Distal Clavicle Osteolysis

[Oldtimer]

Distal Clavicle Osteolysis

First of all, welcome to the boad MD.

I've had this condition for several years now, but I've learned to live with it.

I can't usually stand still for long periods or I get severe pain in my left shoulder and arm, I also sometimes feel like my left hand is num for no reason.

2-3 weeks ago I was doing military press, and I think I may have went oveboard with it. It started hurting that same night, but when I woke up the following morning it hurt real bad. I had to leave early from work because of it.

I went to the doctor and according to the x-ray, there is a piece at the end of the clavicle bone is that is completly missing now.

The problem is, he told me to stop working out completly and start taking some medication to ease the pain and inflammation.

I've read a lot about this condition and about the conservative treatment and surgical intervention, but I don't really know what to do now. I've been lifting light weights for the past 2-3 weeks. I still feel my shoulder but it's a little bit better.

What do you recommend?

 

[purevi1]

I tore my labram doing military press than when rolling later that day with someone I dislocated my shoulder and broke a piece of my bone off, Long story short I got surgery to remove the piece of the bone from my joint, and they reattached my labram.. than 4 months later during rehab(physical therapy) I dislocated my shoulder again..... in the doctors office mind you. And than they recommended another surgery.

My advice is deal with the pain because the surgery definately wasnt worth it for me. Rather wait until im older and dont have such an active life

 

[BigMD]

Purevil is on to something. Oldtimer you really answered your own question in your post. You have to realize that every body of every person has limitations. (My wife taps very quickly in an armbar compared to my brother.) I certainly would NOT recommend surgery based on what you told me. Push yourself to the max but not beyond. Simply, don't overdo it. The body likes to be used but hates to be abused and that's what you did. Surgery will not solve your problems. Still won't be able to go heavy on overhead after surgery.

Need to be creative and work around your limitations. Certain surgeries like ACL repair have been perfected. Others like Purevil's labram surgery are more complex with lower success rates. Your clavicle is somewhere in the middle.

My advice is to take it easy for a while. Sounds like you are already getting better. The work your way back up again but not beyond your body's natural breaking point.

 

[Oldtimer]

Purevil, thanks for sharing your experience. I also asked another guy who has a problem in his shoulder in the gym I go to and he told me your same advice, stay away from surgery unless it's the only option left.

MD, thanks for the advice. I will go light on shoulder days even if I feel recovered in the future, as you said, I just need to accept this limitation and work around it.

Regards.