Pain after collar bone surgery

[flatpik]

I broke my collar bone on April 4 and had the surgery to repair it on April 20.  The Doc gave me a nice plate with nine screws.  Now I am very numb in a large area under the incision and it is burning and throbbing.  This seems to have gotten worse after week two.  I expected some pain from this procedure but this seems to be nerve related.  Has anyone had experience with anything like this?  I can deal with it if I know it will get better in time but I'm starting to get concerned.  

[abhijeet v ghosh]

hi buddy,
well it's a concern. You should meet him soon and discuss with him the further treatment plan. Surgery if this region is commonly associated with nerve branch getting entrapped under some hardware, and hence can trigger off this sort of chain events.
So meet your surgeon and discuss.
And do let us know as what he said,
regards

[flatpik]

Thanks for your reply!  The nerve  branch getting trapped scenario  is a scary thought.  I hope that's not the case.  I just don't know how much numbness and pain is normal after a procedure like this.  I would say an area about the size of my hand is numb underneath the incision.  Maybe I am expecting to much too soon?

Thanks Again

[abhijeet v ghosh]

hi buddy,
generally we don't do anything, even if a small nerve is entrapped. And we wait for 12-18 months for the nerve to recover. In your case, the amount of numbness is not significant. SO you just need to wait and take your chances. Some nerve enhancing medicines like methylcobalamine can be helpful for the recovery.
Keep asking your doubts.
Regards

[Leenatundup]

Hi,
I got my surgery done in april 2009. Now it has been 6 weeks, i feel a lot of pain in my biceps n triceps while doing stretching exercises. I can not sleep properly due to pain in my arms which enhances when i lie down on bed.
Please reply to me
Thanks
Leena

[Marvin33]

I had a collarbone fracture in India 5 months ago falling off motor scooter, original orthopedist advised against surgery.  He didn't do such a good job though, the right collar bone, which broke in 2 places perhaps 2 inches apart, is not in the best possible alignment.  After 3 months of  physical therapy, I have pretty good use of my right arm, but It overlaps and it's doctor's calcium, and 3 different pills that have given the bone its holding power... I'm still thinking about surgery, it's not completely comfortable no matter how much physical therapy exercises I do.... my doctor says to live with it that it is strong and should never come loose with normal care, other doctors say get surgery ....   any 3rd or 4th opinions or what is the best surgery?  I am still in North India in Rishikesh...  

[Kellymudd]

I broke my right Clavicle due to a Horse accident.  Have a smaller plate with only 6 screws put it.  Broke my Clavicle May27th and had surgery June 8th.  I am still having alot of pain and also having numbness down my right arm and across the right side of my chest.  The doctor did say my feeling may come back but it could take a year if it will.  Has anyone had any problems with keeping the hardware in  as opposed to removing them?  The doc said that I could remove the hardware if it bothers me and because it is a smaller plate than he usually puts in I have to take it easy for longer.  

[utkbowen22]

I broke my left clavicle in late January of 2008 and had surgery getting a plate with several screws in late February.  Ever since my surgery I have experienced chronich muscle pain in the left side of my back almost directly opposite from my clavicle.  I can get it messaged out but then the pain and tightness comes back within the next day or two.  Has anyone else had this issue after this type of surgery?  If so what can I do to relieve the pain for good?

[Dr Vinod]

Stiffness is a common complication and prevented by exercise/physiotherapy and shoulder mobilization. Mal union or Non union which is rare cause no functional disability and no treatment. An open reduction and internal fixation with additional bone grafting may be necessary if there exists a painful non-union of the clavicle and for this you have to discuss near your orthopaedician. Take care!

[suzie521]

my son broke his collerbone playing takle football, he might get surgery, does anyone know if he will be able to play football again in the future, hes only 13 yrs old and he wants to play for high school

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

At the age of 13 fractures heal perfectly. For collar bone fractures you can go for conservative treatment and if required and suggested by the orthopedician you can go for surgery.

He can play football after recovery and it is always good that he does not play for the next 3 months. After the fracture healing he can play football after discussing with his orthopedician.

Take care!