I first saw Matthew who was a 20yr old professional skier when he had fallen off a trampoline whilst training and presented with a 3 week old displaced fracture of his clavicle which was in 2 main parts. My recommendation to Matthew was an open reduction and internal fixation of his left midshaft clavicle to bring it back into its anatomical position and to allow him to use his arm as quickly as possible so he didn’t lose strength.

Operation

Surgery was performed through a 3 cm incision below the clavicle. Dissection was made down to the displaced 2-part fracture which had shortened by 2cm. The clavicle was brought out to length, reduced and fixed with a long 6-hole Newclip Duckworth plate achieving excellent alignment and stability.

Matthew was allowed to start moving his arm the next day within reason.

He immediately felt more comfortable after surgery and had minimal pain only taking Panadol.

3 months post surgery Matthew was back on snow and training for his next competition and after 6 to 12 months back to elite level skiing.