick with your nutrition plan.
Second, sleep as much as possible. That is when the bones are truly immobilized and are able to heal. Do not lift the arm above the shoulder until cleared to do so. Third, train,
but never to the point of jeopardizing the healing process. Good luck to all,

Conrad

Reply
Steve Mentzer

July 27, 2005

July 27,2005
I also stumbled on this site seeking info on broken collar bones. Mine happen last Saturday(July 23rd). Cycling accident. Left clavicle broken. No surgery required. After x-rays at emergency, was given a sling to wear. Now after visit to Orthopaedic clinic, figure 8 splint was substituted for sling. Was told it promoted better posture which facilitated better healing. Will go back in a week to x-ray affected shoulder. at my age (49) I’m not sure what results I will see. From other comments some people have made I don’t expect dramatic results.
Hope to get back to the gym and at least get on a trainer and keep the legs in shape. BTW sleep has not yet been a problem. Maybe its the vicodan. HA!
Great site and great info.
Steve

Reply
Terry

July 27, 2005

Went to see the doctor this morning about my 2 week old broken collar bone and asked him about the figure 8 brace(I was only wearing the sling)…he mentioned it was an old school method but couldn’t hurt. I wanted to try it so I dropped by an Orthopedic store after work and got fitted. I’m glad I did as the bump on my collar bone greatly diminished once the figure 8 brace was installed. The person at the store said that normal treatment would be wearing both figure 8 brace and a sling. Then after a couple of weeks, the sling comes off and wear just the figure 8…this should help minimize the bump and the droopy shoulder. He went to a clinic given by an Orthopedist who treats NHL hockey players and that’s what they recommended. I guess if its good enough for millionaire professional hockey players, its good enough for me. Only wish I found out about this 2 weeks ago 🙁
Once again – thanks for the great info on this site!

Reply
Joe

July 27, 2005

Tabitha, from my experience, ALWAYS get a second opinion…paticularily if you’re looking at surgery. I’m going to see another Orthopedist in a couple of weeks to see what he has to say. I may even go seek a 3rd if I feel like he’s just giving me the standard answer.

Reply
Rob

July 27, 2005

Wow we got some real experience here. I’m 45 physically active and am in great physical shape even if I say so myself. Over the past few months I’ve been experiencing a kind of ‘clicking’ sensation where my collar bone meets my left shoulder. This happens if I move my shoulder in a particular way. No pain just the occassional ‘niggle’.
I have been ill this week and I’ve got Flu like symptoms where all my joints and muscles are seem to ache (knees, fingers, ribs, hips, back etc) along with a headache. Some parts of my body ache more than others from time to time. Anyway, this shoulder is more sensitive than usual and I feel this ‘clicking’ sensation even more now. I think there is some bone swelling but It’s hard to tell. If I sit quietly enough I can feel a needle like pain in the affected shoulder and it sometimes shoots down my arm. Hard to say exactly because most other places currently ache with shooting pains.
“How did you damage yourself?” I hear you cry. It might have been when I did Jiu Jitsu (martial Arts). I did experience niggling sensation in my shoulder around last year summer. Mind you I felt a lot of niggles in other parts of my body after each training session because it was quite demanding. I did Jiu Jitsu this for a year until I broke my leg during a wrestling match last summer and I haven’t been back since but I’ve been swimming and weight training instead since. Anyway this ‘clicking’ sensation does not stop me from doing my activities, it’s just more noticeable and a bit sore now.
Any suggestions from you guys?

Reply
Tabitha

July 25, 2005

Joe, Thanks a lot! I’ll pass this info on to my husband. I’m wondering whether we should get a second oppinion on the procedure before he goes in for it, just in case another doctor might have a better procedure to use, or at least just for reassurance. He’ll definately need surgery, but I want it to be as risk free as possible! Its really inportant to him to have full, ache-free use of his arm, especially since its the one he writes with! Right now its hanging about 3 inches lower than his left, and his whole body looks crooked! (of course that may also be due to the three broken ribs on the same side!) Anyways, we’ll definately ask about this type of repair! Thanks again.
Tabitha

Reply
Joe

July 25, 2005

I’m on my 3rd broken clavicle. The second time I broke it, over 20 years ago, I had to have it pinned, where they inserted a rod from one end of the bone to the other. Not a pleasant experience but probably necessary for it to heal properly. I was in the hospital for a few days but didn’t experience any complications from surgery and regained full use of the shoulder. Anytime you have surgery you are exposing yourself to certain risks. And if a bone graft is involved, then the risk becomes greater. I think much of the risk factor depends on your present state of health also. You just have to determine if the benefits outweight the risks. Don’t know what is going to happen this time, but I’m definitely starting to look at my surgery options. I did hear about one Orthopedist from Duke University that was using a slightly different procedure involving the use of 1 screw to bring both ends of the bone together without the need for bone grafting – something I’d like to avoid. Here’s a link to the article – http://dukemednews.duke.edu/global/print.php?id=2100. Hope all goes well with your husband’s surgery.

Reply
Tabitha

July 25, 2005

I have a question, I posted a week or so ago about my husband, he’s been told he’ll need surgery, either a rod placed in, or a metal plate. This will take plce on August 3rd, but since then I’ve heard a lot about the “serious risks” of surgery–was wondering what you all thought about this, and/or if any of you had any experience with it??

Reply