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Can Clavicle Fracture Be Treated Non-surgically?

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Posted on Fri, 26 Aug 2016
Question: I FELL BACKWARDS ON JULYT16 ....i broke my clavicle snd got compresion injury on lower back----around L-4 ACCORDING TO CO IN EMERGENCY ROOM aT ALTA BATES HOSP IN XXXXXXX CA...THEY TOOK EXTEnSIVE CATSCANS AND X-RAYS....I AM IN CONSIDERABLE PAIN, CANT LIFT ARM, CAN BARELY WALK....DOC SAID WE shd WAIT TIL SWELLING GOES DOWN....CAN YOU MAKE REC WITHOUT SEEING ALL SCANS, ETC?? i had laminectory 2 years ago which resulted from backward fall off ladder....I think I'll have to do that again jut get over pain.....any guidance you can give wld be most helpful


forgot to ask re surgery on clavicle which is buldging out ....will it get better as swelling goes away....and how long might that take??
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You may need surgery for spine

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. It is difficult to comment without seeing xrays and CT scan. I want to know few questions to understand your condition better.
1.do you have Diabetes or thyroid or smoking ?
2.do you able to walk after injury or on bed rest?
3.can you send me x rays if not CT scan.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)
not diabetic, walking is painful....most comfortable is lying down/face up with ice paks under me at compression point in spine...I think its at L-4...my guess is that I just have to wait for swelling to abate....then doc's can decide if I need surgery on clavicle and laminectomy operation on back sciatica area. As I said in prior note, I'm trying to decide if I can make better decision by waiting for swelling/bruising to lessen. Let me know if you ave better recomendation. THX!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
This is better to wait for one week

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. There is no harm in waiting for one week as it will decrease swelling. Clavicle fracture can be treated without surgery. For spine fracture you can decide after swelling subsides. If there is any pain in back that can heal with time. But if there is any weakness in legs then you should go with surgery.
I hope this answer will be useful for you.Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 4486 Questions

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Can Clavicle Fracture Be Treated Non-surgically?

Brief Answer: You may need surgery for spine Detailed Answer: Hello, I have studied your case. It is difficult to comment without seeing xrays and CT scan. I want to know few questions to understand your condition better. 1.do you have Diabetes or thyroid or smoking ? 2.do you able to walk after injury or on bed rest? 3.can you send me x rays if not CT scan. Thanks.