Clavicle fracture (after surgery)
December 27, 2011 | 10,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf
After my clavicle surgery (lateral clavicle fracture, 3mm titanium nail), my shoulder now cracks with every movement (2 weeks after the surgery). It is even possible to trigger such cracking by lightly pressing against the operated side with the other hand. It sounds like something is popping in or out. There is also a small jerk. This does not cause any pain. I have received a lot of different explanations from the physiotherapists, unfortunately the orthopedist is currently on Christmas vacation. Should I be worried and go to the hospital immediately?
Good evening,
before you continue to speculate, you should rather get an X-ray to see (and have it explained to you) what the situation is.
If only one nail was used, the bones can move against each other - and then it cracks. Normally, however, this would not be painless. Perhaps slightly painful, but not exactly painless.
The nail could also stick out at the end and cause cracking with movement. But even that is not likely painless.
I assume that this is roughly what the physiotherapists have explained to you. Unfortunately, we can't go any further without an X-ray.
But at least to reassure you: as long as you have no pain, you can assume that the fracture ends are most likely well aligned and there is no rush. It is also unlikely that the nail is broken.
Does this help you or do you have any further questions?
Get well soon,
Dr. Schaaf
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