I broke my collarbone a week ago and.

Question

I broke it about a week ago and went to the doctor and made me put on this X strap. I never though it helped because it really didn't do anything. So he just told me to get my chest up. Well right now my collar bone is sticking out and is not parallel to my shoulder- like its more / then -

Answer 1

I suggest going to see your doctor again. Ask him to explain things and what to look out for.

Answer 2

go to to the doctor again...

surgery if problem persists?

Answer 3

Hello,

I'm sorry about this.

"Best management" for a broken collar-bone varies a bit.

-  Some people (your doc for example) believe in just bracing the shoulders back, to stretch apart the two broken ends.  This will work well enough, but usually the bones heal up in an over-lapped or Z- shape.   If you're young and still growing, this will even out over time.

-  Some people believe in operating to join the two bones end-to-end in a perfect shape.  But to keep them there while healing takes place, a small metal pin or metal brace has to be left inside, at least until it's healed.

Operating carries the small risk of introducing infection, and of course a much higher cost if you're paying for treatment.

You don't have much time left to decide, now.  A week after the break, and the bone ends will already be getting "sticky" or "tacky," as the first step in the bone-healing process.  If you leave things much longer, it won't be possible to re-set them internally 'cos they'll be well stuck together.

I don't think shoulder-function afterwards, is much different between 'straight' healing and 'zig-zag' healing, but obviously one looks much better than the other from the outside.

I hope this is of some help.  Please see some pictures I have attached.

Best wishes,

Belliger (retired uk gp)