Collar bone/Clavical plate removal 9 years after break

[Walter Sobchak]

I broke my collar bone quite badly almost 9 years ago coming off a motorcycle, unfortunately they had to plate it so it would heal correctly.
Is it possible to have it removed that long after the initial break?, it hasn't bothered me so much before but have started doing weights etc a couple of months ago and the limited movement and twinges it sometimes gives bother me.
My worry is that the bone will have healed around the screws of the plate by now so removing might re break it which I would rather avoid.

[gjf764]

Hi, I can only offer advice as a patient......
I had a plate inserted in my collar bone about 7 years ago with no aggro until I then broke it again 18 months ago. This subsequent break meant that I needed the plate replaced with a new one. As you rightly suggest the second surgery left me with some holes on the bone where the previous screws were removed that needed to heal.

Neither plate has caused me any trouble with weightlifting playing rugby or any other activity. I'd suggest that your discomfort/ lack of movement is due to another isue that a good sports physio should be able to diagnose/ assist with. If not they will be able to refer you to a decent sports shoulder surgeon. Generally they aren't that keen on surgery due to infection risks and other complications.

All the best with it and please give me a shout if you've got any other questions

Gary

[davepoth]

I had mine removed about a year after it was fitted - the screw heads bothered me, and it was trapping a nerve a bit so I got an odd twinge in my neck every now and then, as well as the discomfort when lifting things. Laid off any activity for 6 weeks or so, and a year on from the surgery it's fine.

The only problem will be if the bone has grown up around the plate (it happens apparently) but they'll be able to see that from the X-ray. Best to get an appointment and have a doctor to look at it.

[Walter Sobchak]

Hi Gary, that's interesting to know, I think perhaps the position of the plate along the bone might have something to do with the movement factor too, I have to admit as well as the discomfort it sometimes causes I'm worried about re breaking it too and if it would cause extra damage?, was this the case with yours?, I'm glad to hear you've recovered fully.

Thanks Dave, do you think it would be something that you would be able to get done through the NHS after referral from your GP?, or is it a more likely a case of going private?, I doubt it's something they could do, or I would want done under local either.

Just to add, it has been fine most of the time, although movement has always been slightly limited afterwards compared to the other side, it is just causing discomfort in the gym.

Edited by Walter Sobchak on Sunday 13th January 18:40

[davepoth]

Walter Sobchak said:

Thanks Dave, do you think it would be something that you would be able to get done through the NHS after referral from your GP?, or is it a more likely a case of going private?, I doubt it's something they could do, or I would want done under local either.

I got mine done on the NHS no problem. Just tell the GP it's causing a bit of discomfort and they'll refer you on. I had mine removed under a general anaesthetic, but I was in and out in four hours.

[Walter Sobchak]

davepoth said:

I got mine done on the NHS no problem. Just tell the GP it's causing a bit of discomfort and they'll refer you on. I had mine removed under a general anaesthetic, but I was in and out in four hours.

Just curious to know too, how long were you out of action for afterwards?, in terms of arm in a sling etc? ,I know you're not meant to put any stress on it for a few months, like weights or contact sports but more along the lines of how long after having it removed were you able to drive and write?.I'm guessing it's not nearly as long as when the initial break occured?.

[gjf764]

No extra damage with mine, the surgeon said I was just unlucky. Getting spear tackled didnt help ;-)

[The_Doc]

Walter Sobchak said:

I broke my collar bone quite badly almost 9 years ago coming off a motorcycle, unfortunately they had to plate it so it would heal correctly.
Is it possible to have it removed that long after the initial break?, it hasn't bothered me so much before but have started doing weights etc a couple of months ago and the limited movement and twinges it sometimes gives bother me.
My worry is that the bone will have healed around the screws of the plate by now so removing might re break it which I would rather avoid.

The removal operation is fairly straightforward, but the risks include refracture through a screw hole, infection, keloid scarring, persistent pain, stiffness etc.

Go talk to a surgeon, he won't make the decision for you, but should give you a fair choice.

The time between insertion and removal isn't really a major issue

[Walter Sobchak]

The_Doc said:

The removal operation is fairly straightforward, but the risks include refracture through a screw hole, infection, keloid scarring, persistent pain, stiffness etc.

Go talk to a surgeon, he won't make the decision for you, but should give you a fair choice.

The time between insertion and removal isn't really a major issue

Thanks for the reply, I will book an appointment with my GP and get refered.
I know this is probably a how long is a piece of string type question, but on average what sort of timeframe is normal for the holes where the screws were to fill/heal?.

[The_Doc]

Walter Sobchak said:

Thanks for the reply, I will book an appointment with my GP and get refered.
I know this is probably a how long is a piece of string type question, but on average what sort of timeframe is normal for the holes where the screws were to fill/heal?.

6 weeks to never

sorry about the vague-osity