If anyone's interested in the pinning process, have a look here: http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/im_pin_fixation_of_clavicle_frx
Not for the squemish!
Not for the squemish!
broken clavicle...surgery or not?
- Thread starter James Thomas
- Start date
Hey waspo
Thanks for the advice. Let me know how the consult goes. I'm still thinking about it. I'll be asking more detailed questions at my next doc's appointment. My sister is getting married on April 7 and I'm maid of honor so I'll defineately wait until after the wedding. Anyone know a good sport ortho doc in Niagara region of Ontario Canada?
Thanks for the advice. Let me know how the consult goes. I'm still thinking about it. I'll be asking more detailed questions at my next doc's appointment. My sister is getting married on April 7 and I'm maid of honor so I'll defineately wait until after the wedding. Anyone know a good sport ortho doc in Niagara region of Ontario Canada?
Will do Garden Girl!
Hope yours isn't giving you too much grief.
I don't know if I could stand having multiple breaks.
You're one tough bird I'll give ya that!
I managed to get a cancellation appointment for tomorrrow with a guy who treats our Pro Footy players. Apparently one of the best!
These past days I've gone over my X-rays again to have a proper look at the bone positions and it looks like they are a good 1" distance apart. (From when I first broke it.) But now, I can actually feel that it's quite smooth at the break site and only pops up now and then. If it stays in that flat position, I'd be more than happy to leave it. But, when it pops out (tenting) it feels rather large and pointy and kinda sux.
Anyway, I'll let you know what the specialist says tomorrow.
Hope yours isn't giving you too much grief.
I don't know if I could stand having multiple breaks.
You're one tough bird I'll give ya that!
I managed to get a cancellation appointment for tomorrrow with a guy who treats our Pro Footy players. Apparently one of the best!
These past days I've gone over my X-rays again to have a proper look at the bone positions and it looks like they are a good 1" distance apart. (From when I first broke it.) But now, I can actually feel that it's quite smooth at the break site and only pops up now and then. If it stays in that flat position, I'd be more than happy to leave it. But, when it pops out (tenting) it feels rather large and pointy and kinda sux.
Anyway, I'll let you know what the specialist says tomorrow.
OK, saw the specialist today and he's advised me to let it heal by itself. A new X-ray shows the two ends are displaced, but only the distance of the bone itself. (Top side of shoulder bone is level with bottom side of sternum bone.) The shoulder side has also turned forward, but the tip seams to be touching the other side. So, really there should be reasonable bridging between the two. Also, my shoulder width is practically the same as the left side due to the bones' position. Only the bones have displace from each other but still the normal length. I asked about pinning and he said he used to do this but found this method problematic and weaker than plating, and I'm not into plating anyway so that was easy.
He said I shouldn't have any problem with the shoulder gyymnastically and should have full movement and stength once healed. Just take it easy for the next 3 months.
I'll see him in 6 weeks for a follow-up X-ray, to see whether it's progressively healing or me ending up saying "I told you so!".
"It's a 1% gamble and the odds are in my favour" he said. We'll see!
He said I shouldn't have any problem with the shoulder gyymnastically and should have full movement and stength once healed. Just take it easy for the next 3 months.
I'll see him in 6 weeks for a follow-up X-ray, to see whether it's progressively healing or me ending up saying "I told you so!".
"It's a 1% gamble and the odds are in my favour" he said. We'll see!
I had a left Clavicle ORIF performed and am glad that I went that route as I am still able to swim butterfly and able to military press more than I should.
Nasty bugger of a scar but it is another story to add around the campfire...
~A
Nasty bugger of a scar but it is another story to add around the campfire...
~A
What type of surgery did you have and what was it like, the healing process?Punisher92009 said:I had a left Clavicle ORIF performed and am glad that I went that route as I am still able to swim butterfly and able to military press more than I should.
Nasty bugger of a scar but it is another story to add around the campfire...
~A
DEAR SHELLEY; JUST READ YOUR STORY AND THOUGHT THERE COULDNT BE SOMEONE WITH AS MUCH TROUBLE AS ME. BUT I AM SORRY TO SAY YOU GOT ME BEAT.... NOT TRYING TO BE SMART BUT MY BREAK IS GOING ON 2YRS.HAD SURGERY ABOUT 18MONTHS AGO AND HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE SINCE.. IF I HAD IT TO DO ALL OVER I WOULDNT HAVE SURGERY.. BUT NOW MY BONE IS STILL A NONUNION AND MAYBE NEED MORE SURGERY. I HAD NOTHING BUT CONSTANT PAIN SINCE MAY 25 AND REALLY CANT STAND MUCH MORE..AS FAR AS YOUR SURGERY IS ALSO SCHEDULED FOR MY BIRTHDAY AS WELL.. NOV.14 1960 I REALLY HOPE YOU MAKE OUT ALRIGHT BECAUSE GOD KNOWS I KNOW WHAT YOUR GOING THRU... I HAD A PLATE AND 6 SCREWS PUT IN AND SOMEHOW PULLED OUY 2 OF THE SCREWS SO FAR... SHELLEY I MUST SAY YOU ARE RIGHT ABOUT THE DOCTORS DILUTING THE TRUTH. THEY TRY TO BE COMPASSIONATE AND CARING, BUT WIND UP SUGARCOATING THE TRUTH AND GIVING YOU FALSE HOPE THAT YOU WILL HEAL WITHOUY INTERVENTION... I REALLY HOPE THAT YOU MADE OUT ALRIGHT SINCE OUR BIRTHDAY... ARE YOU DOING O.K. NOW? HAS YOUR PAIN GOTTEN ANY BETTER???ShelleyKraus said:
SINCERLY,
STEPHEN BRABAZON SR.
If you are very wealthy, you could go see Dr Carl Basamania. Read his technique for pinning. http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/2001/04/collarbone420.html
I've also posted the operating procedure in my previous post. http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/im_pin_fixation_of_clavicle_frx
...Or, there might be a local Ortho Surg, who can perfom it instead.
The scar is minimal and far better than plates and screws although, some Orths say it's more problematic, but I can't see why when they remove the pin later anyway.
I've also posted the operating procedure in my previous post. http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/im_pin_fixation_of_clavicle_frx
...Or, there might be a local Ortho Surg, who can perfom it instead.
The scar is minimal and far better than plates and screws although, some Orths say it's more problematic, but I can't see why when they remove the pin later anyway.
I pulverized my left clavicle proving that gravity can real pummel the human body.Garden Girl said:
I was cut open what would resemble the entire length of my left clavicle had it remained in tact. I had a cadaver's clavicle put in place of mine to be accompanied by a metal bridge.
I had to wear an immobilizer for 2 weeks if I recall correctly but after that I was just watching to make sure the sutures did not tear. I got x-rays every 2 weeks for the first 2 months to make sure none of the screws backed out. After 2 months if went to 1 x ray done every month till the 6 month anniversary.
However, after the 2 month window I was heavy into rehab/pt. I did a lot of pool work as the weighlessness aided in my recovery/recuperation time.
If I can be of any other help, please drop me a pm.
Hope some of this helped out.
~Andy
Contact any of the farm hockey teams as they should be able to put you in contact with a sports specialist in your neck of the woods.Garden Girl said:
~A
Definition: O.R.I.F. is an abbreviation for Open Reduction Internal Fixation. Open reduction internal fixation is a method of surgically repairing a fractured bone. Generally, this involves either the use of plates and screws or an intramedullary (IM) rod to stabilize the bone. If you are having a broken bone treated by ORIF, you will be taken to the operating room, given anesthesia so that you will not feel the surgery, and have your bones repaired by an orthopedic surgeon.Garden Girl said:
Also Known As: Open Reduction Internal Fixation, Operative Treatment, Open Treatment
Great link for Clavicular Injuries
http://www.emedicine.com/SPORTS/topic25.htm
After reading all these postings I am a bit confused. I busted my clavicle March 3 in a road race (some guy decided it would be a good idea to take one hand off the bars and look over his shoulder before pulling off, and down he went, along with 12 of us.). My clavicle was broken in 3 spots (medial and distal) and the ends are very displaces and two fragments lie in different planes one not even touching the other bones, the other sticking up and almost poking through my skin. The two orthopedists I've seen here in NYC both recommend against surgery despite a month having passed and no signs of new growth or union. I am very concerned that it won't heal (any concerns about getting back my season or gone; it's now a matter of maybe Sept 07 or realistically Spring 2008). Not sure if waiting for the body to do its tricks will be enough..... sigh .
But I'm going to wait and see. Worst case is I go under the knife in Sept.
.But I'm going to wait and see. Worst case is I go under the knife in Sept.
Hey, that's the same day I broke mine! How is it feeling? Are you still sore? Can you move your arm ok?
Mine is improving and so far, feels as if it's joined to the other bone with a slight displacement. Still sore though and I've only just start to use my arm with limited range.
I get more x-rays in about 4 weeks time to see if there is actually bone starting to grow. Fingers crossed!
I guess when the specialist say to leave it, then it's the best thing to heal naturally and only have surgery if it's going to affect your ability to do the things you used to do.
It's a Loooong healing process though, which it the down side if you want to get back in the action sooner. Surgery does certainly help avoid this in the short term and gets you up in running quickly, but may give you a false sense of security. So, you'll still need to take it easy.
I'm forever touching around the broken area and feeling the bump. Feels weird. Also, I check to see if my shoulders are even. Sort of obsessive behavior you could say, but when your used to weight training and keeping you body symetrical it does play on your mind abit....hopefully I'll get over it though.
How is it feeling? Are you still sore? Can you move your arm ok? Mine is improving and so far, feels as if it's joined to the other bone with a slight displacement. Still sore though and I've only just start to use my arm with limited range.
I get more x-rays in about 4 weeks time to see if there is actually bone starting to grow. Fingers crossed!
I guess when the specialist say to leave it, then it's the best thing to heal naturally and only have surgery if it's going to affect your ability to do the things you used to do.
It's a Loooong healing process though, which it the down side if you want to get back in the action sooner. Surgery does certainly help avoid this in the short term and gets you up in running quickly, but may give you a false sense of security. So, you'll still need to take it easy.
I'm forever touching around the broken area and feeling the bump. Feels weird. Also, I check to see if my shoulders are even. Sort of obsessive behavior you could say, but when your used to weight training and keeping you body symetrical it does play on your mind abit....hopefully I'll get over it though.
waspo said:Hey, that's the same day I broke mine!
Mine is improving and so far, feels as if it's joined to the other bone with a slight displacement. Still sore though and I've only just start to use my arm with limited range.
I get more x-rays in about 4 weeks time to see if there is actually bone starting to grow. Fingers crossed!
I guess when the specialist say to leave it, then it's the best thing to heal naturally and only have surgery if it's going to affect your ability to do the things you used to do.
It's a Loooong healing process though, which it the down side if you want to get back in the action sooner. Surgery does certainly help avoid this in the short term and gets you up in running quickly, but may give you a false sense of security. So, you'll still need to take it easy.
I'm forever touching around the broken area and feeling the bump. Feels weird. Also, I check to see if my shoulders are even. Sort of obsessive behavior you could say, but when your used to weight training and keeping you body symetrical it does play on your mind abit....hopefully I'll get over it though.
I don't have that much pain any longer, except when I do something stupid like reach up or pick something up. The bones haven't started to fuse yet, but I'm still going to wait it out. I was overly optimistic that it would heal quickly and perhaps I returned to activities sooner than I should have (though I still haven't been on the bike; perhaps it's good that the bike is still at the shop awaiting some repairs, so there's no temptation). I'll stick it out and hope for the best - I'd rather avoid surgery now with the assumption that it will heal better in the end. We'll see. I'm not so concerned about the cosmetic aspect, and even now my range of motion is pretty good (I'd say 80%). So if I can get that close to normal and ride my bike again, I'll be happy. It will prob be another month before I start training again, though, and I've already been off the bike a month +, so it's starting to get to me
.Good luck in your recovery!
I've not read all the stories but I thought I'd add mine and ask for some advice:
I'm 'lucky' enough to have broken both my clavicles. The first was my own fault after cutting onto the grass next to the road to get around an obstacle. What I didn't see was the drainage ditch for the field on the other side of the hedgerow. My shoulder was sore but I didn't even realise it was broken until I got home and had a closer look. Arm in a sling for a while and all better in ~4-6 weeks. Only issue I have is that it now clicks when I rotate the shoulder.
Second time was last August where I broke the other side. Kids on bikes cutting the corner (so on the wrong side of the road) caused the crash....I knew this was much worse when I didn't get straight up. Distal 3rd break with large displacement meant a plate and eight screws were required. I would say surgery is no big deal and whilst total recovery was a similar length of time the arm was mobile much sooner with surgery, but at the cost of a 4-5 inch scar.
That’s my experience - however it’s not quite over. Being all skin and bone I find that the plate actually protrudes from under the skin. Not only does this not look very nice it actually means that wearing backpacks and seat belts etc rub over it causing discomfort. My surgeon tells me he can take it out without difficulty (in fact day surgery under a local!). Does anyone have any experience of this? Would it be a good idea?
Serp
I'm 'lucky' enough to have broken both my clavicles. The first was my own fault after cutting onto the grass next to the road to get around an obstacle. What I didn't see was the drainage ditch for the field on the other side of the hedgerow. My shoulder was sore but I didn't even realise it was broken until I got home and had a closer look. Arm in a sling for a while and all better in ~4-6 weeks. Only issue I have is that it now clicks when I rotate the shoulder.
Second time was last August where I broke the other side. Kids on bikes cutting the corner (so on the wrong side of the road) caused the crash....I knew this was much worse when I didn't get straight up. Distal 3rd break with large displacement meant a plate and eight screws were required. I would say surgery is no big deal and whilst total recovery was a similar length of time the arm was mobile much sooner with surgery, but at the cost of a 4-5 inch scar.
That’s my experience - however it’s not quite over. Being all skin and bone I find that the plate actually protrudes from under the skin. Not only does this not look very nice it actually means that wearing backpacks and seat belts etc rub over it causing discomfort. My surgeon tells me he can take it out without difficulty (in fact day surgery under a local!). Does anyone have any experience of this? Would it be a good idea?
Serp
Hey everyone, I got good news at the doc's this week. After four weeks there is some new bone formation. I could even see the difference on the x-rays myself. Also one of the bone fragments has altered it's location slightly. It used to be mostly vertical and I could feel it and push it up to a horizontal position, which gave everyone the "shudders" any time I did it. It seems to be remaining in a horizontal position now and I can't seem to feel it like I used to. It's not exactly lined up with the larger bone ends but at least it is in a better position. Also the Doc helped me to raise my arm above my head and I didn't have any pain in my collar bone region just in my bicep, but nothing I couldn't handle. The doc told me to keep up what I've been doing. I think he may have been slightly surprised to see some new bone forming. Hopefully this is a sign that opting to not have surgery was the right decision, and the bones will join rather than be a non-union.
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