Last year I fell on some ice and I thought I had only bruised my ribs because the pain was awful. I had a little pain in my shoulder and around my collarbone but did not think anything of it. I have discovered earlier this year that there seems to be swelling in the collarbone area and it seems like the collarbone itself has shifted. I went and saw my own doctor about it and she said that nothing was wrong. I went and saw another doctor last month and she said that it had been dislocated during the fall and it has healed that way and that there is nothing that can be done because there is no way to immoblize it. Is she correct in that? I was also wondering how much pain there is if they fix it surgically and how long will it take to heal.
Hi Corey,
If the bones have healed incorrectly, then yes surgery is needed. They will have to basically re-fracture the bone and set it properly. They may use a plate or in some countries a pin. You'll be in a sling for several weeks and it can take about 3 months for it to fully heal.
Talk to an orthopedic surgeon for the best answer. In order to fully answer your question some form of diagnostic imaging will be performed, most likely x-ray, do they know exactly how to proceed. There will be some pain and the plate, if you go that route, can leave a bit of a scar. You will be able to use the arm after a few weeks but nothing heavy until it fully heals. Physical therapy is usually also advised.
Hope it helps.
If the bones have healed incorrectly, then yes surgery is needed. They will have to basically re-fracture the bone and set it properly. They may use a plate or in some countries a pin. You'll be in a sling for several weeks and it can take about 3 months for it to fully heal.
Talk to an orthopedic surgeon for the best answer. In order to fully answer your question some form of diagnostic imaging will be performed, most likely x-ray, do they know exactly how to proceed. There will be some pain and the plate, if you go that route, can leave a bit of a scar. You will be able to use the arm after a few weeks but nothing heavy until it fully heals. Physical therapy is usually also advised.
Hope it helps.