Broken Collar Bones and Return To Racing

[Cyklracer]

So, question for the group - how long have those of you in the broken collar bone club taken to return to riding/racing after the break?

Broke my collar bone at RA on 7/06 and had a follow-up with an orthopedic shoulder specialist yesterday (8/07).  They took new x-rays but did not see any new bone formation yet.  He said they normally don't see new bone formation until at least 6 weeks after the break.    So, they've scheduled another follow-up for Sept 11 - a full 9 weeks post-break - to see how the bone is doing then.

No surprise that he nearly jumped out of his skin when I told him I was planning on going back to racing as soon as possible.  Still thinking about doing a track-day event at the beginning of September to get back on the bike at a less-than-race pace to clear out the cobwebs then back to racing at the 9/15 BHF weekend.

So, fellow experienced crashers, let's hear your feedback.....

[Chris410]

A while back I saw a post that spoke about Bone healer?  I think it's a suppliment that helps heal broken bones.
My wife broke her collar bone at a trackday this past Thursday so have her taking glucostamine to help.

Either way, I think it's going to be a long process but you're probably better off letting the bone heal properly rather than pushing it early and causing yourself more pain and possibly something permanent.

Best of luck...hope you heal quickly!

[EX_#76]

Take super Dave's bone supplement.  It speeds up the mending process.  Broke mine into three chunks.  Took Dave's supplement, back out in 6 weeks.  Bones were healed but mussels were still quite weak.

Dave, Pimp your bone stuff

[J Farrell / Speed Tech Motorsp]

I recall of riding only 6 days after breaking mine! Determination is the leading thing for me. The second time I broke it I raced 9 days later. It was broken clean through both times too. I would tape up my shoulder to make it a little easier.

I have raced with broken ribs (2) only days later after they broke.


I don't know its up to you & how you feel plus how important it is to ride. I had championships & money on the line to motivate me!

We are not of the normal people that doctors think we should be.

[motomaniac]

I have broken my right collar bone clean four times over the past 18 years of racing. The quickest I was on track was in four weeks.  It was painful, but I wanted to race and did.  It's all about how much discomfort you can handle.  The last two times I initially went to the emergency room to confirm what I already knew... it's broke again.  After that I healed myself and skipped the doc.  Not much you can do with it but heal unless you want screws and plates.

[Helmsman]

I broke mine this year,  I could probably have ridden at the next race weekend, only 3 weekends afterwards, but i had all ready planned on skipping that one for a wedding.  Had I really wanted to, i could have.  On the other hand, as an am, i'm not sure it really would have been worth the risk.  I'm sure any crash would have re broken it, and then i would probably went under the knife.  IMO, AM club racing just ain't worth that.

And yeah, take SD's bone healer, it works.

[Scotty Ryan]

I crashed while racing motocross - I broke the last couple inches of my collar bone off - and had an AC separation. Picked the bike up and finished the race. Went to the hospital - got some sort of arm sling or brace and then rode about two weeks after that. My one arm is longer then the one i didn't break now tho. Like Jason said - the pain hurts less the more you want to ride. I've ridden with broken hands, fingers, toes, feet, ribs, collar bones and even a broken C7 vertebra in my neck.  What's it worth?

[Scotty Ryan]

Just got back from the doctor - looks like i'll be riding with damaged cartilage in my left knee for the rest of the season. Wee for stupid idiots who like to run their knees into curbs.

[dylanfan53]

There are breaks and then there are breaks.  Mine was in 6 pieces and no way I could have raced within 4 - 6 weeks.  Stuff was still moving around and the bones were separated far enough that it took a longer time to form the calcified knot to connect them.  I couldn't see racing until I could at least support the weight of my arm. 

Then again, maybe I'm a girly man. 

The bone healer stuff is mostly just calcium.  Any calcium supplement or Tums with calcium will help.  That's my opinion and this is the internet so I'm an expert.        

[steve p]

I too broke my clavical at RA July 7.  Not being the brightest light in the house I reinjured it 2 weeks after
initial break.  That mishap set me back to almost square
one.  Today I have full mobility but minimal strength.  My
left arm looks like a God D#!@ pipe cleaner.  I could probably make the Aug 18 Blackhawk but after thinking
about it,  why.  No money, no points, no championship
and a chance at either hurting myself againg or one of
my competitors because of lack of strength.  I plan on
getting back on the bike 1st. of September.

[backMARKr]

There are breaks and then there are breaks.  Mine was in 6 pieces and no way I could have raced within 4 - 6 weeks.  Stuff was still moving around and the bones were separated far enough that it took a longer time to form the calcified knot to connect them.  I couldn't see racing until I could at least support the weight of my arm. 

Then again, maybe I'm a girly man. 

No Don...I think that is called using your head...I did the same thing with RA, could've gone but strength and mobility wasn't really there yet. Not too mention, I think there is also the question of safety too....

not just the rider's safety BUT the other riders out there too....if a rider is not up to snuff they can also be a danger to others....

of course, I guess we could BOTH be girly men

[tug296]

Broke mine in 2002, Dr. went by hospital x-rays, told me to sit for 4 weeks, back to Dr., he took x-ray, said oh no, we must operate.
He expected to see some bone growth in 4 weeks but did not, because the pieces were 4 inches apart! If you still have no bone growth I'd guess it needs to be plated unless some other factor is present.
My big problem comes from the Dr. cutting through the muscle and nerves, be aware of this if you get it plated as mine is just about ruined.
I think the Dr. could have been more careful and done less damage.

One half was on top my right lung, lucky not to have punctured it. Had to plate it and he had to cut off the end of it.
I was not able to race for 8 months, very painful with leathers on the plate, so had the plate taken out after a year.
Then back to racing in about 6months, but very weak all along, even now only back to about 60% but was able to race the 8hr. Moto ST event at Daytona last Oct.