BRADLEY WIGGINS & THE COLLAR BONE FRACTURE-TO OP OR NOT TO OP THAT'S THE QUESTION

Patients watching the Tour de France just now will have recoiled in horror at the injuries sustained by Team Sky rider Bradley Wiggins this week in a fall 24 miles from the finish of stage seven. Dave Brailsford Sky boss confirmed a clean break of the "collar bone", or clavicle.


But just how bad is a fractured clavicle?

The clavicle accounts for about 4% of all fractures, but this is almost certainly higher for cyclists? 


The treatment of these injuries is constantly evolving, as the surgeons & cyclists push the boundaries for fitness & a rapid return to sport. But whether to operate or not to operate has become a key issue?


In 2007, a major study from the Canadian Trauma Association, demonstrated that the results of surgery were better than non-surgical treatment. Read about that and more on treatment of these injuries in this piece from Kevin Shea, M.D. at Intermountain Orthopaedics. There's a neat slide show included with some x-rays and images.

http://bit.ly/oNXz7V