Clavicle Fracture Treatment Options: Surgical vs. Non-Operative | Dr. Chad Myeroff

If you've recently suffered a clavicle (collar bone) fracture and are seeking guidance on the best treatment options, you're in the right place. In this informative video, shoulder and elbow surgeon Dr. Chad Myeroff provides valuable insights into surgical and non-operative treatments for clavicle fractures.

Dr. Chad Myeroff, based at the esteemed TRIA Orthopedic Center in Woodbury, Minnesota, has extensive experience in treating various shoulder and elbow conditions, including rotator cuff tears, shoulder arthritis, fractures, and dislocations. His expertise in the field makes him a reliable source of information when it comes to clavicle fractures.

In this video, Dr. Myeroff explains the different treatment approaches for clavicle fractures, weighing the pros and cons of surgical intervention versus non-operative methods. He dives into the factors that influence the decision-making process, such as the location and severity of the fracture, age, activity level, and individual patient preferences.

By watching this video, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the surgical techniques employed in clavicle fracture repair using plate and screw fixation (open reduction and internal fixation), as well as the benefits and potential risks associated with surgical intervention. Dr. Myeroff also discusses non-operative treatments, such as immobilization with slings or braces, and highlights the circumstances in which they may be an appropriate choice.

Empower yourself with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about your clavicle fracture treatment. Dr. Chad Myeroff's expertise and patient-centered approach ensure that you'll receive the best possible care tailored to your unique circumstances.

Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more educational videos on shoulder and elbow conditions, treatment options, and patient success stories. Stay tuned to Dr. Chad Myeroff's insights and recommendations as he guides you towards optimal recovery and a return to an active, pain-free life.

Keywords: Clavicle fracture, collar bone fracture, surgical treatment, non-operative treatment, Dr. Chad Myeroff, shoulder and elbow surgeon, rotator cuff tears, shoulder arthritis, shoulder fractures, shoulder and elbow dislocations, Woodbury, Saint Paul, Stillwater, Minneapolis, Hudson Wisconsin, TRIA Orthopedic Center, treatment options, patient success stories.

[pbanders]

I'm a cyclist, raced, now an older rider. Broken my clavicles 4 times. Know many other cyclists who have broken their clavicles. All 4 of mine were surgically repaired (ORIF). Two were distal and definitely needed surgery. One was mid-shaft and fairly simple, the other was mid-shaft and comminuted (broken off piece). If you are an athlete of any type, and want to have the best chance to recover 100% of your strength, mobility, and function, I have one piece of advice for you: GET SURGERY. Virtually all of my friends who had non-surgical healing regret not getting surgery. You'll have a lump the rest of your life, making it harder to wear backpacks or even bib shorts. Your range of motion may be diminished. Your ability to do overhead lifting may be diminished. You will take longer to heal and get back to your sport. Trust me, surgery is always better, even for simple mid-shaft breaks.

[Zak-txfp]

Broke my collarbone about 5 months ago mountain biking.

I decided not to go the surgical route even though it was highly recommended by the surgeon. About 2 weeks later I was out of the sling and starting motion exercises. 3 weeks in was able to drive my stick car again and 1m 1/2 I was back on the bike. Recovery times are different for everyone just remember to stay positive!

[LuisHernandez-xdkw]

this is a great video i wish my orthopedic would of told me same thing and gave me a solution for my clavicle and not just my shoulder .

[cbear]

Just 2 weeks out of surgery with a plate and screws. I just want out of my metal/velcro sling. Incision is healing very nicely. I'm 53, and my 1st bone break. Thanks for your informative video.

[kshenriques]

Thanks for the video doc. I broke the clavicle, along with fracturing ribs 3-8 on May 12th. Today is day 10 for me post surgery. My fracture was non-aligned and both of the bone pieces were pointed different ways. From the day of the surgery, although I was in a bunch of pain I already started feeling some relief. I am not wearing the sling anymore after day 10, and my arm doesn't hurt anymore just hanging to the side at rest. I would suggest anyone who is on the fence about getting this surgery to just don't wait around...do it now. I think it's one of the best decisions I've made in my life, and I am grateful to have a good medical team to take care of me.

[jcam]

Thank you for your comments, they made me feel more at ease with my recent SS

[surfride]

I broke mine going over the handlebars on my dirtbike, never hurt too bad... I was at high risk for non-union; surgery. Im in San Diego, warm climate, never bothered me sufficient to remove, until. Pushing tens years later the skin started attaching to the plate. Had it removed. I was also told by the surgeon, Scripps Sports Medicine, they recommend removal if continuing contact sports as the bone is weaker at both ends. I am three weeks in and board out of my mind as the recovery is similar to fracture, eight screws in that little bone has risk of fracture. The incision was glued and nearly healed. There are studies out there re clavicle hardware removal and refracture; namely women with low-bmi.

[colbewild]

I broke mine in a car accident, decided to get the surgery but the thing about this for me was my doctor basically told me I was in the middle between getting surgery or letting it heal naturally. He showed me x-rays of ones that did need surgery vs ones that didn't and let me decide. He did a good job of leading me to the correct answer but he would not recommend either. but once I decided he agreed with me. idk if he was trying to avoid a case later or not but i think having a video for advice on this topic would be good, especially to decide on surgery or not.

[danielescobar]

I'm no doctor but ibroke my collar bone in a motorcycle accident that i encountered and it was pretty bad. After 2 months i still had a lot of pain and i was not able to put a lot of pressure or lift heavy or else it would start to hurt. How I fixed jt?

I started using anabolic steroids, (testosterone) after the first week i felt an incredible difference. Not only do i look amazing but my collar bone haz completly healed and I'm able to train harder than ever. Today, I have over 4 months training and im able to do pullups, dips, benchpress over 80kg without any problem.

[greatcesarsghost]

I have a over lapping broken clavicle One bone over lapses the other … doctors says that it is not very common so bone will not fuse because of the overlapping ..

[yosatobing]

Just got a broken clavicule last month, now im going through conservative treatment (non surgical), my doctor says there are possibilities of a slight malunion (about 1.3 cm). But i got concern with the streghtness of the bone in the future, will it as strong as normal or fracture clavicule that going through surgical treatment??

[ogg]

Broke my clavicle last week. It's significantly Displaced, and non-union or malunion seems kind of likely. Figure-8 brace favored here, so that's what I have.
I'm going the conservative route. Interesting thing though is that I don't have much pain. (Not pushing it, of course.) Is that odd? A bad sign?) Or a semi-decent sign that maybe it will asymptomatic-ish, even if there's a non-union.

Great video by the way. Thanks for putting it up.

[PotatosPotatoes]

Me 4 weeks in and wishing I had gotten surgery. Not sure I'll ever be able to play ball again and feeling super depressed.

[jameskid]

my friend fractured his collar bone about a year ago, this morning in the gym a small pocket of fluid appeared over where the fracture was, does this mean hes reopened the fracture, he says it doesnt hurt but feels weird, any help or advise. I i know everyones gonna say go and get it xrayed but were in a foreign country and he doesnt have insurance so he doesnt want to pay for it unless its absolutey necessary, cheers in advance

[Chem]

Hello Sir could you help me. My mom got collar bone fracture. I want to share X ray with you for suggestions

[KP_Cyng]

i just fractured my mid shaft collarbone and there is little displacement. i am curious to know if i need surgery . i have xray photos. can i show u somehow?

[fabriciooliveira]

I had a conservative treatment for my shoulder, but now it feels internally rotated and depressed, and really hurts when I try certain exercises. I’m debating whether or not to go for surgery. I feel pain with almost every pushing and pulling movement with pronated grip, especially because the shoulder socket is smaller now. I can still work around it and hit the gym to build muscle, but my pecs have ended up looking uneven.

[matteomerisca]

What i can do if after the time of the recovering the clavicule still broke? About 6 months ago i broke the clavicule and still now is not good, what can i do if i feel bad? I cant do exercise for the chest and shoulder at the gym

[bonnielee]

Hi. I’m on day six of healing; no surgery. I keep my arm in the sling and steady. I don’t want to tear any healing that may be going on. When can I change my shirt? I really don’t want to tear any healing. Perhaps wait a total of two weeks? It’s still too tender now. Thanks.

[redzeppelin]

I broke my collarbone about a week ago after a fall from my front steps. I am dealing with some severe pain and swelling. Hoping to see ortho soon. There is like a ball shaped swelling that is driving me nuts. I can't take NSAIDs. Any advice on reducing the swelling?