Shoulder Fracture

Harboursteve

Long time lurker, first time poster (so take it easy!)

I had a bit of a crash last week. I went to A&E the next day and it turns out I've fractured the 'greater tuberosity right humerus' - top of the arm into the shoulder. I've consulted Dr Google so I'm aware of what it is but does anyone have any experience of similar injuries and how long it takes to get back up to normal riding? I think the problem is going to be putting weight on my shoulder for a long period of time - that's what causes me the most pain at the moment.

This happened a week ago and the movement is getting easier, I'm able to lift my arm further before it gets painful but I still can't put any weight on it at all. I'm back at the fracture clinic in 2 weeks to see how it's healing so I can ask the Doctor the question then but, to be honest, I'd expect a 'it's better when it' s better' type of answer.

I think it may have been a bit of oil on a downhill bend - though it was still damp and chilly so it might have just been my crap bike handling!

Any advice gratefully received!

wavefront

Ouch! I can't offer any specific advice, other than I'd certainly recommend having physio at some point, the sooner the better and take guidance from the doc as to when you can get back on the bike again. I broke my shoulder skiing a number of years ago, and the physio gave me excercises to do quite soon after, but as it seemed to heal relatively quickly I gave up on the excercises. Big mistake, as I now swim a lot and that shoulder seems quite weak and its mobility is noticeably more limited than the other. Wish I'd persevered with the exercises.

Hope it all improves soon for you.

wishitwasallflat

Tough luck sad to hear of this - generally fractures of any type take 6 weeks or so for the bone to heal - there is variation though so check with the Doc at follow up appointment as they will see on XRays what's happening. The rehab process can be slower - it really depends upon two factors -

1 How much soft tissue damage there was when the fracture occured (soft tissues can take much longer to heal depending on extent and nature of the damage) and
2 How you body react to the immobility that is required to let the bones nit - some people stiffen up really quickly while other don't

Sorry not to be able to give precise time scales but besure to get physio advice ASAP as treatment early saves loads of time on the rehab.

Harboursteve

Thanks for the advice. I've got a follow up appointment in 2 weeks so I'll ask the question then. To be honest, it feels alright, I'm still able to move it so hopefully it won't have stiffened up too much.

Thanks again.

wishitwasallflat

If you are able to move it pain free (without analgesia) that bodes well - at your appointment ask for a referal to a Physio for mobilisation exercise to do. I'm a Physio and would be very happy to get such a referal.