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:

759 responses

  1. Serina Avatar
    Serina

    I was researching the net for tips on how to ease a broken collarbone when I stumbbled upon this site… I am now on day 6 of breaking my right collarbone…I wish I could have a funny story on how I broke mine, but mine is a bummer. I was fighting with my ex boyfriend when he shoved me down on the ground. The only thing I can really remember is rolling around on the ground screaming. I got up and as best as I could, hobbled inside to his house so I could lie down. At first, he kept telling me it was just dislocated. After about the 5th or 6th time of him tryin to jerk it back into place, I finally screamed at him that it was broke. After I called my mom and told her that I had fallen over a chair, she told me to go on to the hospital.
    After they x-rayed me and said that it was broken, they put me in a figure eight brace and a sling. The dr. prescribed a pain pill which i can not remember, but the stuff doesnt help and it was only 5mg. And since I am only 17, i can’t resort to alcohol. lol… well I could, but I dont want to. The figure eight brace helps, but I think it is too big. It doesnt really seem like it fits me right. I wear my sling all day,every day. The figure eight brace cuts into my skin and it hurts so bad. It is very uncomfortable for me. My mom is suppose to be calling her dr. to set me up an appointment, but I dont know how well it will go because I havent been really good about keepin my arm/collarbone still. I’m ready for it to be over. The pain is a constent thing which doesnt go away. I know I’m only on day 6 but it feels so much longer. If anybody else has some suggestions, please feel free to help me out. ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Hans Avatar

    Kim – I hope you have had that shoulder checked out by a doctor. You say you know you need to go so just go. Listen to your body, it hurts, you need to have it checked out.
    ———————————————————-
    Duncan – I feel your pain. My first break happened at the start of the last lap of my second criterium that day. I was feeling great and thinking about a top finish.
    Btw – If you want to entertain yourself with cycling videos while you’re injured, check out my helmet cam race videos over in the cycling videos section of the site:
    http://www.hanskellner.com/videos/cycling.html

  3. duncan Avatar
    duncan

    try breaking your collar bone with 300 meters to go after being in a ten man cat 1/2 break for 60 miles. And i am a spinter. I am very disappointed. Sitting at home now watching TV. though I would highly recomend the compex sport muscle stimulator. great muscle work. try riding on trainer 14 days after break.

  4. joe williams Avatar
    joe williams

    i did a quick google search on Laura Erker and she’s the real deal – not a fat, middle-aged biker wanna-be like. ..ahem me. but a real biker.
    her story was great and has helped me while i sit and get fatter waiting for my broken collar bone heal.
    thanks Laura, and the rest of you for sharing.
    jw

  5. kim Avatar
    kim

    hi, i fell over my bassett hound about a month ago. my collar bone on the left side hurts alot when i wear a seatbelt on that side. i know i need to go to the doctor. But could anyone tell me if they think it sounds like a break on a fracture? it hurts just hangin my arm down as well. and it’s size does not match up with the right side. thanx

  6. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Everyone – I only post this to possibly help other people who broke their collarbone and freaking out. From my days/hours/weeks of obsessing over my broken collarbone, I have concluded they are all different and heal different but one thing for sure is it could always be worse. I have a big bump that my wife named “button” and only I hate it. Everyone else says it’s a good battle wound from MX racing. I’m 8 weeks in starting to feel better.
    My 2 cents = Make a decision! if you don’t want the bump, your gonna have a scar and possible surgery complication. don’t go back and forth like me and drive yourself nuts. Don’t stare in the mirror at it for hours – again, will drive you insane.
    Don’t sit around and get a frozen shoulder. You can do small circles with your arm hanging just to keep some movement. At least this way you remember you still have an arm.
    Your mind can play terrible games on you – keep a solid head and optimistic – worrying only takes more years off your life.
    Believe it or not, some people are born without collarbone’s and are fine. Well, if anything, that’s what I have learned in the past 8 weeks. A few more weeks and I’m back surfing and on my dirtbike. Hey, first major broken bone at 33 – I am more then happy to wait until 66 for my 2nd (knock on wood).

  7. Hans Avatar

    Chicha – The questions you ask can’t be answered here. Everyone’s injury is unique. Your doctor or physical therapist needs to give you the answers. The good news is that it’s still early in your recovery.
    ___________________________________________________________
    Skonecki – Shopping cart? Yup, I can imagine. I scraped off a large chunk of skin one time doing a shopping cart downhill race.

  8. Skonecki Avatar
    Skonecki

    i know how bad it hurts. i broke my right collor bone n im typing with y left.i broke mine riding in a shoping kart n im 15 so ya.lol

  9. Chicha Sanders Avatar
    Chicha Sanders

    Wow I didn’t know the collarbone is such a popular bone to break. I broke mine March 5th (the day before I was to start a new job)in a bad car accident. My husband was driving and we rolled over black ice, our car spinned in circles 4 times across all lanes of traffic and finally stopped when the car landed into the wall on my side. The impact was horrible and I thought I broke my body, but it was only my collarbone. I only got a splint, vicodin, and Flexril from the doctor. I did order a figure 8 splint online which made me fell much better, but the pain is still there. This is really crappy because it’s hard to do anything with one arm, then when I try to do something with my right hand I fell the pain all the way up my arm. I have a 9 month and 4 year old and I can’t play with them that much. How long does this pain last? Will I ever go back to normal? How many still drove with one arm? When can I start exercising this arm, and what kind of exercises are recommended for thsi type of injury?

  10. rachael Avatar
    rachael

    hi i broke my collarbone about 12yrs ago. the hospital just let it set in the way it broke..petruding from my chest in such a way that it has become a rather tiresome party trick, where i can fill the gap with Baileys and drink it, from my collarbone with a straw!..much to the amusement of my mates!! Unfortunately, now aged 27 i feel compelled to become a “young lady” where boozing from clavicles is just not the done thing..but joking aside, the way it has set has caused me pain ever since. i cant raise my arm over my head..i cant carry bags of shopping with that arm as it pulls too much and i cant even have people cuddle me that side! my doctor says there is nothing that can be done but ive heard there is an operation where the bone is broken and reset? is this true? and if so what is the procedure called so i could mention it to my not so understanding doctor!! please! from Rachael..Baileys drinking, party trick expert from surrey,England!

  11. Angela cosby Avatar
    Angela cosby

    Angela again.
    I broke my collar bone 2nd of October. No join so I was operated on on the 12th of January, plate and screws and bone taken from my hip. I took the sling off after two days as it just hurt worse with it on. Went back to work after 12 days, I teach small children with special needs so I had to use my shoulder and arm quite a bit to hold children, etc – but I didn’t lift anything too heavy. Yesterday, seven weeks after the op., I had another xray and at last there is bone growth – went out for a three mile run to celebrate and felt great!
    I don’t have full movement back yet as I can’t get my arm properly up my back but my sugeon says if I stretch more and more each day in a couple of weeks I should have full movement and a strong shoulder. He doesn’t advise I take up rugby or kick boxing – but says anything else should be fine!
    My hip, although it hurt more than my shoulder after the op, now feels fine and only a very small scar. My shoulder feels good and I’ve had no problems carrying a small back pack so far. The scar is about 6 cm long and looking good, I’ve been rubbing Bach Flowers Rescue cream on it and the clavicle looks straight and not bumpy. I’ve even got used to being able to feel the plate and screws beneath my skin. My sugeon won’t discuss taking it out for a year – so I’m going to forget about that for a bit. I’m just so glad that after 5 months I can now get on with life – 30 seconds of carelesness caused so much pain! However I feel really good as it did make me have a bit of a rest and I found out what wonderful friends and family I had.

  12. Sandi Avatar
    Sandi

    I broke my collarbone back in 2001.I was crushed shoulder to shoulder into the warehouse door by a forklift(with no driver)Besides that, I broke rib #s 1,3,4,&5 and also a nerve injury.I was in physical therapy 3.5 years.Those people helped me get to the 150 degree range.Then I worked out on my own and all was going good till 5 months later……………I had awful pain in the collarbone and swelling and within 8 days ALL the range was once again gone.At this time Im waiting to see one last doctor(comp say NO MORE after that).I could write a book on this injury,but…………….I will wait to see if any of you reply to me. Sandi

  13. Rhys from Tasmania Avatar
    Rhys from Tasmania

    Hi everyone,
    Looks like I have joined a very diverse and interesting crew. I broke my right clavicle 18 days ago while surfing 2 foot shore breaks at my local beach. I got pitched straight into the sandbar. I couldn’t believe I could do so much damage on such small waves. Unfortunately, the shore break was particularly savage that day. I’ve never known such pain. Luckily you can obtain analgesics with codeine here in Australia so I spent my first week very fogged out. I thoroughly recommend trying to weasel the strongest painkillers you can out of your doctor and use them for the first week at least. I noticed a definite improvement by day 12 and by day 15 have gotten rid of the sling and the last of the painkillers. I don’t know if this is such a good idea but my arm was getting very very cramped all the time. It definitely feels better without the sling now but I worry about stressing the still-healing collarbone. I always thought I would do something like this snowboarding which I only took up five years ago. I have been surfing for 35 years and had yet to have an injury – bugger! I’m going to slowly start to build up my fitness again and hope that by week five or six I can start swimming properly. My main question is, will my collarbone the strong enough to go surfing again after 12 weeks. I have tickets to Bali for May 25 and would hate to just sit on the beach.

  14. J B Avatar
    J B

    It’s amazing what alcohol and a lifted pick up truck can do to your shoulder! Somehow I manager to trip while getting out of an extended cab and fell straight on my right shoulder. I felt like an ass and got up. I felt a burning sensation when I was standing up and when I got up to full height I tried raising my arm and got an extremely sharp pain for my efforts.
    We go to the hospital and I sit and wait for xrays. The idiots have me try to move my arm and take an xray of my chest. They tell me my arm is ok.
    They try to push painkillers down me but I swat them away and they grumble and say I’ll need it. By now it feels like someone has taken a crack pipe from a junkie and stabbed me in the arm with it. My shoulder kills and so does my collar bone.
    The next day I go to work one handed and think about doing some work. Not a lot can be done with one arm. Now I feel bad for those kids that ride the short bus. Keep in mind the car I drive is a 5 speed and in order to drive it I have to either move my right arm up to the shifter and leave it there. Or when I need to shift into reverse or my arm hurts I shift with my left hand. I probaby look like I’m having a seizure to oncoming motorists.
    3 weeks pass, I call my doctor and get an appointment. It starts to feel better, but it burns constantly and when I leave it in a position for to long it locks up. The doctor says I sprained a muscle. I’ve broken my sternum, ribs, ruptered my spleen and dislocated my knee. I know what broken bones feel like so I tell him. He says do exercises they will help.
    Stupidly I listen to him and try the exercises he tells me. First I try to use the towel behind my back to stretch it. My left arm moves all the way behind me, while my right arm just sits there hoping I’ll stop. Nothing works on it.
    I got fed up and demanded a second opinion and a referral to an orthopedic specialist. Finally they agree and get me set up. I get an xray and wait for the specialist to show up. He makes me take my shirt off and while I take it off he is chuckling. Because my arm doesn’t move above my chest I have to twist like a mexican immigrant trying to wiggle under a border fence. While he finds it ammusing I do not.
    He looks again at the xray and says “does this hurt?” “I say “no” He pulls and twists several more times. No real pain. Then he twists my whole arm and pushes down. I think I saw stars when he did that and I heard a snap. He was inches from getting a good solid donkey punch from me. He twists some more and my arm hurts like someone dumped hot coals on it.
    He let’s go and says “I know what you did”..really is that why you stopped trying to rip my arm out of my socket?
    Somehow when I fell I managed to seperate my shoulder and push my clavicle over 1/2″ below of where it should be. He was very surprised I didn’t break it and said he never saw something like that before. My bone is actually riding underneath the top of the “ball” of my shoulder. It hurts every friggin day and I tried ibruprofen with no success. I can also push up and down on my clavicle and make music, kinda like pushing down on a metal bottle top.
    It’s almost the start of drag racing season and hopefully I won’t have to get an operation.
    The other thing that sucks is trying to sleep. I sleep on my stomach all the time. I try sleeping on my back but in my sleep I actually roll over and go into my normal position. So when I wake up my arm feels about as good as it did when it first happened. It’s been over a month now and I’m just finally starting therapy tomorrow. It’s costing me over $100 out of pocket per visit. Hopefully I get a courtesy reach around everytime I sign the check.

  15. Julian Avatar
    Julian

    What an inspiring story! Smashed (literally) my collarbone coming off a snowboard 2 weeks ago. Currently have a plate and 4 screws in my right shoulder. Being 36 I appeciate now I may be in for a slow heal :(. On the upside glad to see I am not the only one who is desperate to restart training and has crawled back to work too soon. Plate due out in 10 weeks – not looking fowards to going back under the knife, as this means having to start from square one in terms of muscle regen – esp as I already have a problem with the same shoulder dislocating! Ho Hum

  16. Greg Peringuey Avatar
    Greg Peringuey

    This site is just amazing! I broke my clavicle 5 days ago by falling off my MTB. Serious pain! I underwent some surgery to implant a titanium plate to align the two broken bones 2 days ago.
    What is incredible for me, is that the 1st post on this site, was made over a year and a half ago! I read this because my wife and I are registered to ride a fantastic cycle race in Cape Town South Africa (see more at http://www.cycletour.co.za) which is magnificent. Problem is it’s in 3 weeks time!
    I realize now, through the comments on these pages, that I will never be ready in time for what would have been my 3rd completion of this particular race, but instead to support my wife who is still going to ride the race, making it her 1st!
    Many many thanks to everyone who has taken the time to post (probably using one hand like me), this has truly been more beneficial than anybody / anything else during my injury time! Oh, and the best part, today is my 30th birthday!

  17. Bill T Avatar
    Bill T

    October 10th, 2005 was when I broke my clavical in a fall off my bicycle. I ended up with Frozen Shoulder. Physical Therapy wasn’t getting anywhere so I did have closed manipulation surgery on Feb.1st. Put me out and broke loose all of the fibroid tissue that wasn’t allowing my shoulder to move. they say you can hear the noise of your muscles tearing loose in the next operating room! Immediatly I looked better. My shoulders leveled out – – I can now get my arm over my head where before I could’t even raise it to shoulder level. I still have some therapy to go through but I am hoping to return to work March 10th if I can get released. That will make it 5 MONTHS! Not near as much pain now. Good luck to the rest of you. PS: Everyone is telling me “at your age” Maybe at 58 it does take longer.

  18. Lyndsey Avatar
    Lyndsey

    Hey, just thought I’d pop in and give you an update ๐Ÿ™‚
    Broke collarbone into several pieces back in April when I fell off my horse. Had surgery 10 days later to fix with plate and screws.
    Had 95% movement back within 8 weeks of surgery and is now around 99%, so as good as it’s going to get.
    When I first had the plate fitted I was told that it wouldn’t need to be removed unless it started hurting or interfering with everyday life – which it has!
    The screws are very prominent under the skin and clothing, straps, etc over it really hurt.
    I have an appointment with the consultant next week, and so hopefully will have it removed.
    Has anyone who has had a plate fitted had it removed afterwards & how was the recovery?

  19. Pete Avatar
    Pete

    Motorcycle Pete checking in again. I go back to the dunes April 1, have my final xray/checkup mid-May and am a little nervous. My shoulder hurts quite a bit, but I think it’s just from the muscles not being utilized like normal. I went back to the gym and eventually overdid it chopping wood a few weeks back, but I feel quite strong now, there’s a huge ball of calcium where the break is, but I have the short end of my clavicle (nearest the breastbone) sticking up. It’s gross and doesn’t feel so hot under motorcycle leathers. Doc says it will gradually go away. Great.

  20. julie Avatar
    julie

    Hi Gary,
    Operation huh? Scary. Well I finally went to the doctor anyway for new x-rays. They said it was broke after all and that it had healed however I tore muscles involved with the rotary cuff as well as separated my shoulder where the clavicle and joint meet. I’m supposed to go to PT to re-gain 100% movement and possibly get an MRI. I found a good site for rotary cuff exercises if anyone else is having problems with muscle atrophy. It is: http://www.webmd.com
    You can follow prompts from that point.
    Good luck getting your movement back and thanks for the advice on exercise ๐Ÿ™‚

  21. Gary (Age 28) Avatar
    Gary (Age 28)

    Hi Julie, I broke my collar bone in Oct and ended up with a non union, so had an op to put a plate in on the 3rd Jan. So I’ve had experience of recovery after breaking it as well as after the op. When I broke it I wore a sling for 6 weeks and it took me a good few weeks to get anything like 360 deg movement even though I had a non union. Now after around 6 weeks after my op I’m still not 100% but getting there quick. The only exercises I have done is to keep moving my arm just to the point it is painful and then stopping. If you keep doing this the movement will increase gradually. One exercise I have found helpful is to lay on a bench, hold your arms above your head and lower slowly like your goin to give someone a big hug…!and use the weight of them to stretch your muscles, as well as the other way over your head. Don’t know about the shoulder popping but don’t lose spirit….you’ll get there.

  22. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    I broke my collar bone December 9th. It is now Febuary 10th. I am 28 year old female. I took a fall in the ice holding my three year old son. I pulled him down toward me while we fell to keep his head from hitting the ice. It hit my collar bone instead. He did not even get a bruise. i went to the local ER that night and I was there for about an hour. They did an x-ray and told me it was not broken and I needed to move it. and I could go back to work waiting tables in 3 days. The next morning I was trying to move it like they told me and I heard a grind and a snap. It started hurting even more. Not having insurance and already having been charged 700 bucks for the ER visit I could not afford another trip to the doctor. I called a nurse at a different hospital and she asked me if there was a bump on my clavicle. I said yes. She said that it was broken and that I having moved it right after breaking it (doctors orders) probably broke it the rest of the way. I wore a sling for about 6 weeks. Surfing the internet I quickly knew that she was right and it was broke. I had every symptom of a break and have not been able to go back to work. I can move it to just a little past my shoulder when it is at my side and it hurts to move in front but I can move it just above my shoulder as long as I bend my elbow a little. Driving hurts and putting on a seat belt is hard. I still can’t really lift my son into a grocery cart. I cannot put my arm straight up over my head. The site of the injury doesn’t hurt as much now but my shoulder hurts bad when I move. I have been reading of frozen shoulder on this site. Does this sound like I may have frozen shoulder? I know I should go to the doctor again (certainly not that one!) I however have not been working and I have no way of getting medical insurance. What exercises are they having people do to regain movement? Can most people rotate their arm 360 after this long? Also does anyone have the problem of their shoulder popping when they lift their arm? This site has been great, thank you.

  23. Carol Avatar
    Carol

    I broke my left clavicle in late Sept. ’05 in a horseback riding accident (as well as scapula and a little bone in my neck called a facet — between vertebra). All fractures were in alignment, so was sent home in sling and neck collar with thoracic extension. 10 days later, in followup exam, my collar bone had become displaced. Surgery was best option for me so my left shoulder wouldn’t be forever hanging down. Plate and screws were used to fixate. Now, four months later, I’ve regained most of my range of motion and am working on strength. Here’s the thing that’s bothering me: My plate was affixed on the underside of the bone, with the screws pointing up (towards my head), except for one. That one bulges out and you can see it under my skin. As well, you can see the plate!!! Doc. says it’s not his fault I’m skinny, and he can remove the plate and screws after a yr. from accident. Every web site I find with pictures of fixation show the plate on TOP of the bone, with screws pointed down, which makes me wonder why my doc. did it the opposite way, and if that’s why plate and screws show under skin. Did this happen to any of you?? I feel like frankenstein. It’s always amusing to show people. Anyway, the good news is that it’s all healing.

  24. denise newman Avatar
    denise newman

    I was still commuting to work by bike into my 7th month of pregnancy, when BAM! i got doored by a kid in his 20’s. i hooked my right arm around his car door and slammed to the street (on a downhill no less) with my left arm. baby was fine after the ambulance ride and ER visit (which were both out of a saturday night live skit, though not really that funny to me). broke my collar bone indeed, very lateral to the shoulder. and sliced my inner elbow open from the door hook which required staples, no fun. one year later now, the clavicle is a non-union. i’m in that small percentage category of lateral breaks, non-union and being female…go figure. couldn’t do surgery then cause i was pregnant, then nursing my wee one. now it’s a year out, i’ve got full mobility, do my yoga no problem, but have to CONSTANTLY modify activities, crack/adjust the shoulder, and can’t hold the babe as long as i’d like to. weighing the pros and cons of surgery at this point is HEAVY on my mind. not sure where to strike out from here, but might follow-up with the suggested doc in Davis, thanks for posting the info. ANY ONE ELSE IN MY SITUATION??

  25. pete Avatar
    pete

    I broke my collarbone back in august 2005 in a nasty crash during a road race. After the usual treatment of using a figure 8 brace, I wasn’t getting the results I’d hoped for. So at 12 weeks my doctor declaired it a non-union and we opted for surgical repair with a plate and screws (using a graft from my hip). Unfortunatley, three weeks after the surgery, my incision on the shoulder wasn’t healing and in fact was verging on infection even though I was maticulous about keeping it clean and dry. My doc then did a second surgery to clean and drain the wound and sew me back up. I then spent 5 days in the hospital getting IV antibiotics as a precautionary measure as cultures were being grown to check for any bacteria. It’s now been 8 days, and I am home, infection free, and feeling a bit better. I’m FINALLY starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I can’t believe it has been almost 6 months since I was ‘healthy’ and strong on the bike. I’m now planning to compete again this year — maybe in some time trial events before I get back to criteriums and road races. Something about the chance of falling again so soon because of something someone else does makes my butt hurt. So, my advice if you have to have surgery is to talk to your doctor to find out (for his/her practice) what the %age of cases is when the incision encounters healing problems and what course of action (preventative or otherwise) is ordered. Also, be sure to set a goal for after you’re healthy again. It’s important to focus on something beyond the injury. I’ve been planning to complete again in May and that has kept me focused for the duration.

  26. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    To David B: Dr. Smith’s diaper ointment is the best for skin rashes.
    I just broke my collar bone on Jan 14th and am currently experiencing the joys of wearing the figure 8 sling, but after using a sling the first couple of days I feel the figure 8 is worth it’s weight in gold. I felt immediate relief after it was put on.
    Now just praying there will be no need for surgery.

  27. David B Avatar
    David B

    Hello again,
    I wrote back in july of last year when I too Had broken my Left Clavicle. It had never joined {non-union) I did have surgery last Thursday and am now going through the same pain I was in 6 months ago. It seems to be doing good other than that my sling that i am expected to wear for like 6 weeks is causing me skin rashes just under my arm pit as well as my forarm. any ideas as how to get rid of the skin rash that it think is due to sweating under the sling would be most appreciated.
    Thanks, David

  28. Bill T Avatar
    Bill T

    Hello Again, This is now begining month 4 for me. Ortho says bones are healing nicely? But FROZEN SHOULDER. I have been going to therapy 2X week and exercises at home for the last 6 weeks and still can’t reach the key to turn on the car with my right hand!! Doc offered cortisone or closed manipulation surgery. My therapist says why would you want to do that. I am still off work — savings going fast! — Said I wouldn’t get back to work any sooner. Anyone have any experience. Scheduled for 2/1/06 for the Hospital. Thanks for the advise in advance. PS — I am a 58 years old and was riding my bicylce home from work when I had to take the ditch to avoid the car that wouldn’t move over. Oct 10th was the day!

  29. Trey Ward Avatar
    Trey Ward

    I broke my right wrist and my right collar bone on Dec 17 2005 when mt atv flipped over at about 60mph. When I went to the ER in Chattanooga TN they took x rays which showed a hairline crack in my right radius and my right clavicle was snapped in half with a 3 cm overlap. They called the ortho Dr and when he spoke with me he suggested the surgery due to the significance of the break. The next day he put a plate with 6 screws in my right clavicle and I was released from the hospital that evening. For the next 2 weeks the pain in my neck was unbearable. Now 5 weeks after the surgery I will be getting my cast off next week formy wrist and have my shoudler re xrayed. 4 weeks after surgery the dr had me start using my shoulder again. I have not picked up anything heavy but I can use it like before,with just some restriction from where the incision was. He said that he would leave the hardware in me unless it bothered me badly or the screws statring backing out. I am a paid FIrefighter and need full use and strength of my shoulder and I will reccomend if you break your clavicle in half the surgery is the way to go. He said the hardware can be taken out under local anasthesia and be back to work in about a week. Dr Spinalty in Chattanooga TN did a great job!

  30. angela cosby Avatar
    angela cosby

    I eventually had my surgery on Thursday 12th of Jan.- after breaking my collar bone on October 2nd – there was just non union it wasnt a bad break I think I was just unlucky. I really agree with Hans I am sure my surgeon wanted something interesting to do because I was told several times by the other docs I saw in hospital that sholder surgery was very unusual. Second opinions are not easy to come by in England – if I’d been able to go privately I’d have seen the same surgeon. However here I am now 4 days after surgery typing with two hands and my shoulder feels okay – my hip however where they had to take a bone graft feels really sore. I ‘think’ at the moment I’m glad its all over and I ‘think’ I have done the right thing. I run a series of cross country races for primary school children and I thought I would have to cancel this Saturdays one – but I will be there! Cant wait until I can start running again.

  31. David Avatar
    David

    Nigel: I don’t think collarbone surgeries are as rare as you think. I think most orthopods who specialize in the upper body should have experience with such a surgery. Now, whether surgery is the right option for you is another story. Surgery was ultimately the right option for me. See my earlier postings of Oct. 24, Nov. 22 and Jan. 3. Good luck.

  32. Nigel Avatar
    Nigel

    I just broke my collarbone and have joined the club. You can see a picture of my X-RAY here: http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4070/921/640/IMG_9246.jpg
    Conventional treatment is to do nothing and simply put it in a figure 8 strap or a brace. I would love to simply trust in this advice, but when a clavicle break is so bad–I feel as though more can be done such as aligning it or pinning the bone together with a screw or plate. In my research I’ve only found one specialist for collarbone surgeries. His name is Carl Bassamania, has anyone had any experience with him? Any advice from you experienced collarbone breakers is welcome. I broke mine 3 weeks ago, so it is somewhat fresh. While I already have the ability to move my arm above my head-I still see awful discoloration and bruising around my chest region, upper torso, arm, and shoulder region. I am currently using a figure of 8 strap in conjunction with a conventional sling. I wear them daily, and to sleep. From a nutritional perspective I’m drinking tons of skim milk, and using glucosamine as a supllement.
    Thanks,
    Nigel

  33. Hans Avatar

    Angela – It really sounds like your doc is narrow minded and focused on surgery. Might be that your doc simply wants something interesting to do. As for the comment about bone stimulators not working, well that contradicts all that I have read and heard from people.
    I don’t know if you got a second opinion, but that’s always and I mean *always* recommended. Don’t trust one doctor’s opinion if they want to cut into you.
    Your comment “I’m also told women of 48 don’t heal well either” is not quite right. Research indicates that women tend to heal slower than men. Also, the older a person is (man or woman), the longer the healing process. That’s why kids that break their clavicles normally get a sling and in a week are back to normal. Oh, and docs sometimes treat adults the same as kids which is so very wrong!
    But, back to your comment about not healing well. It’s possible for older women to heal well. There are just more complications involved.
    Good luck on your healing. Please give us feedback on how things work out.

  34. Angela Cosby Avatar
    Angela Cosby

    Broke my collar bone October 2nd trail running, just landed on my shoulder and it snapped, not another mark on my body, I should have tried to land on more parts of my body and cusioned the blow a bit.
    Thanks for this site it has kept me going, especially duing the really painfiul start! I wish I hadn’t read the last posting though as I go in for surgery today! My surgeon eventually convinced me to have it pinned and plated with a bone graft from my hip as the x-ray shows a non union. I asked about bone stimulators – he said they didnt work, I asked about waiting he said if it hadnt mended by now it never would. Maybe I should have pursuaded him to wait and left it longer, especially as I now have good movement and am back out running, but he seemed very keen to operate. Ah well I am sure it will be worth it in the long run when I have a good strong shoulder and can get back to normal life, sleep on my side again – its cerainly affected my back-, get dressed without pain, wear a pull on sports bra, reach things off the back seat of the car, get the Christmas turkey out of the oven without dropping it.
    I did go into hospital yesterday for the op and got sent home as no-one had ordered my ‘parts’ – so I hope it happens today as I am fed up of being scared!
    I have not had to pay for any of my treatement as I live in England – but the system has been dreadful – each day I have had to phone several times in order to see if I have a bed for the next day.
    I am sure my non union is in part due to getting active too soon, something quite hard not to do when you have three kids, teach in a primary school and are quite active. I’m also told women of 48 don’t heal well either.
    So my advice is to try and keep as still as possible for 2 weeks and just try and catch up on sleep. Will let you know how I get on – it may not even happen again!

  35. Joe Avatar
    Joe

    I’m 51 and broke my clavicle back in June (Mt. bike). When the doc first mentioned it might take 3 months before I knew if it was going to heal properly or not, I remember saying, “you’ve GOT to be kidding! You want me to wait 3 months before we decide whether surgery is necessary?!!” I was thinking…why chance it and waste all that time? Lets just do the surgery now. I had broken this clavicle in the same place before and had it pinned, so the concern was I would get a non or partial union. But the idea of having to do a bone graft made me a bit more patient. After 3 months, the x-rays weren’t very promising…they didn’t look much different than x-rays taken 6 weeks previously….and the doc hesistantly brought up the surgery option. But he was really pushing for giving it more time. We decided to wait another 6 weeks and schedule a CAT scan at that time. I wasn’t very optimistic, but I waited this long so why not? I’d been hitting the gym regularly since the break happened, and my strength was slowly coming back, but not like I had hoped. A couple of weeks before going back to have the CAT scan done, I noticed my shoulder was feeling a lot stronger. A good sign, but I was still preparing for the worse on my next appointment. Luckily, the CAT scan showed significantly healing. Apparently, most of the healing was taking place on the bottom and interior parts of the break and regular x-rays weren’t picking this up. I don’t have the traditional bump in the break area, so I suspect I might get not get to 100%, but if I get to 90% or 95% healed, I’ll be happy with that. Now that I know it’s healing, I’ve bumped up my weight training, and I’m almost back to where I was strength-wise prior to the break. So, my recommendation to those who find themselves in wait-n-see mode…hang in there. As mentioned previously, clavicles can be slow to heal at times. If you have doubts about how your healing is coming, see if your physician will schedule you for a CAT scan. It’s a true indication of how the healing process is coming along.

  36. jim raffa Avatar
    jim raffa

    On december 18, 2005 i joined the broken clavical club.I instruct snowboarding at a nice little ski & snowboard center in upstate ny called SWAIN. I was in between lessons so i took a couple of runs taking it easy just switching back and forth between regular and switch when BAM!! I went down so fast i didn`t know what happened except for the snap crackel & pop.For whatever reason i must have caught a edge or a rut going down hard on my left shoulder. X ray confirmed a break.After a few days of the normal aches and pains things seemed to be much better.I stopped taking the vicadin & ibuprofen. I able to have pretty good motion in my arm. It ached a little every now and then.Walking my dogs for a 1/2 hr it would have that fatigued muscle ache a little. Day 18 i went for a 2nd X ray thinking man another week or so i`ll be back riding the way i feel! NOT!! Theres this big ol space between the bone. A completely different position then the first X ray. HOW could i feel this good and it looks worse then the first time. The doctor they assigned to me is from Istanbul, i can hardly understand what he`s saying.he`s telling me not to worry it`ll heal.You don`t need surgury. I told him i`m 58 years old at this rate i might not live long enough for it to heal !!
    I cannot believe with all the modern technoligy there isn`t a way to arthoscopicly incert a screw with a threaded end into the end of each bone so they can be brought closer together and kept better aligned till the healing can start.
    From all these articles i read its easy to see were all athletic and healthy, every break is different so the healing time will vary but it seems like this type of injury takes the longest time.
    Does anyone know if a lacross type shoulder pad would prevent this type of injury from happening ?
    I thank all those who posted notes here. I learned a lot. Everyone get well soon. jim raffa

  37. Peggy Avatar
    Peggy

    Glad to have found this forum!!! I broke my left collar bone, distal 1/3rd, three nights ago. I was trying to learn how to play tennis and drove my left shoulder into the court after missing a backhand. I suspected the break and went to a local ER. After Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, sometimes doctors are hard to find so I painfully drove to another ER that could help. After confirming the break, they gave me what I think is a figure-8 brace. Although the brace gives me support, I can’t reach the adjustments in the back easily. Are there different models of this brace that an individual can adjust without help? Am I supposed to take it off or leave it on? (I re-injured myself trying to get it off.) I received a sling from the doctor 2-days later but it is too big and doesn’t give enough support, so I am only wearing the brace. I was told to come back in 6-weeks. I appreciate all the information at this forum. I know it isn’t a substitute for medical care, but it seems more complete than anything I have received from the medical community except for the X-rays.

  38. Diane Avatar
    Diane

    This Thanksgiving I was the wishbone and I won and I lost. I’m 50 and this is my 6th week of recovering from my fall off my moped while goin’ around a curve (rassin’ frassin’ gravel) which landed me in the ditch, shoulder first. My clavicle is broken at about the mid-way point. I saw my initial xrays and when compared to the ones at my 6-week visit yesterday, they look pretty similar (to my untrained eye). My break’s gap looks like a canyon to me, but the important part is that the docs said that sometimes the healing doesn’t show up on these earlier xrays.
    I’m so grateful to see your stories, especially those of you who are in your 50’s and older. What I’m gathering is that it’s best for me to be patient and see how my next/3 month visit goes. Thanks for giving me that information. I feel so much better than yesterday when I thought for sure I was facing surgery in a couple months.
    I’ve taken Vicodin since day one, although I’m pretty much only using it at night now. It was totally necessary for me, as I’m not a drinker and the pain was the worst I’d ever experienced. Especially for the first couple of weeks. My doc also advised that Advil/Ibuprofen impedes bone healing, so I don’t use that.
    I was rigged up in a sling for my first 4 weeks. At my 3 week visit I was advised to get my arm out of it a few times a day and lean forward dangling it in small circles to loosen my shoulder. I can see that was a huge blessing, as my shoulder is feeling pretty good. At my 6 week appt. (yesterday) I was advised to begin using my arm as I normally would, unless whatever I’m doing causes pain. So, I’m feeling like a little fledgling bird today.
    Anyway, best of luck to all of us on our healing journeys and thanks so much for this forum!

  39. David Avatar
    David

    Here’s my follow-up to my Oct. 24th and Nov. 22nd postings. It’s now 8 weeks post-surgery and 16 weeks post-accident for me, and I’m back to full activities except for heavy lifting with some range of motion issues that are improving daily. It’s been a long,long,long convalescence but my life has finally returned to normal. Surgery was the right option for me, and I suggest those of you with non-joinder issues have a conversation with your orthopod sooner rather than later. Good luck to evryone and hang-in there especially if things are not progressing as quickly as you would like.

  40. Cherie Avatar
    Cherie

    update on bone stimulator for non-union
    I have been using now just short of a month (broke mine in May). Definite improvement! My arm feels stronger! The xray last week showed some improvement, but still a while to go. I am hopeful!
    For those of you facing surgery…I suggest you discuss the stimulator with your dr, as it seems to be a good option. It is not cheap…7k, but my insurance covered it. Interestingly, they are guaranteed to work if used correctly.

  41. Peter Avatar
    Peter

    I almost forgot a question I had. Being in Michigan, I always joined Powerhouse Gym in the winter when I couldn’t be outside hurting myself. I have a full range of motion, but I’m not sure what I can get away with for exercise in the way of weight training. I’ve gained almost 20 lbs of blubber since the injury and need to get back on schedule.
    I did order a magnetic bike trainer to use at home with my mountainbike, so I can at least get a decent cardio workout, but what is everyone else doing?

  42. Peter Avatar
    Peter

    Update – injury date: Oct. 28
    Had a checkup xray last week – still shows a ~1 cm gap, but doc says it’s calcified nicely and will heal. I’ve been taking about 1000 mg of Calcium with D a day now for two months. He told me to come back in the spring before my race season to get a green light. I’m a little nervous about that, as I see most others here going in to get screws and plates for about the same thing. I want to see if I can get a copy of my latest xray to show. Am wondering if I should get a referral to a sports injury doc.
    My racing days [MX] are literally over at the ripe age of 35, but I will be racing AMA Vintage Evolution class which sometimes is harder due to the limitations of the machines. I’m wondering if I shouldn’t take a season off from the track altogether and just ride enduro/trail for a season… I already know I won’t be doing much waterskiing next summer. =(
    Oh, and a general warning for those of us in the icy climates – BE CAREFUL ON THE ICE! I slipped on the steps yesterday and cranked my shoulder pretty hard.
    Pete

  43. Hans Avatar

    Donna – Of the few shoulders I have seen that have had surgery for a broken collar bone, the scars were not bad. But that’s just my opinion. Heck, I’m a cyclist so I tend to brag about scars! :’)
    I’ve heard that many things can influence a scar’s appearance. The size of the cut, the type of stitch, how well the doctor does the work, the type of skin, etc.. So I would recommend you talk with your doctor about this and ask for more information. Explain your worry about how it will look after it heals.

  44. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Hi all, I broke my collar bone on July 3,2005 due to a motorcycle wreck and have been wearing the brace for 5 plus months, and the silly thing still hasn’t healed. The doc said we have waited long enough for it to mend… now it is time to do surgery. Other great news is after 16 years of service (many unpaid hours ) they tell me when I do get released from the Dr. I will be terminated, nice of them huh?
    I see many notes on broken collar bones but none with surgery and no mention of the scars. Although I’m the ripe age of 46 I don’t want to have a massive scar. Is there a site I can go to for scar and other surgery info ? Thanks

  45. Gary Avatar
    Gary

    Hi everyone. Update. I broke my collar bone falling off my mountain bike back in October. Just been to hospital for my appointment and I’ve been told it’s a non-union so I’m off for an operation on the 3rd Jan. They can’t pin it because of the type of break so they’re going to put a plate all the way along held on with screws. Bit annoyed I’ve had to wait all this time to be told that but hey that’s life! I suppose I’ll be joining the one-handed club….again! I’ll keep you posted of my progress and good luck to everyone out there.

  46. Brie - 19 - NY Avatar
    Brie – 19 – NY

    On October 28th I was shot through my collar bone. I had emergency surgery to remobe the bullet and pins and a plate was put in. Tomorrow I am having it removed. They said it was healing really well. The cast sucked really bad. Glad it’s off. But it wasn’t like this was the first time I have broken something. It wasn’t even my fault this time. I was at my soccer game and someone tries to kill me due to a family vendetta from since before my parents were born. Hmmm….Go figure!

  47. cherie Avatar
    cherie

    Larry,
    I broke my collarbone back in May and was recently diagnosed with non/delayed union. OS gave me a bone stimulator last week, but it electromagnetic, not ultrasound. It must be very effective, I know my inurance company required MRI and/or CT before they would approve it. The manufacturer guarantees refund to my insurance company if I use it as directed and my bone doesn’t heal. It is computerized, so they can tell when I use it (30 minutes a day). It is doing something, since I now have pain at the break site (yay??). I was told I would need to use it for “several months”.
    FYI..for those of you who use aleve, there is evidence that it prevents bone healing (study on broken tibias proved it), and my OS has advised me not to take it.

  48. David Avatar
    David

    Larry: I had a somewhat similar experience to you with the frozen shoulder, except I had surgery on my clavicle after week 8. Prior to surgery, from week 5 to week 8, my orthopod wanted me in physical therapy, and it was a great help. My orthopod also wanted me to do some movements of my shoulder in a pool using the resistance and buoancy of the water. After surgery, my surgeon told me I had to stop physical therapy but could go back in the pool once my incisions were completely healed. I’m nearing 5 weeks post-surgery and hoping to get the greenlight to begin light exercise and to return to physical therapy. Good luck.

  49. Larry M Avatar
    Larry M

    I am a 52 yr old male and broke my clavicle on August 24th when I dumped my motorcycle going to fast on a 90 degree curve. Emergency room doc told me to wear a sling for a couple of weeks so I wore it for three weeks but did not use my arm at all for seven weeks. Went to a ortho for a check up and second opinion at week seven because although I had no pain at the break point I could feel movement between the bones and shoulder was starting to freeze. X-rays showed soft bone matter around the break so he said it was going to heal OK. He said I could exercise my sholder and raise my arm up above my head but my shoulder was stiff from lack of movement. At no time did anyone mention physical therapy. I went back last week,(week 14) for what I thought was going to be the last x-ray and start therapy for the stiff shoulder but the x-ray showed very little change and no hardening of the new bone tissue. They gave me an Exogen ulta-sound device to use 20 min. twice a day but did not want me to undergo therapy for the frozen shoulder,until the bone started fusing. I can move my arm straight out and up but not much to the side so I have about 50% movement in the shoulder.How can I keep it from getting more frozen without moving collar bone? Does anyone have any experiance with an ultra-sound bone healing system? They say it has a 91% success rate. Going back in 5 weeks to find out.

  50. Hans Avatar

    Dan – Gravel patches on the road are no fun. I’m riding like a baby after it rains and washes the gravel onto the corners. I could just see myself hitting one of those on Hwy 1 and ended up down in the ocean!
    ======================================
    Pete – Good idea about setting up a message board for these pages. I never thought these entries would get the attention they have. I’ll look into it.

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