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Fractured Clavicle Adult

(5 discussions)

I slipped and fell 4 days ago. Rather than crack opoen the back of my head, I turned to the right thinking my shoulder could take the impact vs. the ceramic tile floor.
I’m 33 year old male and have never broken a bone before (to my knowledge).
I fractured the outer 2/3 of my clavicle.
I have pain, but no swelling occured.
I can barely raise my arm straight up.
There is a small knot and it seems like the bone is shifted a bit.
How long will this take to heal?
Will I be able to return to my normal activities of weight lifting and playing pool?
I am medium build, 5’7″ and 177lbs.
I’ve read a lot of information that says to keep my arm close, but when I am laying flat it seems like the bones lineup better abd that slight knot is almost un-noticeable. Unfortunately I can’t afford to be flat on my back since I have two young sons to care.


5 comments

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    9 10

    specialist on 11/5/12. I received a sling from the emergency room when I originally went in for the fracture. The doctor told me to hold my shoulders back as often as possible. He said the figure eight harness isn’t used much anymore. He also suggested that I lay flat on my back with a pillow in the middle of my back so that my shoulders droop backwards. That evening I went home and lay on the floor as the bone specialist suggested. I could hear the bone stretching into place. Luckily I had my pain pills, and a drink of water, and the remote control within reach of my left hand. I took the rest of the week off spending at least 13 hours each day (evening of 11/5/12 to 11/9/12) on the floor. I also increased my calcium intake by drinking a quart of milk each day, eating vegetables high in calcium. On 11/11/12 I returned to work. Three days ago I was able to do pushups in my jacuzzi (the water took most of my weight). I started crack opoen the back of my head, I turned to the right thinking my shoulder could take the impact vs. the ceramic tile floor. I’m 33 year old male and have never broken a bone before (to my knowledge). I fractured the outer 2/3 of my clavicle. I have pain, but no swelling occured. I can barely raise my arm straight up. There

    Terry Robinson PT

    9 10

    A fracture can take 4 to 6 weeks to heal, longer if you move the area too much. A sling worn during the day can help support the arm and take pressure off the clavicle. Get one at the Drug store. Gentle painfree shoulder exercises can be started after the fx has healed. Weight lifting may be 3 months out. Pool, sooner.

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    9 10

    11/15/12 – I saw the X-rays at the bone specialist on 11/5/12. I received a sling from the emergency room when I originally went in for the fracture. The doctor told me to hold my shoulders back as often as possible. He said the figure eight harness isn’t used much anymore. He also suggested that I lay flat on my back with a pillow in the middle of my back so that my shoulders droop backwards. That evening I went home and lay on the floor as the bone specialist suggested. I could hear the bone stretching into place. Luckily I had my pain pills, and a drink of water, and the remote control within reach of my left hand. I took the rest of the week off spending at least 13 hours each day (evening of 11/5/12 to 11/9/12) on the floor. I also increased my calcium intake by drinking a quart of milk each day, eating vegetables high in calcium. On 11/11/12 I returned to work. Three days ago I was able to do pushups in my jacuzzi (the water took most of my weight). I started playing pool (no breaks just shooting) 2 days ago as well as doing some rehabilitation exercises I found on the internet. I seem to have about 65% of my strength back – I haven’t been pushing the envelop. I continue to sleep on my back. The only noticeable limit I have is that my right hand can’t grab my left shoulder without help. I’m considering asking the bone specialist about a referral to a physical therapist when I see him for more x-rays on 11/19/12. Don’t get me wrong there is still some discomfort. Will the discomfort go away in the coming weeks? Will physical therapy help me to grab my left shoulder with my right hand again? Are the pushups in the jacuzzi helpful at this stage? If I can get copies of my x-rays I’ll post them.

    Avatar

    9 10

    6 months ago I fell & fractured my R clavicle longitudinally; have been to the routine appointments at the hospital; finally I was asked to decide whether or not I would have the non union repaired in public hospital or privately ( an option my surgeon indicated should be in a private hospital) & that a bone graft would be involved. Appointments for surgery have not been forthcoming until now, but that would not be until end of Jan

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    9 10

    Eight years ago I fractured my clavical in a motorcycle accident. I have been going to the same doctor ever since the accident he reassured me that there was no problem, although I continuously said that there was. Anyway I got a second opinion and discovered that bone did not set properly. Wow I am faced with an operation of a bone implant to repair the initial damage.
    Please advise as to the possible success of this operation.

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