Fractured Clavicle

Joseph Lombardi

Well....I'm cooked....over the handlebars during my RR resulted in fractured collarbone....Distal Fracture...two pieces off the end....initally it looked pretty well aligned...but after a few days it has become more misaligned so I will be going in for Plates & Pins surgery on Friday....

Anyone care to share their rehab stories?  How long? What, if any activities did you do? When?....I've been walking...considering stationary bike next week after surgery....but how long until I can consider running?...swimming?  

bob hiller

Bummer.  Sorry for your accident.  Heal quickly and well.

Coach Rich

Posted By Joseph Lombardi on 23 Jul 2014 02:58 PM

Well....I'm cooked....over the handlebars during my RR resulted in fractured collarbone....Distal Fracture...two pieces off the end....initally it looked pretty well aligned...but after a few days it has become more misaligned so I will be going in for Plates & Pins surgery on Friday....

Anyone care to share their rehab stories?  How long? What, if any activities did you do? When?....I've been walking...considering stationary bike next week after surgery....but how long until I can consider running?...swimming?  

Literally everyone I ride with locally, including me, as broken their clavicle. It's gotten to where we have a couple go-to docs on speed dial. Crazy. 

Make sure that Your Guy is The Guy for working with athletes and understands what your expectations are for recovery after the surgery. In my experience he's going to want you in a sling for anywhere from 4-8wks. He won't want you running as that will have you swinging the arm. Swimming is obviously out. Cycling on the trainer is usually fine, though you'll need to keep the sling on and ride one handed. Most people elevate the front wheel to keep some weight off that one hand. 

Good luck!

John Bayone

Very sorry to hear about your accident. Hope that your surgery goes well and that you can start rehab soon.

tim cronk

Oh Joe... This is not your year.... Sorry to hear about your crash.... I tried to find the thread I had for my broken clavicle last year but the search function never seems to work.... I was walking as much as possible ASAP , I think I had the surgery 6 days after the break , started spinning on the trainer a day or two after surgery , the doc said let pain be your guide , I took him literally and was swimming within 2 weeks after surgery , I was tempted and able to participate in IMMT 3.5 weeks after surgery but did the smart thing and stood down. When the doc found out how much I was swimming he just about died. Each case is different , I met a woman in IMMT that was still in a sling after 12 weeks WOW hers was really bad.... I'm very happy I went with the surgery, recovery was much faster and less painful.

novaavant

Joseph really sorry to hear that and I hope you heal up quickly. In the link below is some good discussion on Tim's accident. Dino Sarti also had some good discussion when he broke his collarbone.

@ Tim I got you covered, here is the link to your crash report: http://members.endurancenation.us/Forums/tabid/57/aft/12637/Defaul

Joseph Lombardi

Thanks everyone....this is very helpful...I will post updates...been walking alot...and hope to get on the trainer next week...

Cheers.

J.T. Thompson

Bummer - but like most, been there.. My only advice is that if after a few months you are not seeing results as in being able to raise your arms well, take this very seriously. Could have some nerve damage in the shoulder. Timing is critical if this is the case as need to get it fixed soon as after a period of time, it will degenerate. And most ortho docs can't handle this - takes a different kind of specialist.... If this comes up, don't hesitate to reach out.... I had to have nerve decompression surgery, but was able to do IMWI six months later.....

jaleslie

Joe...sorry to hear this....this is just not your year it seems.  I broke mine last spring, in my last RR for a HIM.  I did not need surgery, though.  Be smart, don't push through pain....

cgres123

Arggg...

Bummer Joe heal up.

Scott Alexander

Like Rich said, most people that cycle a lot will eventually have this happen. My local tri team also has an ortho on speed dial - he's actually a member of our team!

Mine happened in June 2012. Here's my post about it: http://members.endurancenation.us/Forums/tabid/57/aft/9017/Default.aspx

Ralph Moore

There is a new device for this problem that has a bit less scarring and quicker Rehab. My patients have been very pleased. You might check it out.

http://www.sonomaorthopedics.com/

they even have a biker on their home page Ad.

 sorry you are having this setback. get well soon

rbogle

What a bummer. Sorry Joe, hope recov and rehab are quick!

Joseph Lombardi

Joseph Lombardi

robin sarner

hit up Sukhi Muker on facebook.      he healed freakishly fast.

Joseph Lombardi

Scott Alexander

Is that 7 screws I count on the outside (left in pic) end of the collar bone? What, did they miss the first few times?!? haha

Joseph Lombardi

Posted By Scott Alexander on 29 Jul 2014 03:30 PM


Is that 7 screws I count on the outside (left in pic) end of the collar bone? What, did they miss the first few times?!? haha

I know huh?!...chukl....I think the issue there is that it is holding multiple (2) pieces off the end (comminuted)...and distal fractures are notorious for malunion...so maybe some extra precaution?....my follow up is next week...doc sent me this today just so I could see it...