Broken Collar Bone

[Zoom3]

I need advice for a very poor friend who has broken his collar bone.

He did this 3 months ago and after 3 visits to the Thai hospital to get it set, the bone just kept popping back out.

Now the bone has started to join in the wrong place and is very painful.

Does anyone have an idea of procedure and cost of operation. I am sure the bone will have to be broken and reset maybe using a general or local anesthetic.

He can't go by himself to hospital and has to wait for me to find out information and costs. Also he is not in Bangkok so difficult for me to get time to go to where he is. Also ID problems.

Thanks to anyone who can answer my questions.

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[JamieP]

I had my collar bone fixed at Sri Nakarin hospital (Khon Kaen University) 3 years ago, It was done under general anaesthetic initial cost was about 18,000 baht. (I think). The follow up to remove the pins was about 7,000. So probably about 25,000 to 30,000 total cost.

I'd imagine the cost will be significantly more at private BKK hospitals, though.

[jrtmedic]

A fractured clavicle (collar bone) is usually treated conservatively with something like an arm sling. It is only very rarely necessary to do anything else.

If your friend is continuing to experience pain/disability three months after his accident he should consult with an orthopaedic surgeon who will be able to advise on the best way forward..

If you advise where in the country he is members may advise where best to go.

I cannot help with the ID issue.

Edited June 9, 2013 by jrtmedic

[Scully]

Broke my collar bone and several other bones in a car crash years ago, the basic procedure was just a sling, painkillers and don't do too much. My collar bone healed overlapping so I now have a lump where the bones have bonded together.

Not very pretty and it affects my walk and stance, if I knew I could of had it pinned I would, but it's not painful.

Is he doing too much? When you break your collar bone your arm just drops downwards and can't be used, he needs to position his arm at the correct angle, place a sling on it and rest. Sounds like he has already done the damage after 3 months though and I would listen to JamieP.

Apparently the most painful bone to break, he must have had three months of hell.

[Zoom3]

Thank you all for your input

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