Clavicle Fracture Surgery

[tricia1628]

I fell on my shoulder 4 weeks ago and suffered a type II distal clavicle fracture and sprained the AC ligaments.   At three weeks, x-rays were taken and my orthopedic surgeon said that the image looked exactly the same from when the first x-rays were taken.  He said that my fracture is not healing at the rate it should and that we need to wait at least another 4 weeks to assess how the bone is healing and then possibly consider surgery.  What are other options because as a nursing student I don't have the time to wait another 4 weeks to consider surgery and my surgeon is not hearing me when I explain this.  I am getting a second opinion in a week and hope to hear I don't need surgery, but could I find a surgeon to do surgery this early?

[roxie717]

I had open distal clavicle surgery years ago after falling on my shoulder. It took the doctor a long time to notice the fracture, but when he did, I was scheduled and had the surgery. I have about a 2 inch scar on my shoulder, and it has always felt like a hole is in my shoulder. The shoulder has a larger bulbous look to it, and has been that way for quite a while. Even my arm muscle looks larger (the place where you might get a shot). The shoulder hurts constantly now, and it is hard to sleep. I went through cortisone injections and they did help for a time. Lately, though, It feels like it is getting worse. Am I subject to getting a frozen shoulder? My range of motion has decreased also. Any suggestions?

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

I would suggest you to go for a figure of 8 bandages or a sling bandage and with decreasing pain start physiotherapy and most of the times the clavicle fracture heals by itself. If it is dislocated joint then the orthopedician can manipulate it.

Conservative treatment is always good as you avoid surgery and the other option is open reduction of the fracture and the displacement and internal fixation by plate and nails.

Take care!