Hey everyone I’m 26 years old about two weeks ago I experienced a little accident and broke my clavicle ( collar bone) currently I don’t have much pain at all. I spoke with couple of orthopaedic doctors and they said I am able to heal cosmetically but there is always the option of doing the surgery. I would just like to hear your opinions and feel free to leave some advice for fast healing. I placed a picture of my x-ray for y’all to see the damage and perhaps you may have experienced or know someone that experienced a similar break. Feel free to leave your advice based on my picture. Thank you for your time
I knew a guy who broke his collarbone, didn’t get the surgery and thought he was fine. Then he tried to do the hammer throw (field event) and we all heard his bone break a second time. I’m not a doctor, but get it fixed with whatever option is strongest and most available to you.
I broke my collar bone playing flag football back in 2007. Shattered it into pieces. So I didn’t have the option but to have a titanium plate and 8 screws get put in. It’s now 2025, still have the plate. If it gets hit, its pretty painful and will ache for awhile after. Other than that, no complaints.
Thanks for that info do you know how long after his accident he tried to do that. Like how much time did he give himself to heal before he tried that event?
Honestly, it’s been so long I can’t remember. It wasn’t horrible though. I didn’t ride back then, but I’m sure I could have started riding indoors really soon after. It would have just come down to pain threshold.
Thanks for that info do you know how long after his accident he tried to do that. Like how much time did he give himself to heal before he tried that event?
Broke mine ~12 years ago. Consulted three ortho docs and based on the break and those discussions, I opted not to have surgery. I was riding (gingerly) 10 days later. Mine was toward the distal end which is well supported by ligaments so got away without surgery. I did have a sharp end protruding under my skin like it might poke through, but it has since remodeled into a smooth bump.
I was given the choice for surgery. Ortho is very confident it will heal fine without surgery and first open date was 13 days post break. Figure 2 weeks is about the amount surgery would speed this up and I’m going to let it go.
I’ve done both sides. One side was approx 2" separation and they were opting to let it heal naturally but I had an MTB trip in the Alps scheduled for 6 weeks and considering the separation I asked for surgery and they put a plate in. I was back on the trainer after 2 weeks and made my trip.
The other side there was considerable overlap of the two pieces of bone and they said it would heal fine naturally. It did heal, and im ok, however I wish I’d got surgery on that side too as Im a good inch shorter in the shoulder that side now. I’m wonky and my chest tattoo is now lopsided too! My body has adapted but its deffo not optimal.
I’d trust your doctor’s advice, but I personally would opt for surgery.
I broke mine two years ago, and my case was closer to @daness40’s, so things might be a bit different for you, but I could feel how off my entire shoulder was without the support from my collarbone.
It kind of works like a strut to keep everything in place, and losing length through a break slightly changes the geometry of your shoulder.
Maybe it’s a bit of OCD, but I’d like for my shoulders to remain as symmetrical as possible, and would worry that there could be some issues in certain situations with a functionally shorter collarbone.
Again, trust your doctor’s advice, but those are my thoughts!
I too broke collar bone in 2007, except I broke both collar bones, six ribs, and the scapula of my right shoulder blade. I had my collar bones plated and they still are. Can feel them with fingers if I want to, but no complaints or restrictions on what I do all these years later.
Just my personal opinion. I am not qualified to give advice. But I would definitely not have surgery ,considering what your orthopaedic doctors say.
I have knee arthritis, and thought I might need a knee replacement. My knee surgeon strongly recommended I did not need it,and if I could run and ride my bike without pain, then don’t do it! I’m so glad I listened to his advice, as 6 years later my knee is fine.
Make sure you get a good physio to do the correct rehab, and don’t be tempted to rush it, even though you don’t have a lot of pain.
luckily mine was a clean break at the middle how long did it take you to recover after your surgery
My body has adapted but its deffo not optimal.