Broken Clavicle Help

[darkest9999]

Hi,
Today I broke my collar bone playing rugby (got squashed by two beefy guys). Went to ealing hospital and they diagonised the problem then sent me packing with an appointment next week at the fracture clinic without giving me information on how this is treated, how long it takes to heal and will I need an operation. I am in quite a lot of discomfort even after medication. I have attached my X-ray. Can anyone please answer these questions.

Thanks

Brad

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[physio.smith]

Have they given you any advice on moving the elbow, wrist and keeping your neck mobile?

At the moment the best thing you can do is rest it, keep your elbow and wrist moving gently, and move your neck all as pain allows.

Make sure you have adequate pain relief, see your GP if not helping the pain.

I snapped mine in the middle over 13 years ago and of all the fractures I have suffered playing rugby it was by far the most painful. I think they gaveme paracetamol initially which I found no where near enough. Once the pain was under control it was a lot more comforable. It took time to stop the fracture moving around when I sat up etc, maybe 1-2/52, then things got easier and I was back playing again by the end of the season (did do it right at the start of the season).

As for surgery wait and see the ortho's at fracture clinic.

Make a list of questions and take them with you, see what they say and if you still have questions don't be frightened to ask them.

Good luck.

[darkest9999]

Hi,
Thanks for the reply and answering my questions. The doctor did not give me any advice on moving the arm or shoulder. You were certainly more helpful then she was.

Thanks again

Brad

[physiobob]

I would get this one pinned and plated at least to get it back where it should be!! If it only just happened go see someone who will do that. Otherwise you will have a dodgey shoulder in the future and say goodbye to rugby

[Canuck Physio]

I would get this one pinned and plated at least to get it back where it should be!! If it only just happened go see someone who will do that. Otherwise you will have a dodgey shoulder in the future and say goodbye to rugby

I would concur, it's just a bone that you want to have in place and in proper alignment. Especially if you want to return to rugby

[physio.smith]

I agree if it was mine I would get it surgically fixed.

Was sitting on the fence a little on that point as from the xray thought you looked quite young.

How old are you (if you don't mind me asking)?

[darkest9999]

Hi,
Thanks for all you replys. You were correct with your assumptiom, im only 16. What are the benefits to having it surgically fixed to leaving it to heal on its own. I worry the NHS will favour to leaving it to heal on its own rather then paying out for an operation.

Thanks for your help
Brad

[physio.smith]

How are you doing?

I think your best bet is to speak to your parents / guardians and surgeons / orthopaedics in fracture clinic. Tell them your thoughts, concerns etc, ask your questions and make an informed decision with them.

Good luck

[darkest9999]

Hi All,
I went to the fraction clinic today. There was a catalogue of errors including a 2 hour delay. The docter said there was no images on the x-ray cd that I had given him so then I had to physically get on his computer and managed to find it straight away for him. He then said since I am young there is a 90% chance of it healing correctly without operation but if I had been older they would of operated within the week.

He mentioned that because the break is near the end of the joint then this is more painful then further away. Guess Ive just got to hope for the best that it heals on its own correctly.

[darkest9999]

Hi,
Just a little update about my shoulder. After 11 weeks since the injury and many visits to the hospital they have told me that my shoulder has not healed correctly. They mentioned there is "stepping" when I move my arm around (it feels like the bone is grinding inside) and that there is a 2.5cm gap at the joint. They have booked me in for physiotherapy but im just doubtful this will fix the problem. Does anyone know more information on this problem and what treatments are normally perscribed?
Thanks

[jjose_01]

Hi, as what I know of this fracture with my orthos is that, they just keep it in place till it heals. we don't usually treat fractured clavicle as they just immobilise it with an elbow splint for 4 weeks.

since it is 3 months when you first posted here, please let me know what happened with your clavicle.

[LehighU]

I am doing a college research project on clavicles and am surveying those who have fractured their clavicles. It would be very helpful if you could fill this survey out:

Patient's Clavicle Brace Survey

Thank you!