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Apr 25, 2012

Clavicular Plate Removal?

By Estella in broken clavicle, rehabilitation with 99 comments

Back in 2008 when I broke my collarbone, I thought it’d be cool to document my incredible clavicle adventures in my blog. Little did I know that it would be so helpful and generate this much interest among others who have experienced a similar fate and were faced with the decision of whether or not to go under the knife. Many people have emailed me thank yous, questions, and comments ever since. It’s such an amazing feeling to have helped and had such a positive impact on so many people. Hearing all these stories of successful post op rehabs also helped give me reassurance that I myself made the right choice. This had to be one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make for myself but thank goodness for the internet. I did a ton of research, learned a lot in the process, and asked so many different people (family, my doctor, medical professionals, therapists, friends, people i’ve never met before, you name it) for opinions before formulating my own decision. So with this blog, I want to pay it forward and pass along my experience and information acquired.

Following Up…

It’s been a bit over 3 years since getting my pre-contoured low profile titanium smith and nephew clavicular plate and 9 screws installed and I’m doing great! Occasionally people would email me to ask whether I’ve had my plate removed. The answer remains the same every time. No. It has more or less become a part of me. My orthopedic surgeon Dr. Veillette must’ve been really good and/or I’m really lucky ’cause I hardly notice it and don’t feel any extreme pain or irritations when performing workouts and everyday activities.

The only times I do feel it is if I actually touch it. On the plus side, I no longer feel any tugging of the skin around the plate 🙂 For me, the area is still a bit sensitive if I were to get a shoulder massage. Should that situation ever arise, I’d make sure they don’t apply too much pressure or squeeze too hard around my collarbone. Wearing a messenger bag on that shoulder is usually ok unless it’s a heavy load I’m carrying. In that case, I would wear the strap on my right shoulder instead.

For now I’m keeping it in because I don’t want to deal with another surgery and its possible risks. Also, I’m not really having any serious issues with it. I can still do everything I did before the accident and can even lift heavy weights overhead no problem 🙂 Hopefully I won’t have any problems 10-20 years down the road. That’s something I won’t be able to predict. I wonder if anyone out there has blogged about that…I’d be curious to know. On the flip side, Dr. V did tell me that the plate technology has come a long way and that they’re making them a lot smaller now.

So the verdict still stands – the plate stays!

So you want to get your plate taken out?

I’m not one to recommend or give advice on plate removal, but I can provide an example for those of you who have ever contemplated on getting it done. From what I’ve heard, the general consensus is that the recovery is relatively easy and those who have done it were happy.

Here’s one positive plate install & removal experience I’d like to share. Just over a year ago, one of my blog readers Steve Hoffman stumbled upon my blog after fracturing his collarbone in a nasty bike crash. His clavicle was fractured into 3 pieces and didn’t stand a good chance if any of healing naturally, so he got the ORIF surgery to repair his clavicle and has made a successful recovery.

Week 14 (plate in)
I’ve had my fancy titanium plate for 14 months now. Overall I’m in great shape.  100% ROM and am able to do yoga and most things without any trouble at all, though I do feel the plate most of the time.  I have a quite thin body build and the plate is rather prominent.  Most annoying is swimming due to the rotating motion of the shoulder – I really feel the plate then the most of any activity.

Steve kept his plate for 20 months then after months of research and thought and having talked to 3 surgeons and 3 people who’d had their plates taken out, he chose to get his plate taken out.

Check out his blue clavicular plate at the top of this post! Isn’t it cool? Kinda makes me wonder whether mine had a colour as well.

Reasons leading to his decision to do it:
• started to notice a tightness in the skin below the collarbone over the last 2-3 months (around week 12) – A sports doc said it was likely scar tissue in/around the pec muscle. He got some “Graston Technique” done on it, which involves using various metal tools to rub deeply into tissue to break up scar tissue, which helped his shoulder feel A LOT better!  Apparently scar tissue can keep forming even over a year post-surgery.  A possible reason to maybe to leave the plate in and not deal with *more* scar tissue… (for me, my numbness/tightness went away with time)
• messenger bags & car seat belts rubbing on the plate
• doing push ups or lifting heavy stuff – feeling “strain” being put on the plate
• as the numbness went down, tightness increased – regular exercise did help this a bit though.

In his own words, here are some updates on his progress after the de-plating:

Week 1
“So far so good. Much easier recovery so far than when it was put in.”

Week 3
“I’m 3 weeks post surgery and i feel GREAT. Very glad I had the plate out! Will be a while til I’m 100% but I’m prolly 80+% already – no problems w normal daily activities or driving. Just can’t lift heavy stuff yet.”

Week 5
“I’m at 5.5 weeks and 95% healed 🙂  all’s well with the clavicle!   i’d rather not have had to go thru that of course but the plating and de-plating were both excellent choices.  i can do daily things and light to moderate lifting already — can sleep on it – all with no pain. i don’t even notice it anymore with seat belts or winter jackets.  haven’t tried a backpack yet. the scar still needs to heal up some more but it’s coming along fine. still just a bit sensitive to direct touch.”

Week 8
“I feel 99% healed. seat belts and heavy messenger bags are again essentially pain-free – just a tad of lingering soreness from the removal surgery, but that continues to improve. I’ve taken up swimming 3-4 times per week again. The first day my shoulder was a bit sore from lack of use, but after 2-3 days, swimming was also essentially pain-free.  I don’t feel the “tugging” under my skin of plate-against-bone-against skin.  And the numbness below the scar now is no different than it was after the plate install surgery.  Or to say it another way, it’s no worse after the second surgery. It’s ended up about the same. So, suffice to say, I am VERY happy to have my plate out. 1-2 months to a full recovery is peanuts to have a lifetime of a normal collarbone again. :)”

So there you have it! Another clavtastic success story!

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Estella

99 comments on “Clavicular Plate Removal?”

  • Dave
    April 30, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    A few years ago my wife fell and broke her tib and fib clean though.
    The doc put in a plate which, she was told would come out 18 months later.
    She left it in for about 3 years as she didn’t want to have her leg cut open again.
    As time went on that part of her leg would hurt whenever she ran, jumped or put any kind of pressure on it.
    She went back to the doc and had the plate removed and the leg was all good again.
    I think the plate stopped the bone from flexing during impact and this is what caused the pain.
    I think if the bone and plate are not being stressed too much it can stay in for longer?
    She didn’t want the plate anymore so I had it made into a bracelet, which looks really nice.
    If I’m wearing it people will look at it and say “that’s an unusual design”, yes it the plate from her broken leg, she wore it for 3 years now it’s my turn.

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      April 30, 2012 at 11:55 pm

      Great to hear, Dave. That’s an interesting new use for the plate.

      • Reply
  • JP
    October 5, 2012 at 7:56 am

    Hi Stell

    Terrific blog! I had a comminuted fracture on my left clavicle 3 months ago (mountain bike crash, landed on my shoulder.) The bone broke into 3 pieces so my ortho told me ORIF was needed as the fragments would have a big chance of non-union if not joined with a plate and screw. Actually, plate, 6 screws and some wires to join the middle part. The only sad part is, I did not start physio until after the 1.5 month. So my hand was pretty much stuck and stable on a sling for about 40 days or so. After the sling came off, ROM on my left arm was VERY limited. It was painful if I tried to move it forward/backward, especially sideways. Started pendulum exercises and after about 2 weeks, significant improvement, I can use it for pretty much every normal task though I haven’t had the courage to get back on my bike yet. The last check with my ortho (2 weeks ago) he says the fragments have already joined but the plate has shifted a bit, so I am limited to pendulum exercises and simple strength training for now, at least until it fully heals in maybe a couple more months. And, like you, I have no plans of going under the knife again and have the plate removed. Hopefully ROM improves after a few more months. Cheers!

    JP

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      October 5, 2012 at 10:59 pm

      Hi JP,

      Thanks for reading my blog!

      Yeah, that can happen if you don’t move your shoulder for too many days. I’m glad to hear your ROM is improving. These things take time. Usually the standard recovery time after surgery is about 5-6 weeks before regaining full ROM, of course with the help of physio.

      I wish you a speedy recovery 🙂 Another thing you can look into doing is Indian club swinging with 1 or 2 1lb clubs when the shoulder is more stable. It’s a great way to maintain/regain mobility in the shoulder girdle and as a warm up or cooldown to any workout.

      Estella

      • Reply
  • Rob W
    October 8, 2012 at 3:40 am

    I fractured my collarbone earlier this year. It required an ORIF due to the severity of the injured area. After about 6 months, I had unfortunate cycling training accident and re fractured the same clavicle at the end of the plate; closest to my sternum. Fortunately the fracture was small but close enough to allow it to heal although the fracture has made golf ball sized lump around the fracture area. My surgeon has stated its due to the plate and bone moving outwards. He mentioned I could have surgery to remove the plate and shave down the bone to clean up the deformity. It has been about 6 to 7 weeks since the re fracture. I would say the pain is minimal, but still there is still quite a bit of discomfort. When I had my first surgery, I felt great by the 6 week mark without any discomfort. I am likely going to have surgery within the next month to have the plate removed.

    Any thoughts on my recovery time? I hope to be moving comfortably around the 4 to 5 week mark.

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      October 9, 2012 at 1:36 pm

      Hi Rob, I’ve never actually re-fractured my clavicle so it’d be hard to say what the recovery time would be. According to my orthopedic surgeon, it takes about 5 weeks for hard callous bone formation to take place, which is when you will feel much more stability in your collarbone. Looking back on my experience, my ROM was fully back by week 8. Best of luck with your second surgery.

      • Reply
  • JP
    October 9, 2012 at 9:35 am

    Hi Rob W

    Just curious, would you mind if I ask how the 2nd injury happened? Did you crash and fall on your shoulder or did it just happen while cycling? Thanks.

    • Reply
  • Rob W
    October 10, 2012 at 8:05 am

    The first time I fractured my clavicle was due to a freak snowboard accident. The second time was due was rolling out of a fall while cycling. I was just at my 6 month recovery. The fall itself did not seem bad at all however my assumption is the plate moved when I made impact. The fracture was at the end of the plate near the last screw.

    I hope to do some backpacking by the end of the year so I am hoping as well that the time frame for my recovery will be less than 4 to 5 weeks. My surgeon mentioned being that they are not ‘fixing’ anything so the recovery is that much less because the bone is already set. I intend on being cautious with it for the next few months.

    • Reply
  • JP
    October 13, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    Rob,

    Get well soon man.

    Here’s a recent xray of mine, hope to get back on a bike soon.
    https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/c0.0.843.403/p843x403/525102_496026150416163_196831315_n.jpg

    • Reply
  • ellie
    November 8, 2012 at 7:45 am

    hi steve thanks for the info on plate removal. had mine out a week ago, my worst nightmare would be re fracture, I use the gym, weight bearing but feel concerned now if I will ever be able to do weight bearing. consultant say 12wks recovery but seen scarey stories about weakness of bone after removal. would it be an age thing? ellie

    • Reply
  • Steve H
    November 9, 2012 at 9:37 pm

    Hi Ellie –

    Congrats on getting your plate out! I found the recovery from the removal to be MUCH quicker than the original installation. Just be careful for 6-8 weeks to let the initial healing take place, then slowly rebuild your workout regime after that.

    I’m nine months since my removal surgery now. I haven’t been lifting weights, but I do stay active and I’m completely fine. And over the past month I moved from DC to LA. This involved carrying dozens of heavy boxes, some heavy furniture, and tugging a dolley around with 100+ lbs of boxes on it. Never a worry about my collarbone. So! I think you’ll be fine. 🙂

    • Reply
  • Steve H
    November 13, 2012 at 7:29 am

    P.S: Ellie — I’m 41.

    Also: Look up Dr Mark Sanders in Houston, Texas. He comes highly recommended for orthopedics, especially collarbone surgery. I emailed with him a bit and he said he’s never had a re-fracture. The real key is just to be careful that first 6-12 weeks then slowly build back up to your old activities. I felt plenty secure in daily life activities by 4-5 weeks. Good luck!

    • Reply
    • Cody
      October 22, 2014 at 4:33 am

      Rob W how old were you at the time? your recovery seems super fast? I hope my will be that easy!!!

      • Reply
  • Rob W
    January 4, 2013 at 7:43 am

    Its been about 7 to 8 weeks since my plate removal. I can say that recovery time was well within a week. Moderate pain around the incision area the first two days of post op. Felt no pain on the area where the plate once existed. Was back to doing normal arm movement well within week 1 and by week 2, I felt completely back to normal. The only thing I noticed was the nerve damage on the skin now takes up a majority of my shoulder. This only exists on the skin and will slowly decrease with time. The bump that also existed is still noticeable but should also decrease over the next several years.

    Overall, I am happy with the decision I have made. It feels like something has been lifted off of my shoulder (Literally). I was back to strength and conditioning within 3 to 4 weeks and have already got back onto my snowboard for the first snow of the season. So much for being cautious. My active lifestyle gets the best of me 🙂

    Let me know if you have any questions regarding my experience.

    • Reply
  • Debbi
    January 12, 2013 at 5:44 am

    Hello everyone,

    I, too, broke my collarbone–on June 22, 2012. I also broke 2 ribs and my scapula, this was due to a cycling accident where I hit a groundhog at 18 mph (yes!! it was unavoidable) About 2 weeks after the accident I had an ORIF with a plate and 7 screws. I have healed very well with minimal scarring (although the scar is about 3.5″ in. long), as of now it has faded pretty well. My concern is, now I am feeling a lot more discomfort in the incision area, usually when it rains/snows, or the weather is bad. Has anyone experienced this? I am considering having the plate removed at a future date, as there is this stiffness that is really irritating. I don’t feel it all the time, but in bad weather and in the morning when just waking up, and then some days just randomly. I was wondering, for those who have had removal, what is the optimal time to wait after surgery? It has been exactly 6 months since mine, I do not want to risk a re-break. How strong is the bone after the screws are removed? I have read conflicting reports that the bone holes do fill in again, any info. about this? I resumed cycling as normal after about 3 months of healing, and have no issues with biking or other activities.

    Thank you!
    Debbi 🙂

    • Reply
  • Jay
    February 12, 2013 at 8:06 am

    Hi,

    I broke my collarbone in a car accident and I had it plated about in Aug of 2010. And, I was fine for about 4 months after surgery then all of a sudden I started having quite a few problems. I am not going to bore with a long story but for the last 2 years it has really been bothering me. I found out about a month ago (finally) that my sternocleidomastoid muscle was either underneath the plate or it was caught and not coming free. I didn’t even know what this muscle was. But, it is a very important muscle as it controls the neck movement, the whole shoulder movement, etc… I just got done with 3 weeks of physical therapy to see if we could get the muscle stretched out, loose, etc… I have had no luck whatsoever and I am worse as I have been for the last 2 years after using my shoulder. The only time it feels well is if I don’t do anything to aggravate it. After I play golf (the reason I had it plated) I feel like I have been in a 12 round boxing match with Mike Tyson. I was suppose to do 2 more weeks of therapy but after talking with therapist today he said I should be improving and I am not. I am so tight and my neck hurts so bad (as it has anytime I have used it for 2 years) that we decided to cancel the rest of the rehab. I go back next week to orthopedic and I want my plate out! I hope it is the right decision.

    • Reply
  • Emily
    March 13, 2013 at 9:35 pm

    Hi I am getting my clavicle plate removed over spring break next week! I was wondering if you had to wear a sling again after you had it removed? And when you say returned to activity after a week or two do you mean like running and exercising or just daily? I’m kind of nervous also about the pain, when I first broke it I obviously was already in pain so not worried as much but now its a little scary to know I’m purposely putting myself through pain! How was the pain the week following the surgery?
    Sorry for all the questions just getting anxious!
    Thanks!!

    • Reply
  • Amy
    April 1, 2013 at 10:31 pm

    Hello,
    I was in a car accident In December 2012 and broke my clavicle. Had orif surgery on January 15th. The healing was going pretty good until I took a shower and heard an awful pop and the pain was off the charts. The area near my neck was really swollen and red. The doctor said I have a screw loose. No surprise. Always have:) What I don’t understand is why it isn’t getting better and now they say the bone from the original break is coming apart instead of growing together. I have been in pain and unable to drive or work for 3 months and I used to be a very active and happy 50 year old gal. Sorry to ramble but I have spent hours on the computer trying to find other people with my problem. The only thing I can think of is that I am jinxed or that after having great insurance my whole life, I let it go and had my surgery at a county hospital where they don’t seem to care and aren’t nice.Has anybody had something like this? They just want me to wait and see if the bone heals.It is called malunion. I am frustrated and sad. Any advice? Thanks:)

    • Reply
  • sam drew
    June 23, 2013 at 7:38 am

    Hi…..i broke my clavicle last july and had a plate and 6/7 screws in. it was a distal fracture and the end fragmented so the surgeon had to overlap the plate making my collarbone longer….this limited movement. also….im a slim female so this became very prominent, skin pulled and couldnt carry bags on that shoulder. push ups caused pain under the plate. i have had my plate removed two days ago and im already pleased. i havent seen under the bandage yet….but i have full movement….my only restriction is the pain across the wound line so im keeping still for it to heal. im getting intermittent shooting pains across the bone quite similar to when i had the plate put in.
    i cant wait to get back to the gym as soon as my scar is healed. ive been told no impact or heavy lifting for 8-10 weeks….and not to go on bike again until holes are filled in.
    i know im only 2 days in….but so far so good. ill update next week!

    • Reply
  • Becky
    August 17, 2013 at 10:51 pm

    Hi Sam D,

    I broke my clavicle on September 29, 2012. Had ORIF surgery a few days later (1 plate and 7 screws). I feel soreness and tugging of the skin around the plate and can only apply a small amount of pressure to my left shoulder. With that said, I’m getting my plate removed in a few weeks (Sept. 5, 2013). Would you provide an update on how things are going with your post plate removal?

    Thanks…I’m getting a bit anxious..

    • Reply
  • Raghuraj Menon
    October 2, 2013 at 8:05 pm

    Hi Friends,
    I too had inserted a titanium clavicle plate to my right shoulder after a bike accident during august 2012. Yesterday I got it removed by the same surgeon at Sunrise hospital, Kakkanad, Cochin, India. Today is my first day after the surgery and am doing well. No pain, no complications and so far happy. With plate on I was suffering slight pain while sleeping to right side, when shower water falls directly to that area while taking bath, while taking push ups etc. I also thought why to keep a foreign material inside my body. I was also worried whether it will affect CT/MRI scans, if needed in future for some unfortunate reasons. My plate also looks similar to what shown above, and am too planning to use it now as a locket or bracelet.
    Thanx folks. Will update after sometime.

    • Reply
  • Eberhardt Kalmár Huhn
    October 20, 2013 at 2:34 pm

    I’ve had a surgical steel plate on my clavicle since Aug 1, 2003. Titanium was considered, but since I’ve been a powerlifter since I was 13 (1987), it was deemed that surgical steel would have greater strength and resilience (Ti is harder, but also very brittle in comparison to surgical steel).

    You are bound to learn things about anatomy when you injure yourself – like the fact that the clavicle has a radial, or circular motion. I didn’t realize that until the plate was inserted. When I ventured back to the upper body weights 4 months after the surgery, I found immediately that my bench press movement was severely impeded (level of strength). The internal fixation set my upper limit of the beach press at 330 lbs. Beyond that point, the stress from the plate can actually re-fracture the clavicle, because the plate, with a different distortion factor from the bone acts as a stress rider, and concentrates the stress at the sharp boundary at the end of the plate.

    Other than that, and some intermittent itching from the nickel (a component of surgical steel), I haven’t had any major problems. With normal, everyday movements, I don’t even think about the plate. Unless something strikes that area directly – then, I can’t think about anything else for about sixty seconds.

    Over the last two years I have begun focusing on triathlons, so I feel less interference of the plate for now. I have often thought about getting it removed, though.

    • Reply
  • Kelvin
    February 2, 2014 at 10:37 am

    I had my clavicle surgery on 2013/10. It’s been 3 months after the survey. I broke my left clavicle and it has two fractures so a plate and screws are needed. I broke it the first time almost 30 years ago. But it was heal without surgery (butterfly wrap). I guess the healed bone is stronger so this time has two fractures around the old break point.

    The first month I was resting at without even lifting my arm. From week 5, I started physical therapy. It’s been 2 months into the therapy now. I basically get back all the movement and 80% of my strength. But it’s still very tight under the collar bone. My chiropractor recommended to use laser treatment to accelerate the healing of the muscle (http://www.k-laserusa.com). I’m doing it right now and will see how it goes.

    I’m trying to find out how long will the tightness take place. I’m planning to have the plate taken out 12 months after the surgery.

    Kelvin

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      February 11, 2014 at 1:55 am

      Hi Kelvin, that’s great to hear you’re making good progress. It took me about 5 weeks to get my range of motion back as well and I was back to lifting weights by week 8. As for the tightness and numbness around the collarbone, from personal experience it took a good 6 months or more for it to heal fully.

      • Reply
  • Amy
    February 10, 2014 at 10:27 pm

    It has been 13 months since my orif surgery. 8 screws and a plate. There was a non-union issue for many months but it finally healed. I am now having a problem that I can’t find an answer to no matter how many sites I go on . The problem is that I was almost 100% back to normal except for the sensitivity near the skin with my purse or seatbelt. My granddaughter banged her head full force right on the plate but to be honest, some weird things were going on before that. I can no longer sleep on the “bad” side and there is burning and pain that I haven’t had for many months. It goes all the way down my arm and I find myself using the right arm to compensate for the weakness and pain. I know in my heart that removal of the hardware is probably the right thing to do. I am just afraid of another surgery and the help I would need to shower and get dressed, etc. Does anybody have some advice or has had this type of problem? Thank you!

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      February 11, 2014 at 1:11 am

      Hi Amy, I’ve never had that problem but I do know that the sensitivity does linger for a good year or so. Perhaps try booking an appointment with your orthopedic surgeon or your physiotherapist to see if they have any suggestions. I know that many people I’ve talked to have had success with the plate removal process but I personally have not undergone it.

      • Reply
    • Barb
      May 23, 2015 at 8:47 am

      The same thing is happening to me. It’s always hurt if I have a bag, purse, seatbelt eye. But the past few months I’ve had a headache all up the side of my neck and temple on the broken side. I’ve been using my opposite hand for computers, eating, whatever because any sort of movement was excruciating nerve pain. There was always burning and numbness all the way down my arm. I’m going to the doctor soon to set up a date for surgery. I just can’t stand it any more. It’s been 5 years since I had the plate put in.

      • Reply
  • Katy
    February 19, 2014 at 2:32 am

    Hi,
    I just have got my plate removed 3 months ago. March last year, I fell from a horse and broke my shoulder (right humerus neck). It was really painful. I had an operation to put 1 plate and 10 screws. (I kept the plate in for 8 months) The rehabs process was tough but I am able to get full ROM.
    I had always wanted to remove the plate coz I could feel (annoyed) it when I move my arm. but the doctor who put it in and some other doctors don’t really recommend to go for the 2nd operation for the shoulder. I was quite stress at that moment.
    In the meantime, I noticed that I often had rush on my skin over the plate area when I took a hot shower or after exercise. I went back to the hospital to see my doctor to discuss this and found out that he resigned so I met a new doctor. After we discussed and observed the rush on my skin over the plate area for 1 month he decided to remove the plate for me. The operation went well. And the recovering process was faster than put it in. The rehab is easier, I feel really good. Now i’m trying to do weight lift to gain back the strength of my muscle. The scares are quite big but I can still improve it. I have a bit of numbness around the area that my skin was cut. But I just have to accept it. Overall still good.
    Just want to say if you want to take the plate out and it is not so much risk, just take it out. Then you will not have to be worried or think about “should I take it out or not??” anymore. Good Luck!

    Katy

    • Reply
  • dave fischer
    February 21, 2014 at 10:09 pm

    my son 15 broke his playing soccer in oct 13 had the plate in but developed three large blisters over the incision and was told his body was rejecting the plate just had it taken out along with 7 screws , hes good now incision wise but was told no contact , given no time frame, wondering if anyone knows, has been told how long for bone/holes to fill in stregthen???thanks for any info

    • Reply
    • Julie
      October 1, 2016 at 7:00 am

      Hi Dave just wondering how your son is going now is he back to contact sports my son just had the operation 8 weeks ago but you can still see the brake line I hope he heals son he is only 16 hope you son is okay now and happy after all he has been through

      • Reply
  • Brad
    February 26, 2014 at 3:52 am

    Hi All,

    I had the same surgeon has Estella. He’s good at what he does. I have had my plate and 10 screws in for over a year now. Though I can tell you that things definitely improve hugely at the ~6 month mark, I still find the metal kind of annoying. I have regained most of the feeling back, but there is still a good amount of hypersensitivity and the edge closest to my sternum is kind of sharp due to the thin skin there.

    I will likely be removing it all this fall, which will be at around the 18 month mark. The doctor leaves it entirely up to the patient to make the decision. He says it is fine left in, but if it bothers you it can come out. I have been informed that the downtime is not nearly as bad as when it was put in. The screw holes take about 6 weeks to strengthen. This means no contact sports until then, but I think you can start rehabbing pretty early after removal.

    Hope this helps some.

    Brad

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      February 27, 2014 at 10:58 pm

      Hey Brad, thanks for the info. I’m glad to hear that you’re doing well and decided to get your plate removed. From what I’ve heard from others, it is true that the downtime is much less after plate removal. Good luck with everything and keep me posted on your progress 🙂

      • Reply
  • Richard
    February 27, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    Recently i broke my Clavical in half with it also shifted inward i needed surgery and got a plate with six screws i am 15 and am afraid about them taking it out again because my scar is going to heal already and now im thinking about when my bone does heal i dont want to go to surgery again. Should i take the plate outbor leave it in?

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      February 27, 2014 at 11:05 pm

      Hi Richard, I’d suggest letting your clavicle recover from your initial surgery first, see how the plate feels. If it bothers you and gets in the way of everyday activities, take it out, if it doesn’t leave it in. The doctor usually leaves it all up to you. A lot of people I’ve talked to have had it taken out successfully too. I’ve personally had mine in since 2008, have been lifting heavy weights and doing my regular workouts and everyday activities without any problems so have decided to keep it for now.

      • Reply
  • Richard
    February 27, 2014 at 2:08 pm

    Oh and i play Varsity basketball

    • Reply
  • Brad
    March 7, 2014 at 11:51 pm

    Richard, I agree with Estella. You need to worry more about getting through this initial surgery and rebuilding your strength. I was back in the gym running after about 6 weeks and started light weights at 3 months. I was using 10 lb dumbbells and never felt so weak in my life. It truly was a down point, but things quickly progressed. I just recently bench pressed 200 lbs as a personal record and regularly throw around the 60-70 lb dumbbells. It comes back quick with proper training, rest and nutrition. I work out 5 days per week and the shoulder doesn’t cause any problems with regards to strength. In fact I might even say it is stronger than the non-operated side due to how much I have focused on it over the past year. My reasons for removing it are just comfort related. I am also a little uncomfortable with the idea of having a steel plate and 10 screws in me for my entire life. How will things be when I am 60, you know? Kind of a mental factor in there.

    As for the scar, if you decide to have it out he will go in through the same incision line and basically cut out your whole scar and leave you with a new one. It shouldn’t be any worse in the long run.

    Regards,

    Brad

    • Reply
  • Tani
    March 15, 2014 at 5:35 pm

    My mother aged 62 broke bones in her shoulder and the doc has suggested putting titanium plates in.She is diabetic (insulin injections twice a day) and asthamatic (puff once or twice a day)
    She is scared of the surgery.Any advice of successrate etc of surgery at her age and health conditions.
    Thanks in advance

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      March 17, 2014 at 12:45 am

      Hi Tani, I had many fears about getting the surgery myself, but was told by my orthopedic surgeon that it is a very routine procedure with a low risk. Most of the people who I’ve talked to in person and on my blog have also told me that they’ve had successful surgeries for both putting in/taking out their plates. In the end it is up to your mom whether or not she wants to do it. If the bone is overlapping then surgery would be the best option in order to have a proper functioning clavicle. Talk to your doctor and see what they think. Usually they would ask all the medical questions and do tests to assess whether or not it would be a problem. I wish her all the best.

      • Reply
  • Mark
    March 27, 2014 at 4:04 am

    Hi all, interesting comments, very informative!
    I’ve just broken my collarbone in 5 bits when I got a jump all wrong while snowboarding. Plate inserted 2 weeks ago so still recovering but a bit concerned re mobility going forward. I am quite active, cycle, swim, play football and of course snowboard (next year!) and hope none of this will be affected. Comments on here have given me some comfort but I can’t help feel I’ll have some limitation going forward.

    Seeing the consultant next week so hopefully he will allay my fears further.

    Off to Mexico in a couple of months so looking forward to the fun with security!

    Ta
    Mark
    Edinburgh

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      March 27, 2014 at 11:33 pm

      Hey Mark,

      That is quite the break. Good luck on your road to recovery! I’m sure after all the rehab and physio is done you will be back to doing all the sports you used to do and more. For now just focus on regaining your range of motion and strength, and nourishing yourself with good bone healing foods to speed up the recovery process. Aim for foods rich in Calcium, and vitamins C, K, and D such as dark leafy greens, broccoli, herbs, berries, oranges, almonds, eggs, and fish and avoid foods that cause inflammation like red meats, sugar, and alcohol.

      Estella

      • Reply
  • Tom Udo
    April 24, 2014 at 2:44 am

    I was road cycling and a car turned in front of me, causing me to do an endo at about 25 mph. Snapped my left clavicle, which was tented up under the skin and threatening to pop out. Had surgery to insert a plate and seven screws. I lost about 75 percent of my range of movement because of several weeks’ restricted mobility, but a month of physical therapy put me back on track for full movement. My BMI is 20, so the plate was quite prominent under my skin and caused problems with seat belts, backpacks, etc. After 10 months, I had the hardware removed. The surgery and aftermath were much easier than the first time, and I didn’t lose any range of movement. It’s been five weeks and I’m quite glad I had it out. I’m able to do all activities, but I’m staying off the road bike for another few weeks to let the screw holes strengthen. The doctor says it would be bad to take a fall on it before six or eight weeks after the surgery. Of course, it’s bad to take a fall on it any time! This was my third busted collar bone. I broke the right one when I was a teenager, and broke it again three months later, but didn’t have surgery and it healed fine. When you’re on your bike on the road, never overestimate the intelligence of car drivers.

    • Reply
  • Saffy
    April 28, 2014 at 2:39 am

    Hi everyone.

    I shattered my collarbone 11 months ago after being thrown from my horse. Suffered a displaced shattered collarbone and broken ribs but to be honest could have been so much much worse!!
    Have a metal plate and 8 screws. Have full ROM and generally pretty good. I am however having the metalwork removed in 2 days time. For me heavy coats, seatbelts and backpacks are pretty uncomfortable and I have been nervous about cycling and skiing since having the plate put in – I know it’s probably psychological but I am sure I will be happier once it’s removed!

    • Reply
  • Owen
    April 29, 2014 at 6:02 pm

    Broke my left Clav in December 2007 snowboarding! on the first morning of a 10 day holiday in Canada I might ad. Have Boarded, Golfed and played football relatively pain free since but I am terrified of breaking it again whilst the plate is in. Due to have it removed on May 20th and the nerves are starting to build. These posts are good to understand what I have ahead and the recovery period.
    Thanks,

    • Reply
  • Saffy
    April 30, 2014 at 2:20 am

    Removal surgery done today and it was a breeze compared to putting the plate in. Had my op about 12:30 and was ready to come home 3 hours later after just paracetamol for pain relief although have been given some stronger meds in case needed.
    I am pleasantly surprised at how well I feel. I am starting to swell and bruise a little now so I do think it will get worse before it gets better but immediately my shoulder area feels a bit more normal. I had a strange lump on the back of my collarbone that felt awkward and quite uncomfortable – this must have been part of the plate as it’s now disappeared.
    Very glad I have had it taken out and cannot wait to be able to cycle and ski again!!

    • Reply
  • Estella (author)
    April 30, 2014 at 3:20 am

    That’s great to hear, Saffy! I wish you a speedy recovery. And thank you everyone else for sharing your experiences. It definitely helps reassure me that if I were to get my plate removed, it’d be a very simple routine procedure with a quick recovery time. For those of you worried about keeping the plate in, I’ve had my plate in for 5 years now and continue to lift kettlebells and barbells, snowboard, bike, and do many other activities without any issues with my shoulder, range of movement, or pain.

    • Reply
  • Brad
    May 20, 2014 at 11:20 pm

    Saffy & Tom,

    Thanks for your posts! I am scheduled to have my plate and 10 screws removed on October 16th. This allows me to enjoy the summer without a new healing incision and screw holes. I figure giving it the fall/winter/spring time to heal without seeing too much sun is better. So far just about everyone I have heard from says the removal is nothing compared to going in. This is very relieving to hear since the plating procedure for me was pretty painful.

    Have a great summer and stay safe.

    Brad

    • Reply
  • Owen
    May 21, 2014 at 8:08 pm

    Hello again!

    Clavicle plate removed yesterday 6 years after it was put in. All went ok apart from the doctor saying he was surprised with the amount of movement of the bone on the outside of my shoulder. They then said it might require key hole surgery in the future. Something I wasn’t expecting. Have to say I’m very uncomfortable now and very debilitated and bored. Think I was a bit disillusioned with how I thought I’d be afterwards. Thought I’d skip out of hospital. Not the case. Stuck with the paracetamol at the minute and haven’t turned to the codein. If it gets much worse I may have too though. Hope to see an improvement soon. Times like these make me wish I was a film buff. Sadly all I can think about is playing golf. In time I’m sure.

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      May 21, 2014 at 10:42 pm

      So sorry to hear that Owen. It’s just Day 1 so I’m sure things will improve for you in the coming week(s). Keep us all posted!

      • Reply
  • Brad
    May 22, 2014 at 1:46 am

    Hey Owen, you just had your skin sliced open and some home depot hardware yanked off of your skeleton. Give it a few weeks 😉 Rest up and work on your putting once you are feeling better! I scheduled my surgery for October so as to not interfere with the golf season, but I think you will still get most of it in. You should be back to golf in 3-4 weeks according to my surgeon. This was my first question.

    • Reply
  • Anda
    May 25, 2014 at 7:13 pm

    im so scared. i just had my surgery on the 23rd of april 2014. with a plate and six notes…though the wound is not completly healed but am okey. .i normaly feel bad and worried anytime i think of going for another surgery to remove the plate…

    • Reply
  • Owen
    May 28, 2014 at 1:15 am

    It’s been a week and I’m so much more comfortable and going for my dressing changed tomorrow. Really missing doing my exercise and desperate to go out for a run. Usually do 6 Km at least before work in the mornings. I’m hoping to be fit to a week today, 14 days after Op. Will that cause any problems to my recovery?

    • Reply
  • marla
    August 31, 2014 at 1:49 am

    I broke my collar bone (distal break), separated my shoulder and severed a ligament when I fell off the back of my pickup onto the tailgate. I had a plate with seven screws put in and now I’m at the 5 month mark. I feel like the plate and screws are pinching and pulling. I plan to get this hardware removed in a couple weeks and I will be relieved when it is over. I mean, it can’t be even nearly as bad as the first surgery! I’m kind of worried about the time it will take to heal again, and also wondering if/when I will be able to return to my athletic lifestyle…..

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      September 17, 2014 at 12:16 am

      Hi Marla, If you just had the plate and screws put in 5 months ago, it is usually recommended that you wait at least a year before removing it. The pinching and pulling is likely an after effect of the surgery and the body just needs time to heal from it.

      • Reply
  • Christopher Trevino
    September 4, 2014 at 4:22 am

    How much was it for the procedure?

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      September 4, 2014 at 4:28 am

      @Christopher – The surgery was covered by Canada’s healthcare system 🙂

      • Reply
  • Ray O'Grady
    September 11, 2014 at 9:28 pm

    I came off my bike two years ago at over 37 mph, least to say it hurt! I broke my clavical as well as my arm. Now it ok ish, but if I run with a heavy pack, or have my grand children on my back, I know about it again. It really becomes painful again for a while.
    So now, I’m considering having it out. I didn’t think it was going to be such a big deal. The doctors at the hospital have pointed out that it’s a risk, only a small one, in that they may break the clavical again on removing it, therefor having to start all over again with a new plate. It’s difficult for me to make a decision whether to have it out or not, I’m not able to get a direct answer from anywhere, only negative ones.
    I’m pleased to read that in some cases removal has been successful.
    I’m sure I’ll make the right design soon.
    Ray

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      September 17, 2014 at 12:09 am

      @Ray – That’s quite the break you had. My orthopedic surgeon mentioned to me that when the plate and screws are removed, you’d just have to be careful during the recovery stage as the holes from the screws fill back in. I guess depending on how the plate and screws were put in there could be that chance of the clavicle breaking during the removal, but from what I’ve heard, most people have had a successful plate removal experience and the recovery was relatively fast. I wish you all the best in making the right decision.

      • Reply
  • Rob P
    September 19, 2014 at 9:57 pm

    Maybe of some interest to those for long term info. Have had plate for 16 years and I am 58 years old now.

    I broke my left clavical 1998 when I took a trip over the bars on an offroad motorcycle and landed on my head. The helmet rim contacted the clavical and caused the break.
    ER doc said it would heal on its own, but 8 weeks later the bone end was still tenting my skin and left shoulder was a couple inches below the right one. Went to ortho and he said I had to have a plate, so I had it done. I never really had any post op pain, probably due to some nerve damage, as I still have skin numbness to this day. The Dr. had to freshen the break, but I seemed to heal up and was in pretty good shape in a couple of months, and eventually got back to normal over three or four months.

    Then, in 2012, I had another similar fall on offroad bike and broke the other clavical. This time closer to the middle of the lenght of the bone. Dr said It would most likely heal fine on its own, so I skipped the surgery and was mountain biking in 8 weeks.

    So, to compare the two breaks, I would have to say that the side without the plate is absolutely normal. I still mountain bike, offroad bike, scuba etc and have no trouple with the unplated side two years later.

    As for the plated side, I have a few complaints. I had to have it done to correct the problem but am considering removal. The plate has seven screws I have always had the edges of the plate or the screws sticking up and causing me irritation with seat belt, scuba gear etc…. It seems to be ok most of the time structurally, but there are times when lifting or a bad golf swing, when I feel stinging in the area.

    Going to doc in a few weeks to ask about removal, for two reasons. 1) Am concerned about bone resorbtion, and also seem to be having issues with left shoulder, elbow, and wrist.

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      September 19, 2014 at 10:24 pm

      Thanks for sharing your story Rob! Your first break was very similar to mine. My skin was also tented and the bones were overlapping so i had no choice but to have the plate put in. I’ve had it now for 6 years. The numbness is gone and I’ve been pretty comfortable with it aside from a bit of irritation when i have a heavy load directly on the area. I hope you get some answers at your next appointment. I know a lot of people have had good plate removal experiences. Would love to know how it goes for you.

      • Reply
  • Spring
    September 29, 2014 at 11:44 pm

    I broke my left collarbone while I was skidooing in Feb – I came around a corner and there was a tree that I wasn’t expecting to be there lol.
    So my surgery was Feb 2nd 2014, I had shattered it and did a lot of muscle damage the surgeon said it was way worse when he opened me up then it looked on the x-rays…..anyways so it’s been just over 7 months now and I went for another follow-up today and I was planning on asking about removal but after I talked to the surgeon about the issues I’m having he suggested it.
    I can’t wear a seatbelt properly, I have to pull it down over my shoulder, I can’t lay on either side when I sleep, if I lay on my “good” side I have to put a pillow to hold my arm up on otherwise the strain on my arm hanging down hurts. I don’t even both trying to sleep on the otherside as it’s just too uncomfortable. I can feel the plate all the time and it’s not comfortable.
    I’m pretty small so the plate and screws are very prominent which is why it’s giving me such discomfort with most things.
    I am waiting to hear from the surgeon’s office for a date for removal of the titanium plate and 6 screws. I was curious about recovery time as I forgot to ask the Dr today, but from what I have read on here it’s not nearly as bad and possibly not as long as having the initial surgery with plate and screws put in which is good to hear.

    • Reply
  • Bob W.
    November 19, 2014 at 9:21 pm

    I am a 67 year old active male and broke my left clavicle when bicycling on some bad pavement in NYC this past May. I had immediate surgery and my doctor, who is a very well-regarded surgeon, had to use two titanium plates, nine screws and an additional 1 1/2 inch screw which he had not expected to use. Shortly after the surgery, my doctor told me that the single screw would have come out approximately six weeks after the surgery due to the risk of the screw head breaking off and leaving the rest of the screw embedded in the bone. He also recommended that since I am active person (ski, swim, bike, golf, etc.), I should consider having the other screws and the plates removed six months after the initial surgery. While I did not have any discomfort other than not being able to sleep on my left side and I regained all range of motion and strength, I followed my doctor’s advice and the large screw was removed in early July. However, I was not sure what to do about the other hardware. In addition to reading your comments and the comments of your contributors, I spent some a fair amount of time researching the question of whether to remove the remainder of the hardware. Based upon my research, I concluded that the current trend of physician thinking is to do what my doctor recommended depending on the patient’s age and level of activity. The remainder of the hardware was removed in an hour long operation yesterday. To my surprise, I was not sore after the July surgery although I am feeling a little soreness from yesterday’s surgery. Nevertheless, the soreness is not enough to require any type of pain killer. Of course, I now have to limit certain of my physical activities for another three months. While I understand that deciding to remove the hardware is an individual decision, I am pleased that it has been removed for a number of reasons including eliminating the risk of infection, eliminating the risk of something happening to the screws or the plates, no longer having to take antibiotics when I visit the dentist and not worrying about whether I will set off airport screening alarms. Also, I expect that I will now be able to sleep on my left side.

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      November 25, 2014 at 5:33 am

      Hi Bob, that is incredible! I’m happy to hear that everything worked out well for you and that my blog and comments played a role in helping you make the right decision. I wish you a speedy recovery and return to sports!

      • Reply
  • Denny
    February 24, 2015 at 11:33 am

    I broke my left clavicle August 2014 and it is now Feb. 24, 2015 riding my Mt. bike and my bones have just now fused. Bones and bad breaks take longer to heal as I am 60 years old with plate with 11-screws. Doctor says 5-screws need to come out and leave the remaining with the plate. This has been a adventure into pain and living in Japan where all this has happened. My little adventure still continues, with the screws removed I am told the pain will go away, I hope.

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      February 25, 2015 at 5:41 am

      That’s great news Denny and I hope you’re enjoying your time in Japan as you heal. Love that place! Once you get past the initial pain, all will be good in the end. Wishing you a fast rehab after the screws are removed.

      • Reply
  • Ollie butterworth
    March 4, 2015 at 5:23 am

    I’ve recently had my left clavicle plate out less than two weeks ago after having it in for 2 and a bit years. So far it was a really good decision, its healing quickly and the uncomfortable feeling of having it in there is gone. I feel like I can touch the area where the plate used to be without feeling weird about it like I did when it was in.

    Before I had the op I started getting into the gym, initially I always did cardio but then started getting into weights. When trying to do shoulder presses and dumbbell bench presses I sometime felt like the arm that had the plate couldn’t cope with the weight and sometimes under the strain of pushing a heavy dumbell that arm would just give way and on a couple of occasions I embarassingly had to drop the dumbell on that side. I felt that the plate was really limiting the progress I could make getting my shoulders bigger as my right arm was more than happy to go heavier – which is why I decided to have it removed. I hope it was worthwhile. At the moment I’m putting off ‘re joining the gym and I’ve read on here I should probably wait atleast 6-8 weeks before doing and heavy shoulder lifting. can anyone share any similar experiences and how did you feel when you first start getting back into lifting, did you have to go particuarly light?

    • Reply
    • Steve-H
      March 18, 2015 at 1:46 pm

      Ollie – I echo your comments above. I had the same uncomfortable feeling lifting weights with my plate in. With the plate out, I feel as good as new – even balance between both arms and lifting weights feels “normal” again.

      I would definitely go slow and lift light for a while until you fully heal fro the surgery. I’d ask your doc to recommend a “return to lifting” timeline, based on your particular case. But think of it this way: A few extra weeks (or longer) waiting to heal is MUCH shorter and easier than dealing with re-breaking the bone. my 2 cents. Best wishes!

      • Reply
  • Steve-H
    March 18, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    Hello Estella and everyone else on this page! I was the initial subject for this thread (that’s my blue plate in the photo at top!). I broke my left collarbone in four pieces in May 2010. I had a plate and screws installed three days later, and removed 20 months later (Feb 2012). All this is documented above.

    Now, three years post-de-plating, I’m am still absolutely 100% happy with the decision to have my plate removed. The post-surgery recovery was less painful and shorter than the initial plating surgery, and now so many years later, I feel 100%, and as if the break never happened. Both arms feel equal when it comes to weight lifting or any other activity, and I sleep on my left side with zero discomfort at all. The only lingering effect is a bit of nerve sensitivity around my scar. I wince if someone grabs me hard along my scar. But really, it’s as good as new.

    • Reply
  • Manuel
    May 2, 2015 at 4:49 pm

    Hi,

    I have had my Clavicle pinned with titanium, its been nearly 4 years, and I have had not discomfort. The only concern I have is what are the risks if I have a similar fall or impact to the same shoulder which has the Titanium implant? I am referring to Mountain Biking, where the risk of falling is quite high. It’s a sport I do not want to stop participating in, and so far (touch wood), I have had minor falls, with no injury to my shoulder. I guess my question is, what is the worst case scenario of going through an accident that would normally break a collar bone, when you have it pinned with Titanium? I don’t really want to get it removed, as It does not bother me in any way.. I would of though it “strengthened” the clavicle?

    Cheers!

    • Reply
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    May 24, 2015 at 8:44 am

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    • Reply
  • Wendy
    May 24, 2015 at 12:25 pm

    I broke my clavicle when I made a klutzy move going up to bed on night, and I fell backwards down 3/4 of a flight of stairs, landing on the hardwood floor in our foyer. I also broke 3 other bones and had a brain bleed. After 1 year the clavicle still had not healed, and I had pain when I pulled up on things, or carrying things. Surgery took place 1-1/2 years after initial break. It is now 11 months later and I have much more pain than pre-surgery. The pain is different, however, and is brought on by different movement. My therapist indicates that this is nerve pain, an she thinks that the plate may be pushing on or otherwise irritating nerves. I am wondering if anyone has experienced this and did it go away without plate removal? The pain can be quite intense, and is brought on by lifting my arm above shoulder height, especially if my shoulders are not pulled back (poor posture). Drying the top of my hair. Grabbing things off of a high shelf in the kitchen. It occurs even without holding anything. I have even had it kick in when lifting a fork to my mouth. It used to be momentary pain. But about a month ago, a few hours after having done some physical activity carrying lightweight patio furniture, it became very painful and would not go away for a couple days. I never used pain killers other than OTC post surgery, or fall, but man did I need something during this time frame, although I refrained because I had to work. It comes on much more easily now, and I am very cautious about moving it in a position that might possibly trigger the pain. Does anyone have any nerve pain experience to share with me?

    • Reply
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    • Reply
  • Bend
    June 7, 2015 at 8:38 am

    I’m feeling this tightness or should I say, pressure right under the clavicle after the plating surgery, is this a common thing, and will it go away after some period?

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      September 14, 2015 at 11:47 am

      From my own personal experience and what I’ve heard from others, you will feel a bit of tightness and tugging around the area as the skin and tissues heal. Over time it does go away as does the numbness.

      • Reply
  • Ron K
    September 9, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    Just had my hook plate removed, two days ago. To my surprise, i have zero pain. I was told its going to be three months before i can get back on the golf course. That was the bad news. The good news, im already feeling much better. Have to wear the sling again for a week or two, no big deal. Im so happy that i got it out. I really can feel the difference already.

    • Reply
    • Gloria
      October 3, 2015 at 11:24 am

      How are you doing now?

      • Reply
  • Gloria
    October 3, 2015 at 11:24 am

    On October 9th it will be 3 years of my ORIF on my L Clavicle. 3 years of pain!!!! Today, I decide I can not take anymore.

    • Reply
    • carol
      December 9, 2015 at 7:57 pm

      Why still feeling pain?

      • Reply
  • Sheila Nay
    December 13, 2015 at 4:05 am

    I am 65 and had a fall and nasty collar bone break in several places. After two weeks of waiting to see if the bones would realign ( not a bit of realigning went on) I had the metal brace and 7 screws put in. I made good progress with just doing arm exercises at home and had a very positive experience with acupuncture to increase range of motion.
    So imagine my surprise when I went in for a routine x ray and visit about 8 weeks post op and my surgeon found a new fracture. It is located at the end of the metal plate closest to my neck. In retrospect think I did it while hands over my head drying my hair. Huge surprise sneeze. It did cause pain, but though I had pulled a muscle. My Doc intends to leave plate in to heal. ( again) He is concerned about ostiophirosis ( which I do have). But I feel that the plate didn’t allow the flexibility that I needed to sneeze in that position. I’m thinking I want this plate out when healed. I guess common time is one year. I’m quite thin and bony and there is a large bump on my shoulder where the plate ends. Opinions? Can the plate be a detriment in some cases. My surgeon made the comment that the plates are ” one size fits no one”

    • Reply
  • Mindy
    January 13, 2016 at 5:33 pm

    I’m 38 and fell getting out of the shower 11/9/15. I snapped my clavicle like a twig but didn’the feel a thing til I tried to lift my arm and almost passed out. (I am restaurant industry. I need my arms.) My bone was so displaced I ended up getting ORIF on my left clavicle 12/3/15, installing one plate and six screws. I’ve been reading everything on the interwebs since I was told surgery was required, and my greatest fear is that at a certain point I will have to go under again to have the shit removed. Coming out of anesthesia was the worst thing I have ever experienced in my entire life.

    • Reply
    • Boomie
      July 16, 2016 at 7:36 am

      This! Coming out of that anesthesia was pure awfulness (I wasn’t expecting it to be a big deal, as I’m 38 and in good health–maybe that doesn’t matter! Man, I was the first into the hospital that day and the last to leave–in a wheelchair to the curb.) I broke my right clavicle in a tourist-induced bike accident on 4/17/16–2.5 cm comminuted fracture, with the middle piece perpendicular to the other two pieces. There was no chance of not having surgery (fortunately, I have insurance). I had ORIF on 4/25/16. In June I worked with a great physical therapist, who broke up a lot of the scar tissue and got almost all of my ROM back. I feel a lot more “normal” now, about 2.5 months after the surgery. My plate doesn’t cause me pain, but there’s still some tightness/numbness in the deltoid (the tightness/numbness in the pectoral has gotten a lot better). I don’t know that I would willingly go through surgery again and have to deal with general anesthesia, so, for the moment, I’m planning on keeping my plate.

      • Reply
  • Bitedge
    May 11, 2016 at 10:01 am

    How many days in hospital after the removal surgery?

    • Reply
  • Harry Brennan
    May 17, 2016 at 4:54 pm

    Hey Y’all, I broke my right clavicle a year ago on a dirt bike in the dunes, landed on hard sand and it snapped all the way through and both halved ended up over lapping one another by about 20 mm. I decided that I would have the surgery as it would not of healed right being splintered the way it was, it would of been twice as thick and a little under 20 mm shorter than normal. I was absolutely amazed waking up out of surgery with the plate in. It was almost as if I had never broken it apart from the tight tissue and loss feeling under the scar and down my shoulder.

    I’d say now that 95% of my feeling is back. Not quite 100% but pretty dam close. I am now considering getting the plate removed as I work in construction and while carrying tools and materials direct knocks on the plate cause me extreme pain as if my skin is being pinched and squashed under my skin, it also looks ugly as you can see the screw heads through my skin and where the plate starts and ends as I’m quite skinny . One more reason is that it is a little bit restricted in movement or should I say tight.

    All in all, I could simply leave it in and just deal with it as easily as get it removed. It can be uncomfortable but it’s better than some injuries that people have to deal with through in life.

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      May 19, 2016 at 12:51 am

      Hey Harry,
      That’s great to hear. Sounds a lot like what I went through. I no longer have any numbness and I don’t even notice my plate unless I am carrrying a really heavy messenger bag and it happens to be resting on that spot where the plate is. My advice would be to only remove the plate if it bothers you and negatively affects your everyday living. I’ve yet to see any long term negative effects of keeping it in. I’ve had mine since 2008.

      • Reply
      • Randi
        May 23, 2016 at 3:21 am

        My 63 year old husband broke collar bone in a bicycle accident on April 14th. Had surgery a week later to install a hook plate and ended up staying 3 days on a fentanyl pump for severe pain. An xray 10 days ago showed the plate is no longer fixed and the surgeon wanted to reoperate. My husband doesn’t want to go thru that again with no guarantee of successful outcome this time. The plan is xray and visit every two weeks but now the pain is getting worse and he is having tingling in his fingers on that side. Good color and pulse in that arm. He wants the plate out. Is the pain as bad for a removal as the install is? I plan to call the surgeon in the morning and want to know my options.

        • Reply
        • Estella (author)
          May 24, 2016 at 11:56 pm

          Randi, I’m so sorry to hear that. I haven’t talked to anyone who has had a hook plate installed, but by the sounds of it, taking the plate out may be a viable option since it is no longer holding anything in place. I think it would be best to consult with the surgeon and another professional to get a second opinion before deciding on the best course of action.

          • Reply
  • Raymond Ng
    May 25, 2016 at 4:09 pm

    Recently i had a bicycle Crash on 27 March 2016 and ended up with 8 broken ribs a collapse lung and a broken clavicle. Where I’ve a chest tube inserted through my left armpit and was left in ICU for few days doing lung physio before allow for OT to have the Locking Plate to be implant to my Clavicle which is on 6 April 2016.

    Today its already 7 1/2 weeks after the implant my lung and ribs are hardly notice anything but i have this prominent bump from the tips of the titanium Plate and does feel very uncomfortable especially if i was trying to move my arm or bend down i does feel that the plate was somehow tweak or twist feeling which gaves me a hard tension feeling under the skin, as such i would like to know how long does it take before the feeling of discomfort goes away after the implant?

    • Reply
  • Sarah Tindall
    August 15, 2016 at 9:24 am

    I am so happy I came across your blog! June 28th of 2014 I broke my collarbone on the left side. We were at a water park and my raft tipped over unexpectedly and my shoulder hit the side of the slide and snapped my collarbone in two. It wasn’t displaced and I was a healthy 31 year old so in a sling I went and just gave it time. Well 8 months later it was a malunion. It grew some bone but not enough and was basically hollow. So I had an orif where the doctor rebroke it, removed the new bone growth and used it for a bone graft then installed a plate and 9 screws. Recovery was tough at first but after about a week it became drastically better. I have complete range of motion now which is great but I have always had pain and discomfort at the incision site when wearing a seatbelt and wearing a bra (the break and subsequent plate are directly under my bra strap and I’m not a small chested person). So after a great deal of thought and dealing with it I finally made my decision and I am going in tomorrow to discuss removal with my doctor. He warned me when putting it in that this may happen and that I would have to keep it for at least 6 months to allow for proper healing so I figure it’s been long enough lol. I’m nervous about another operation and recovery period but the thought of dealing with this any longer just makes me sad.

    • Reply
  • Estella (author)
    September 6, 2016 at 11:45 pm

    Hey Sarah, that is quite the journey. Yeah sounds like you have a good reason to remove it. I wish you all the best with the plate removal. From what I hear the recovery is a lot faster after the plate removal than when it first gets installed 🙂

    • Reply
  • Megan
    September 7, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    Broke right side of my collarbone tubing in a lake on 8/12/16, got flown off the tube and when I popped up felt a tremendous amount of pain looked down and saw the bone popping. Getting back on the boat was no fun and the nearest hospital was an hour away. Got X-rays and all the doctors that saw it said it was the worst break they’ve ever seen. The next day my family and I drove 7 hours home to Long Island to get a surgeon we trusted and knew. Next morning 6am I got a plate and 6 screws put in. I’m 3 weeks post op and still in a good deal of pain, had to take the semester off from college to get myself back together. How long until you really felt good again? And how long until you could lay down flat again? Think I’m going to get the plate removed in a year considering you can see the plate and it’s very tight over the skin. How else did you break up scar tissue? Thanks for all your help! It helps to see success stories, this whole thing really freaked me out.

    • Reply
  • Leila
    September 10, 2016 at 2:22 pm

    Same here. Mine happened 8/20/16. Did the surgery on 8/29/16. Still pain.. I was allergic to Nickel, so I got Titanium plate which is even worse and larger. Wish you Megan to get well soon.

    • Reply
  • Holly
    October 20, 2016 at 2:44 am

    It has been about 2.5 year since I broke my left clavicle in a stupid skiing accident. I was 15 and doing things I shouldn’t have been because they were obviously outside of my ability. I had it repaired with a titanium plate. Months ago, I started noticing that I was having pain, numbness, limited range of motion, and weakness in my left shoulder. I’m not sure if it is because my shoulders have broadened since then or what. My pediatrician told me to go back and see my surgeon, but my family has not had the money. It continues getting worse every day. What should I do? Do you think the plate needs removed? I can’t even deal with the seatbelt touching it!

    • Reply
  • Julie
    October 23, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    Hi Estella my son is 16 and had surgery 7 weeks ago and you can still see the brake line on the x ray he is doing really good but i am worried that it should have healed by now can some one that young take longer to heal he is very healthy and we eat healthy i dont want him to have another surgery i am so worried have you heard of people this young taking longer to heal thankyou for any help about this.

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      November 21, 2016 at 12:57 pm

      Hi Julie,
      Depending on the severity of the break and type of surgery performed, I think the healing times would vary. It’s still early in the healing process – I believe it took me a few months for mine to heal fully. As long as your son is making improvements every week like getting his range of motion and strength back, doing physio/exercises, eating healthy, there shouldn’t be too much to worry about 🙂

      • Reply
      • Julie
        November 23, 2016 at 3:42 am

        Hi Estella thankyou so much for getting back to me I think you are amazing to share your story and also help others. As a mum I have been so upset that this has happened to my son so young he has a plate and 6 screws we went back to the specialist and Jakes bone is healing and will be good in 3 weeks. I am glad to hear all the activities you do with no problems. He can even return to football which I hope he doesn’t as he is a senior in high school next year. I don’t know if he should have the plate removed eventually I will leave that decision up to him the specialist said it might eventually anoy him due to not much between the Collor bone and your skin. Have you or anyone you know skydived with a plate in my boys want to go. Once again thankyou and have an amazing Christmas

        • Reply
        • Estella (author)
          November 23, 2016 at 4:27 am

          Thank you Julie, it is the least I could do! I love that my story can help others and that people actually read my blog. I’m so glad to hear Jake’s healing well and being young I’m sure he’s going to be back stronger and returning to all the sports he loves and if all is healed i’m sure skydiving would be ok too. Time will tell as to whether he’ll need to have it removed or not. My surgeon aired on the conservative side and told me not to remove mine unless it was painful or negatively impacting my everyday living. Of course, having the plate removed would be a personal preference. For me personally, I just didn’t want the *small* risks of another surgery but know lots of people who have had fast recoveries after the removal. I wish you guys all the best and have a wonderful Christmas holiday as well!

          • Reply
  • Julie
    October 30, 2016 at 11:15 am

    Hi just wondering if anyone has returned to football either with their plates in or taken out and were they okay.

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      November 21, 2016 at 12:46 pm

      Hi Julie,
      From personal experience, I kept my plate in and have returned to doing all the sports I love including lifting heavy kettlebells and weights. It really depends on the individual situation but I would recommend doing your research and consulting with your surgeon/doctor for a second opinion.

      • Reply
  • Kerly Ballenas
    November 16, 2016 at 8:57 am

    Hi everyone
    Glad to see this blog, I also broke my right collarbone due to a motorcycle accident that time I still to manage 1 hour of driving with collarbone broken. This was happened last September 10 2014 and I’m thinking that if it safe to remain this titanium rod or what they called it on my bone? So I’m planning for removal but I’m scared to the side effect of General Anesthesia, but for now I don’t have any problem with my collarbone I can still to my hobbies.

    https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/photo/112605131070738134961/6353376789207907234?icm=false&authkey=CJTpo9erg_eFZA

    See links this is the first week X-Ray after the surgery.

    • Reply
    • Estella (author)
      November 21, 2016 at 12:44 pm

      Hi Kerly,
      Has having the rod in your collarbone caused you any pain within the 2 years you had it in? I’ve had mine in since 2008 and luckily have not had any issues. From what my surgeon told me, it is not worth having another surgery to take it out unless it causes you pain and gets in the way of everyday living. Of course the choice is up to you. I’ve heard from lots of people who’ve successfully had their plates removed and had fast recoveries afterwards.

      • Reply

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