Question
I have a crushed vertebrae and broken collar bone as a result of a car accident but was told to wait four weeks brfore seeing an Orthopedic. Why the long wait?

Answer
Dear Michelle,

I can not give you a reason as why they would want you to wait.  IN fact, a crushed vertebra heels the best when addressed early on after the injury, and their are specific surgical techniques that are only mildly invasive than can substantially improve the vertebral structure such as:  vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.  These are mostly performed by interventional radiologists, orthopedic surgeons with a spine fellowship or neurosurgeons.

However, concerning the collar bone (clavicle), if the injury is not severe, a simple sling is what is utilized the most to stabilize the arm and shoulder area so that the bone can heal.  Surgery is not normally indicated for a broken collarbone, unless there are multiple pieces and fragments of bone.  4-6 weeks is a normal bone healing time frame for stability.

I would recommend you research vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, and make sure that your vertebral injury was a true crushed vertebra...this is much more sever than just a compression fracture to the vertebra which is more common and often requires no treatment.

Hope this helps Michelle.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net