Just broken my collarbone again yesterday, a year to the day since the last time, and about 50 yards from last time! (July 3 is cancelled next year).

Was wondering if anyone else had repeatedly broken the same clavicle (mines in exactly the same place so obviously still weak) and whether surgery is more likely 2nd time round?

Got an appointment at the clinic next week, but interested to hear of other experiences.

Going to order a figure-8 strap this time too as I really hate armslings!

Not an answer to your question directly but i broke mine last week and am going to see these guys tomorrow…
http://www.physioclinic.net/
I know several people who've used them for riding injuries with great results. Hoping to be back to gentle riding in another 3 weeks.

I think the last time was my 5th collar bone break.

Can't remember the numbers for left and right breakages.

Left one is definately a very different shape now but no long term effects at all.

Not all bike related, the last incident was a result of flying a kite.

Yes, broken 2 years later- 5 weeks ago. Same place on the bone (was told it would be stronger!) so now have greater overlap and a bit of an angle (was straight last time, as in two pieces were in line, with less over lap). One Doc says we should operate get it back closer to original set up. Other Doc says might not work out and if the current lay out gives me 80% plus then leave it – decision time soon!! 🙁

Peter, once is a happen, twice a coincidence, three times or more something is going on!!

Steve I have heard of these guys and some excellent results, would prob have ago if not the other side of the country. I am here still seriously hurting 5 weeks later just typing. I would be interested to hear more about your thoughts/progress.

40mpg, I reckon if you can get to see a specialist for this. I wish I had used a figure-8 strap earlier first time around not given one until 2nd Physio visit – I have been told the overlap would have been less.

Wait till rooted sees this, he has a few times I believe.

3 times, same side, no surgery.

Did mine twice, same clavicle, different place, once on a motorbike, once on my mountain bike. Second time I just bought some beer and sat in the garden drinking (was too nice a day to go to casualty), went two days later on work time instead 🙂

The second time was much less traumatic than the first through and it didn't hurt anything like as bad, was back on the bike properly about 7 weeks later.

Lionheary – I'll let you know how i get on. A friend rode xc 4 weeks after doing it and raced dh 5 weeks after, so i'm hopeful.

The second time was much less traumatic than the first through and it didn't hurt anything like as bad, was back on the bike properly about 7 weeks later.

Thats my experience too this time round, not so bad at all except having to sleep on my back (which makes me snore so the missus not so happy!)

Steveh – would be very interested to hear how you get on – keep us posted!

I had my sessions with the physioclinic guys yesterday. 2 sessions in one day, both comprising of pulsed magnet therapy (which is used to stimulate the growth of cells in the area – during normal use bones move fractionally which induces an electrical current into the bone, the size of this current determines what's going on with the bone and the electro magnet creates a large current which stimulates rapid cell growth) followed by laser therapy (this irradiates the cells which gives roughly a 500% increase in bone building cells and a 70% drop in bone destroying cells). They provided a new figure 8 type brace with a waist strap to pull the shoulders back and this frees up both hands for use.

Movement was improved immediately after the treatment, i can now lift both arms to shoulder height without pain. I've been told that i can use it as normal to this height form now on. They suggest that in 3 weeks i should be able to ride off road and potentially on road as soon as 1 week from now. Basically when the break stops moving I can use it for low impact stuff, so I'm hoping for 2 weeks to back on the road bike outside.

Everythings pretty positive so far, £200 well spent if it does as well as they're suggesting it will. A typical collarbone fracture for them. They do lots of work with motorbike riders (on and off road) and other sports people too. I know 3 or 4 other people who've used them with great results so am hoping for the same.