broken clavicle...surgery or not?
- Thread starter James Thomas
- Start date
I just broke my clavicle mountain biking two Sundays ago and my orthopaedist gave surgery with a plate as an option for me. Guess I am one of the 5% of the middle of the bone fractures that has all of the characteristics of a nonunion. I am scheduled for this Wednesday and I hate to be vain, but I am nervous about the scar. Can someone tell me what theres is like? Anyone have any pics? [email protected]
Thanks in advance, I will let you know how it goes.
Thanks in advance, I will let you know how it goes.
There is a scar, but it just adds character.mbishop38 said:
Both of mine are about 5" long or so. I spend all day in the sun on a boat so they're prob a little more visible than if I didn't. Surgery was ok, post op a little sucky, but after a day or two I'm usually able to go off pain meds (I don't like how they make me feel).
Good luck to ya, make sure the surgeon screws them down tight (one sticks up and has since surgery).
Aloha...
I went with surgery. I broke my right clavicle quite severely in a nasty MTB crash about four weeks ago. Two orthos looked at my x-rays and strongly recommended surgery based on the nature of my break. They said that they usually discourage surgery for "normal" breaks (middle of the clavicle). However, mine broke in what appeared to be 4-5 pieces out at the AC end and they agreed that due to the ligament structure and displacement at the end, non-union was likely.
The ortho had planned to use a plate and screws to put it back together in a rather standard procedure. What he found once I was on the operating table was more significant damage than the x-rays showed. The AC tip of the clavicle was shattered into about 30 pieces. "Sawdust" was how he described it. He could not plate it back together. Instead he performed a Mumford Procedure (a surgical remedy for AC arthritis). This meant removing the shattered end and cleaning up the rest. He reattached the CC ligament (I'm not clear on the status of my AC ligament) using heavy-duty sutures and a pair of drilled holes in the remaining bone. This moved my rehab schedule out further than anticipated, to allow the ligaments to heal. My clavicle is approximately 22mm shorter now.
I'm 2.5 weeks into my post-op recovery. Two more weeks in the sling before I can start PT (I hope!). Probably 2-3 months or more off the bike and 6-12 months for nearly complete recovery, my doc tells me. The pain was bad for the first 4-5 days, and then got to be negligable and I stopped the meds. The worst part was and still is sleeping. So hard to get comfortable! I'll definitely have a 5" scar. I've also lost some sensation on my skin on the distal side of the incision - I'm told that's normal. But I don't really care about the scar or sensation, as long as it gets me back to normal.
I'm hoping for a complete and uncomplicated recovery. I'm dying to get back on my road bike! Mountain bike... not so much
The ortho had planned to use a plate and screws to put it back together in a rather standard procedure. What he found once I was on the operating table was more significant damage than the x-rays showed. The AC tip of the clavicle was shattered into about 30 pieces. "Sawdust" was how he described it. He could not plate it back together. Instead he performed a Mumford Procedure (a surgical remedy for AC arthritis). This meant removing the shattered end and cleaning up the rest. He reattached the CC ligament (I'm not clear on the status of my AC ligament) using heavy-duty sutures and a pair of drilled holes in the remaining bone. This moved my rehab schedule out further than anticipated, to allow the ligaments to heal. My clavicle is approximately 22mm shorter now.
I'm 2.5 weeks into my post-op recovery. Two more weeks in the sling before I can start PT (I hope!). Probably 2-3 months or more off the bike and 6-12 months for nearly complete recovery, my doc tells me. The pain was bad for the first 4-5 days, and then got to be negligable and I stopped the meds. The worst part was and still is sleeping. So hard to get comfortable! I'll definitely have a 5" scar. I've also lost some sensation on my skin on the distal side of the incision - I'm told that's normal. But I don't really care about the scar or sensation, as long as it gets me back to normal.
I'm hoping for a complete and uncomplicated recovery. I'm dying to get back on my road bike! Mountain bike... not so much
" based on the nature of my break. They said that they usually discourage surgery for "normal" breaks (middle of the clavicle). "
Hi, I'm a new member of cycling forums and a new member of the "broken clavicle club". My break is not normal - I have 2.2 cm diff. between the two broken parts - as well as 6 broken ribs, a pneumothorax, and a scapula that was broken in two. Even developed pneumonia! This from a high-speed paceline where a big stick jumped out into my spokes (would you all PLEASE point out those suckers LOL!).
Anyway, apparently the combo of broken clavicle and scapula is known as a floating shoulder, and that seems to be a common cause of clavicle plating. I had to wait until my lung cleared up and waded through several bozo orthos until I got to Riley Williams at the New York Hospital of Special Surgery. He is great! So, surgery set for next week (Thursday Sept.29). I have to convince my insurance company to cover this operation with "in-network" benefits evven though he is out of network. I hope it will work as it means the difference of several thousand dollars. To even further comlicate matters, I have a torn labrum from a previous ski injury that he can repair at the same time. SO - if anyone has any more web sites (like the ones listed - thanks!) that will help me convinve the cold-hearted insurance execs, please pass it on. Besides the money, I have the issue of my three young children (twin 4 year olds and a six year old who expect Mommy to take them skiing/riding soon) and I am convinced that surgery is the only way to get back in the saddle soon. BTW, my left should is already much lower that the right - with both bones broken, there is nothing to provide support.
Thanks! Great forum!
Hi, I'm a new member of cycling forums and a new member of the "broken clavicle club". My break is not normal - I have 2.2 cm diff. between the two broken parts - as well as 6 broken ribs, a pneumothorax, and a scapula that was broken in two. Even developed pneumonia! This from a high-speed paceline where a big stick jumped out into my spokes (would you all PLEASE point out those suckers LOL!).
Anyway, apparently the combo of broken clavicle and scapula is known as a floating shoulder, and that seems to be a common cause of clavicle plating. I had to wait until my lung cleared up and waded through several bozo orthos until I got to Riley Williams at the New York Hospital of Special Surgery. He is great! So, surgery set for next week (Thursday Sept.29). I have to convince my insurance company to cover this operation with "in-network" benefits evven though he is out of network. I hope it will work as it means the difference of several thousand dollars. To even further comlicate matters, I have a torn labrum from a previous ski injury that he can repair at the same time. SO - if anyone has any more web sites (like the ones listed - thanks!) that will help me convinve the cold-hearted insurance execs, please pass it on. Besides the money, I have the issue of my three young children (twin 4 year olds and a six year old who expect Mommy to take them skiing/riding soon) and I am convinced that surgery is the only way to get back in the saddle soon. BTW, my left should is already much lower that the right - with both bones broken, there is nothing to provide support.
Thanks! Great forum!
Wow, it's funny (not haha) how the xrays don't show much
of a good picture. When I went in I had torn bone away from
my clavicle that was connected to my deltoid.
The numbness you are experiencing is normal. Both my sholders
are still a little numb. The left which I did 1+yr ago is getting
much better, the right (easter 2005) still pretty loopy.
Good luck w/ PT and your upcoming surgery.
Aloha Chris
of a good picture. When I went in I had torn bone away from
my clavicle that was connected to my deltoid.
The numbness you are experiencing is normal. Both my sholders
are still a little numb. The left which I did 1+yr ago is getting
much better, the right (easter 2005) still pretty loopy.
Good luck w/ PT and your upcoming surgery.
Aloha Chris
I just wanted to thank everyone for all the great information you've shared. I broke my left clavicle four months ago and am about to have surgery on Wednesday since it's a non-union. It looks like I'm going to get an Acumed plate, so I really appreciated learning what others have experienced. I also have a few questions I'm hoping some of you may be able to answer.
Did anyone have a hip bone graft?
If so, how big is the incision?
How long did you feel pain in the area?
What things should I expect right after the surgery?
When it gets cold/hot, does your shoulder area with the plate feel more sensitive?
If there any females out there with similar experiences, I'd also like to know how you deal with the whole bra issue. I'm sorry if I'm getting too personal - I'm just really curious.
Thanks!
Did anyone have a hip bone graft?
If so, how big is the incision?
How long did you feel pain in the area?
What things should I expect right after the surgery?
When it gets cold/hot, does your shoulder area with the plate feel more sensitive?
If there any females out there with similar experiences, I'd also like to know how you deal with the whole bra issue. I'm sorry if I'm getting too personal - I'm just really curious.
Thanks!
I don't wear a bra, but it can be irritating if you've got a heavy pack on. Ifblueangel said:
you hike a lot it will desensitize. Scar on collar bone is big, but it'll just let
the guys know they can't push you around.
The pain in the arm only lasted 2 days for the left (it was the worst) and the right was 4 days before I stopped meds (i REALLYdon't like pain pills).
Not hot cold issues, but I do live in Hawaii.
I think your surgeon is the most important part of the equation.
Good luck!
Hello Everyone,
I have been searching the internet for days, trying to find somewhere to confirm a treatment my Ortho Doc wants to do to me. I found no site until now, this forum. Looks as though some of you have had a clavicle surgery with pins/ plates and hip bone graft. This is what I am facing. I'm truly terrified. I broke my collor bone 4 years ago and it has not mended.The pain of it was unbearable. The two bones are still separated with a space in between. He wants to shave off the bone calcification (Bump), put the piece of bone in from my hip and then plate it. What I've read and seen, it looks like the scar is horrible and the sugery (especially to the hip) to very painful. I was tramatized when it broke the first time. I very concerned about healing, pain and scars now. Is it worth it? I'm a 52 female (Very girly) and very sad about how I will end up. My surgery is scehduled for Nov 14. (my birthday, ...what a present!) I would appreciate anyone's comments. I trying to make the right decision for the rest of my life. My husband would like to see me have the surgery. He has seen how uncomfortable I've been these las 4 year. The pain this last few years has been bad at times, but not all the time...is it worth it....? I don't know. I pray for the right decision. Anyone out there...? Please be honest with me. I need peace about this from real people, not a doctor who dilutes the truth.. Thank you all so much.
I have been searching the internet for days, trying to find somewhere to confirm a treatment my Ortho Doc wants to do to me. I found no site until now, this forum. Looks as though some of you have had a clavicle surgery with pins/ plates and hip bone graft. This is what I am facing. I'm truly terrified. I broke my collor bone 4 years ago and it has not mended.The pain of it was unbearable. The two bones are still separated with a space in between. He wants to shave off the bone calcification (Bump), put the piece of bone in from my hip and then plate it. What I've read and seen, it looks like the scar is horrible and the sugery (especially to the hip) to very painful. I was tramatized when it broke the first time. I very concerned about healing, pain and scars now. Is it worth it? I'm a 52 female (Very girly) and very sad about how I will end up. My surgery is scehduled for Nov 14. (my birthday, ...what a present!) I would appreciate anyone's comments. I trying to make the right decision for the rest of my life. My husband would like to see me have the surgery. He has seen how uncomfortable I've been these las 4 year. The pain this last few years has been bad at times, but not all the time...is it worth it....? I don't know. I pray for the right decision. Anyone out there...? Please be honest with me. I need peace about this from real people, not a doctor who dilutes the truth.. Thank you all so much.
Shelley. I had my surgery one week ago. Plate on the collar bone (with screws) and bone graft from my hip. I was not happy about having a scar or submitting to my first surgery, but so far it's been great. After 2 days, I could walk with little to no pain. After one week I am not even using pain meds. Yes I will have two scars, but soon enough I will be back in great shape and scars are a small price to pay, really. Be sure you doc has done these surgeries before, the more the better. And be aware that some potential effects are continued soreness and even some numbness if any nerves are accidentally cute during surgery. I have a numb patch on my shoulder. The math equation already tilts in favor of surgery: 4+ years of pain > 6-8 weeks of healing.
Good luck
Good luck
ShelleyKraus said:
Shelley,
It sounds like you have a tough call to make. It’s good that you’re thinking it through. Surgeries are always risky, but personally, if I had been dealing with pain for as long as you have, I’d take the chance and I’d endure the extra pain short-term in exchange for no pain long-term. You'll get through it.
It’s been nearly two months since my surgery now. I’ll say that it certainly hasn’t been fun, but that’s just as much out of frustration (of not being able to do much) as it is due to discomfort. I’m working hard on my rehabilitation now, which can also be a physical and mental challenge, but it’s gratifying to see my mobility and function improving everyday. My scar, though about 5” long, is not particularly big and ugly. I’m guessing your requirement of a plate rules out arthroscopic surgery? Arthroscopic surgery only requires one or more smaller cuts, versus the one large incision I have. Anyway, if I can offer one piece of advice to you, if you go for the surgery… get used to sleeping on your back now!
It sounds like you have a tough call to make. It’s good that you’re thinking it through. Surgeries are always risky, but personally, if I had been dealing with pain for as long as you have, I’d take the chance and I’d endure the extra pain short-term in exchange for no pain long-term. You'll get through it.
It’s been nearly two months since my surgery now. I’ll say that it certainly hasn’t been fun, but that’s just as much out of frustration (of not being able to do much) as it is due to discomfort. I’m working hard on my rehabilitation now, which can also be a physical and mental challenge, but it’s gratifying to see my mobility and function improving everyday. My scar, though about 5” long, is not particularly big and ugly. I’m guessing your requirement of a plate rules out arthroscopic surgery? Arthroscopic surgery only requires one or more smaller cuts, versus the one large incision I have. Anyway, if I can offer one piece of advice to you, if you go for the surgery… get used to sleeping on your back now!
blueangel said:I just wanted to thank everyone for all the great information you've shared. I broke my left clavicle four months ago and am about to have surgery on Wednesday since it's a non-union. ....
Thanks for your comments. It helps to know someone understands. Now...
Hello BlueAngel,
I hope you are doing fine now that it is the end of Oct. If you able, a quick update on your condition would greatly be appreciated.
I'm starting to realize I have no choice but to have my surgery but I'm very upset by it. A good word would help. I'm starting to get more info on what I can take and do to help my skin heal and my scar be as minimal as possible. I called a plastic surgeon and she said she would take a look at it after 6-9 months to see how it's healing and if I'll need help with scar lasar remmoval. (it doesn't really remove it all...)
I'm trying... Hope your doing well. I'm very interested in what everyone's scar looks like after .. say one year or so. If it will help others I would be happy to keep you informed of my surgery and recovery.
Take care everyone.
"Newbie-to-the-broken-clavical-club"
I just thought I would check in and report my results from the my plate and screw surgery about 7 weeks ago. I feel great, I am back to most activities (not weightlifting yet). I have great range of motion and no pain. The scar is about 5 inches long and sort of red but I am pretty pleased at the thinness of it. I am glad I had the surgery. It was a little painful the first 3 days after surgery but after that I was not on any pain killers.
Thanks for all your advice.
mbishop38
Thanks for all your advice.
mbishop38
Hi, what a great website.... I suffered a complete dislocation to my left clavicle on 2nd June 2005... hence the bone isn't broken. I'm in the same dilema re: surgery or not.... I wondered if anyone had disclocated their clavicle rather than break and could let me have the benefit of their experience or perhaps point me to some websites they have come across - I'd be very grateful thanks.
hi!
i broke my collar bone 3 weeks ago..it was a crash on a roadbike some idiot hit my rear wheel and i hit the road with 57 km/h...and i still have the sound in my ear when my shoulder hit the road......every thing was in slow motion....the sound was off...just the dry krack of my collar bone in dolby 5.1....and then later there was never pain never realy...(i broke my femur 4 1/2 monts ago on a montainbike....THAT was pain man!) so what ever...the doc say no no is okay we don't do nothing....(i am a german and live in cozumel (...its hard to find a surgent here o the island...so i thought by my self..ok ok cool no surgery...(it was three fragments..the one in the middle was like vertical stucking some where in me....kind of floating) ....but then i came home and was watching me for three days in the mirror and thought that ugly ball will be there for ever..and healing is like minimum time 6 weeks....what a waist of time....and then one of my biker budys came by and showed me his colorbone...similar to my fracture but it happen two years....and it was ugly man!!!
so next day i wend back and spoke to the surgent...and he said: it will be shorter ( 1,5 cm) and it will be this ball there for ever....and then he ofert me to put a metal plate in....next day he did and the day after i was out of the hospital and truly 9 days later i was doing the first bike toure (45 miles on cross country montainbike) i am so happy that i did that surgery man....just do it - it pays of! and what ever they do things even 3 monts later after accident...so go ahead...
i broke my collar bone 3 weeks ago..it was a crash on a roadbike some idiot hit my rear wheel and i hit the road with 57 km/h...and i still have the sound in my ear when my shoulder hit the road......every thing was in slow motion....the sound was off...just the dry krack of my collar bone in dolby 5.1....and then later there was never pain never realy...(i broke my femur 4 1/2 monts ago on a montainbike....THAT was pain man!) so what ever...the doc say no no is okay we don't do nothing....(i am a german and live in cozumel (...its hard to find a surgent here o the island...so i thought by my self..ok ok cool no surgery...(it was three fragments..the one in the middle was like vertical stucking some where in me....kind of floating) ....but then i came home and was watching me for three days in the mirror and thought that ugly ball will be there for ever..and healing is like minimum time 6 weeks....what a waist of time....and then one of my biker budys came by and showed me his colorbone...similar to my fracture but it happen two years....and it was ugly man!!!
so next day i wend back and spoke to the surgent...and he said: it will be shorter ( 1,5 cm) and it will be this ball there for ever....and then he ofert me to put a metal plate in....next day he did and the day after i was out of the hospital and truly 9 days later i was doing the first bike toure (45 miles on cross country montainbike) i am so happy that i did that surgery man....just do it - it pays of! and what ever they do things even 3 monts later after accident...so go ahead...
Craig B said:Hello to all of you that have been as unfortunate as I,
I broke my collar bone about 6 weeks ago on a motocross bike. I am 42 years old and a very active individual. I was as well told to let it heel on it's own. However, It is broke in two places and is shaped like a Z with a 15mm piece that is vertical. I, as well as many of my friends, think it is wrong to let it heal in this manner. I have a very large bump (edge of the bone) where the bone from the neck area is sticking up in the skin. The doctor keeps telling me to let it heal like this that an operation is risky due to infection. I have had four doctor's opinions and 2 were against the operation and 2 stated it was an option. Since my normal Doctor has convinced me not to have the operation and the bone is healing I am concerned about such a late operation.
My wife is also not carzy about the operation. It is still very discomforting after 6 weeks and the bone under the skin continues to cause pain but it appears that the bones have begun to fuse back together. I would really like the operation. Any suggestions from those of you that have had a similiar break? I am really struggling with how bad this looks (bone protrudes approx 20mm more than the good collarbone.
Thanks
Craig
Michigan, USA
Can I ask how long you were in a sling for after the surgery? It's been about 8.5 weeks since my surgery and about 2.5 since I was cleared to throw away the sling. I'd hardly say I feel great. My arm feels like it weighs 200lbs, no weights necessary. My doctor did tell me yesterday that I can get back on the bike if I want to. I'm surprised to hear this so soon and honestly I'm a little scared to try - the last thing I need is to crash again because I can't hold myself up!mbishop38 said:
I got rid of the sling after the first week. I was riding light after 7-8wks andfriedmikey said:
full on after 10-12 wks. I'm 40 y/o, so I should be average. I was taking a lot
of calcium during recovery. Did they send you to PT? That helped a lot on my
first break (it was the worst, plus I tore my deltoid off the bone). If the doc
says you're good, I would get back to moving that arm. If the bone is healed
and you're still sore, it's probably atrophy. Like I always say, "move or die".
Good luck!
i had really never time to waer the sling...maybe a day or two after surgery...
i came out of the hospital at wednesday (turesday was surgery - 3 inch long plate and 7 screws) and thuresday came the hurrican WILMA to our island and did it bad...so i had one day to board my house and get prepared for the cane....so there was never time to be sick or so....and then wilma was arround 50 hours over cozumel...and i feeled like a captain with only one arm wich have to sail a big three mast ship through the storm...beliefe me me my lousy collarbone thing was not realy number one on my attentionlist..actually lucky in some how..i took painkiller and they made me a kind of tripping...and when i feeled i used my arm to much for excample by pulling the water out of my house all the time...(3-5 inch each room) then i used the sling after...just to gave him a break...that's it....
now it is 17 days after surgery...i feel it... and i can't use my arm for any strong work or such thing..but i bike through the town and go shopping with my bike etc...and i will start biking in two more weeks...only on the road the hold montainbik thing have to wait...i did try to pull my handelbar up for a ***** ..just checking..but it was murder painfull....so i thought ok...that comes later.
i am 43...i do every day between 45 and 80 miles on the road...and my trainingspartner are the champs of yucatan and cozumel...and they are 20 years younger then me....so i guess the fast healing thing is a kind of a payoff for been an active athlet...as i broke my femur in may ....(i was lucky the crack wend through the bone..but the tow pieces never left there original positon - so i did not need a surgery...) i was biking after 4 weeks the first time...and after two monts every thing was back to normal...
...it must be my nutrition and my will...i hat to be in bed..i realy hat it!!!
and dont listen to all what the doc is telling you....they just wonna get rich on you...don't forget that!!!
i came out of the hospital at wednesday (turesday was surgery - 3 inch long plate and 7 screws) and thuresday came the hurrican WILMA to our island and did it bad...so i had one day to board my house and get prepared for the cane....so there was never time to be sick or so....and then wilma was arround 50 hours over cozumel...and i feeled like a captain with only one arm wich have to sail a big three mast ship through the storm...beliefe me me my lousy collarbone thing was not realy number one on my attentionlist..actually lucky in some how..i took painkiller and they made me a kind of tripping...and when i feeled i used my arm to much for excample by pulling the water out of my house all the time...(3-5 inch each room) then i used the sling after...just to gave him a break...that's it....
now it is 17 days after surgery...i feel it... and i can't use my arm for any strong work or such thing..but i bike through the town and go shopping with my bike etc...and i will start biking in two more weeks...only on the road the hold montainbik thing have to wait...i did try to pull my handelbar up for a ***** ..just checking..but it was murder painfull....so i thought ok...that comes later.
i am 43...i do every day between 45 and 80 miles on the road...and my trainingspartner are the champs of yucatan and cozumel...and they are 20 years younger then me....so i guess the fast healing thing is a kind of a payoff for been an active athlet...as i broke my femur in may ....(i was lucky the crack wend through the bone..but the tow pieces never left there original positon - so i did not need a surgery...) i was biking after 4 weeks the first time...and after two monts every thing was back to normal...
...it must be my nutrition and my will...i hat to be in bed..i realy hat it!!!
and dont listen to all what the doc is telling you....they just wonna get rich on you...don't forget that!!!
ahinalu said:
Similar threads
