Clavicle Fracture

[Hein4580]

 

Had a hard fall about 2 weeks ago and ended up with a broken collarbone. I am keen to get back on MTB in 4 weeks, but a bit nervous.

Is it worth looking at protective gear just until confidence is back and if so perhaps some advice on brand or type.
 

Tnx

[DJR]

Sorry about your misfortune.

There is no protective gear for a collarbone. Knees, shins, elbows, eyes, wrists. hands, ankles, heads, necks, hips, backs, ribs, even balls, but there really is nothing that will save you from a hard fall on the shoulder. Nothing that is practical anyhow. (I did my right shoulder in twice and unsuccessfully searched for the same magical protection). Even full on downhill body armour does not protect the shoulder. 

Once the bones fused, it is quite strong and the biggest problem with a fall after that is because the tendons are often very stiff after the healing period. If you fall again soon after, people often tear shoulder ligaments and that can be a much bigger problem to sort out. So, concentrate to get flexibility back through physio and stretching exercises afterwards. All according to what your doctor says of course.

B.t.w. did you have it pasted together surgically with plate and screws, or is it healing naturally in a sling only? The healing / recovery / rehab times will vary radically depending on the type of fracture you had as well as how it was treated.

Heal well and don't be in too much of a hurry to do the crazy stuff again.

Edited October 3, 2021 by DJR

[ChrisF]

22 minutes ago, DJR said:

Sorry about your misfortune.

There is no protective gear for a collarbone. Knees, shins, elbows, eyes, wrists. hands, ankles, heads, necks, hips, backs, ribs, even balls, but there really is nothing that will save you from a hard fall on the shoulder. Nothing that is practical anyhow. (I did my right shoulder in twice and unsuccessfully searched for the same magical protection). Even full on downhill body armour does not protect the shoulder. 

Once the bones fused, it is quite strong and the biggest problem with a fall after that is because the tendons are often very stiff after the healing period. If you fall again soon after, people often tear shoulder ligaments and that can be a much bigger problem to sort out. So, concentrate to get flexibility back through physio and stretching exercises afterwards. All according to what your doctor says of course.

B.t.w. did you have it pasted together surgically with plate and screws, or is it healing naturally in a sling only? The healing / recovery / rehab times will vary radically depending on the type of fracture you had as well as how it was treated.

Heal well and don't be in too much of a hurry to do the crazy stuff again.

Would you recommend a biokineticist as part of the healing and re-hab session, to ensure best healing for those tendons ?

[Mamil]

47 minutes ago, ChrisF said:

Would you recommend a biokineticist as part of the healing and re-hab session, to ensure best healing for those tendons ?

I'm a huge fan of physio and bio working in tandem.

[DJR]

49 minutes ago, ChrisF said:

Would you recommend a biokineticist as part of the healing and re-hab session, to ensure best healing for those tendons ?

Yes, absolutely. Personally I think first the physiotherapy, then the biokinetics and then gym / exercise on your own until you are 100% again. I think the physiotherapists are better in the early stages of the rehab because they understand fractures/injuries and the rehab thereof better. Later on the bios are better as they understand "sports-function" better.

[ChrisF]

With my knee I went the physio, then later the bio route.

 

It was my first encounter with a bio.  Seriously impressed.

 

 

Agree, first physio, then bio.

[Hein4580]

Thank you for info. Much appreciated 

Collarbone was surgically repaired with a plate. 
Might have to remove plate later though . 
Suppose physio will recommend proper healing program. 

 

[dirtypot]

If it's being removed, is it a hook plate?