Clavicle Error - Broken Collarbone

Pondering some gentle swimming now that I'm sling free ish but can't find anyone to advise if that's ok so might have to stick to just the static bike a little longer and some situps!
Even if you're under 20, a clavicle fracture is not going to heal enough in 4 weeks for swimming to be a good idea.

Other than shoulder presses, it's probably the worst movement for your clavicle.

Your ortho / physio / witchdoctor might have mentioned that raising your arm above shoulder level is a DumbThingToDo™.

You might also want to ask them for appropriate post-fracture mobilisation exercises.

Go for a run / use a static bike if you want some exercise.

I broke mine (100% displacement) about 6 months ago and opted to have a plate put in, back in to have it removed in a fortnight.

I guess I can only impart a few things that haven't already been covered:

• if you do decide to get it plated, which has given me maximum function back, then be prepared to have to get it taken out again...I was told it would "probably not need removal" but in actual fact most people find it uncomfortable/unsightly and you are constantly running the risk of a further complication if you fall on it again.

• physio is your friend. do what they tell you to do to the letter and ask them lots of questions. I was back within 3 weeks doing turbo and seated leg stuff, and within 8 weeks full body exercises..and it felt like I was really taking it slowly.

• if you go for the chop, your scar looks RAD

Some people's scars look like a butcher has sewn a zip in their shoulder.

Mine looks like Hardy Amies designed it as a feature.

YMMV, depending on surgeon I guess.

Having the plate take out again is such a relief, by the way.

I couldnt sleep on my side with the plate in - It was not until after it was removed that I realised how much of an affect this had been having on me.

Even if you're under 20, a clavicle fracture is not going to heal enough in 4 weeks for swimming to be a good idea.

Other than shoulder presses, it's probably the worst movement for your clavicle.

This

Don't reach, don't lift, don't exert downwards force...

Swimming is all these.

I'm really hoping my plate sets off the scanner at Heathrow when I go to Berlin later this month. Then I can show off my scar. Are the plates titanium? Will that set the bleepers off?

TW2 - With you on the sleeping thing. Can't wait to sleep on my right side again.

mine didn't set off the beepers in Geneva or in Leeds Bradford (one of the most secure airports in UK)

I was so disappointed...

I'm not having physio at all. I was told I was ok not to wear the sling & to try use my arm normally, but no heavy lifting, no far reaching across my chest & no reaching high. Oh and preferably no skiing in January.

I'm really hoping my plate sets off the scanner at Heathrow when I go to Berlin later this month. Then I can show off my scar. Are the plates titanium? Will that set the bleepers off?
The plates aren't dense enough or massy enough to trigger the scanners.

Decided against trying figure-8 brace. Need something I can manage alone.
Mobility in my arm is improving, and the doc gave me a few safe exercises to do.

It's confirmed that I can't swim (at all) for 6 weeks post op (I'm at 3 weeks), but I have been for a 2 gentle careful potters on the brompton, which was a fairly comfortable ride in my condition and folding/unfolding was possible with care. I'm out of the sling almost all of the time unless my shoulder gets tired or uncomfortable.

I can tell my fitness after 5 weeks or more with no gym, pool or bike action is going seriously to pot. Surprisingly I'm also 2kg lighter than I was.

Sadly my lovely and recently assembled old serotta will have to wait :(

1 Attachment

I broke mine (100% displacement) about 6 months ago and opted to have a plate put in, back in to have it removed in a fortnight.

I guess I can only impart a few things that haven't already been covered:

• if you do decide to get it plated, which has given me maximum function back, then be prepared to have to get it taken out again...I was told it would "probably not need removal" but in actual fact most people find it uncomfortable/unsightly and you are constantly running the risk of a further complication if you fall on it again.

• physio is your friend. do what they tell you to do to the letter and ask them lots of questions. I was back within 3 weeks doing turbo and seated leg stuff, and within 8 weeks full body exercises..and it felt like I was really taking it slowly.

• if you go for the chop, your scar looks RAD

All of these things. I broke my left collarbone twice, 3 months apart, and ended up having it plated last december, getting it out in january. Not looking forward to recovering from the operation again, but it'll be nice not to be constantly worried that I'll do something really bad to it if I happen to come off.

I did all the physio I was given, and I'm sure it helped massively, but I remember how tight and painful most of my back was for a few months afterwards. I still get a lovely clicking noise when I roll my shoulder... I must have started swimming at least 3 months after the operation, after seeing the snapped screw picture in this thread I wasn't taking any chances.

As for the scar, I got a sweet looking internally-stitched one (big up Lewisham Hospital). Quite glad I didn't get staples, I just hope they do the same when I get the plate out.

I asked about physio, but was told I probably wouldn't need it. It does leave you in the dark a little about what to do or not do or indeed whether or not the sensations/pain/stiffness you might be experiencing are normal or a cause for concern. Googling for answers can be just confusing.

I had a lot of pain mid week and generally felt unwell. I'd pondered if I'd done something I shouldn't have, but most likely not. Role on the time when i don't have to sleep (or not) on my back.

Thoughts of having the plate removed seem a long way off and the of more muscle chopping and staples doesn't warm me to the idea! This was me about 10 days ago.

missing pic...

https://secure.familyhealthtracker.com/deliver.aspx?s=sm&t=di&l=en&f=%7B02cae19d-d04f-4f37-9be5-0d857b7fbef3%7D&key=26dd85c28d515a89bff6d8625ddf298a

I followed these very carefully after my fracture (I also fractured my radial head - the bone at the top of your forearm which joins the elbow). 100% range of motion recovered.

Thanks Tokyou Bawbag...when did u you begin these exercises?

Read this thread for the first time on Friday and went out on Saturday morning and BOOM hit the deck hard for the first time pretty much ever and I do over 160m a week. Funny coincidence that! Thankfully just banged up and no broken bones. Feel for everyone here that's been unlucky.

https://secure.familyhealthtracker.com/deliver.aspx?s=sm&t=di&l=en&f=%7B02cae19d-d04f-4f37-9be5-0d857b7fbef3%7D&key=26dd85c28d515a89bff6d8625ddf298a

I followed these very carefully after my fracture (I also fractured my radial head - the bone at the top of your forearm which joins the elbow). 100% range of motion recovered.

Great guide - Don't suppose you'd have a link for those of us recovering from a break at the other end?
It's been over 5 weeks since my accident now and I manage to be sling-free most of the time. Rotator cuff is stiff though, and hurts like hell if I overwork it doing simple stuff like washing up.

http://www.massgeneral.org/ortho/services/sports/rehab/Clavicle_Fracture_Protocol_After_Surgical_Repair.pdf

This might help.

I had k-wire pinning, so I was allowed to do most of the exercises as soon as the swelling went down. I was very cautious though - I avoided all of the ones which involved raising the arm near horizontal until the x-rays showed signs of bone growth. I most certainly would speak to your GP before launching into any of the routines linked.

I made sure that while I was in a sling, I was trying to utilise the muscles as much as I could (tensing up, pulling up/pushing down/pushing out while immobilising the arm etc)

My broken arm was more annoying - I only had a 120 degree range of rotation in my wrist for a good four weeks. Took a lot of effort to get that back to normal (about 8 weeks all in for complete wrist/elbow motion)

on a side note, anyone know how to get hold of the x-rays from the hospital? now they're all digital you cant take em home any more...

Ask, it will depend on the hospital, you'll probably have to pay a fiver in one place and then head down to the radiology or records department who will actually print it out for you.

http://www.massgeneral.org/ortho/services/sports/rehab/Clavicle_Fracture_Protocol_After_Surgical_Repair.pdf

This might help.

Very useful, thanks.

Had my 6 week post op checkup & xray today. I was concerned that I had been too active, but worries of loose screws or clavicle damage were unfounded - everything was aswell as could be expected. I'm cleared to swim, gradually introduce strength exercises and ride, but not fall off my bike.

I'm due to ski in 5 weeks. For that reason the surgeon said come see him again in 4 weeks for another xray to check my progress and make sure there were no problems.

We're all different of course, but over the last 2-3 weeks I have been riding the Brompton fairly regularly, walking long distances and doing core exercises and cardio at the gym, with pool 'running' and gentle exercise with the pool floats to help my range of motion.

My shoulder/chest is sore from the exercise, but that's normal I'm told, and the tendons and muscles running down to my clavicle are very tight which should gradually ease off. I have no unusual nerve pain, except a largish numb patch below the incision. If I run in mobility problems the surgeon said we could look at having physio. As it is, it's not needed.

My strength and fitness has suffered and weight is down 2-3 kg, but after only 6 weeks I'm in a position to get to work on that and expect to be feeling like my old self soon. So don't be too sad if you've just been unfortunate enough to have had an accident. Happy Christmas & NY - particularly Mr B!

I broken my left clavicle over 4 years ago and I can't lay or sleep on my left side as I will get a dull ache in my shoulder. Other than that I have full movement.

12 week xray shows a good union. The clavicle is strong enough to lift and exercise.

Swimming is uncomfortable, but perfectly possibly, as is resistance training in the gym to build strength and mobility. Both are returning quickly with a marked improvement from even 4 weeks ago - it's possible now to pushup and lift my own weight on a bar. I've riden 30-40miles without issue and climbing out of the saddle hasn't been a problem.

All in a good result, thanks to the Royal Free. I don't regret having surgery, despite it all being a bit traumatic - even the scar has healed surprisingly well, I'm even sleeping on my op side again!

Checkup in 6 months to maybe consider removing the plate?

1 Attachment

I wish mine had gone that well! good as new!