• When Can a Broken Clavicle Sling Come Off?

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Clavicle fractures and breaks are common injuries, but thankfully not ones that normally require surgery. However, in order to help the bone heal and set in the correct position, orthopedic doctors usually give patients a sling to wear that supports the arm. Because the collarbone joins the shoulder joint to the breastbone, immobilizing the arm is an important part of recovery. But, when can a broken clavicle sling come off?

    Broken Clavicle Stages of Healing

    How long a broken collarbone takes to heal is dependent on several factors, including:

    • Age: Clavicle fractures in children younger than 8 years old may only take 4-5 weeks to heal completely. In adolescents, 6-8 weeks is the average. In older teens and adults, healing can take up to 12 weeks to heal.
    • Location of the Fracture: A fracture can occur in a mid-shaft, distal, or proximal location and affect the healing time if it requires surgery.
    • Type of Fracture: Singular fractures describe a collarbone with only one break. A comminuted fracture has more than one break, and takes longer to heal than a singular fracture. Other types of fractures are displaced (when a bone moves out of position) and undisplaced (when a bone remains aligned).

    Non-Surgical Treatment and Healing

    In a non-surgical case, a sling helps patients to immobilize the injury and prevent further damage. Due to where the clavicle sits in the body, a normal cast is ineffective. A sling keeps the shoulder in an optimal healing position, which then restricts the movement of the clavicle.

    If your injury does not require surgery, your doctor may tell you that you can remove your broken clavicle sling once most of the pain goes away. This can be as early as 2-4 weeks into recovery, but will be mostly dependent on pain level and the factors mentioned above. Every case is different, and you should wait until your doctor tells you that it is okay to stop wearing the sling at night or during the day. You can take the sling off to bathe, but still take care and avoid moving your shoulder too much.

    Surgical Treatment and Healing

    If your collarbone fracture did require surgery, then the sling may plan an even more important part in your recovery process than in a non-surgical case. The sling not only prevents a lot of pain as it does in non-surgical cases, but also protects any surgical wounds while they heal. This could be external, like stitches, staples, and other suture wounds, or internal, like screws and plates.

    In surgical cases, slings are normally not removed before 4 weeks at minimum. Your orthopedic doctor will give you the go-ahead once tests and imaging results show proper healing. However, if you are reckless with the injury as it heals without a sling, there is a chance that you may need to wear it again. Take care of your injury!

    Visit Orthopaedic Specialists for Advice on Your Broken Clavicle Sling

    If you or someone you love has suffered a collarbone injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    5 Common Surgeries a Knee Orthopedic Surgeon Performs

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Orthopedic surgeons are doctors that focus on the musculoskeletal system. This includes the bones, joints, muscles, and other soft tissues like cartilage, nerves, ligaments and tendons. However, if an orthopedic surgeon is performing surgery, it is most likely going to be on a joint. Shoulders, wrists, fingers, hips, knees, and ankles are all vulnerable because of how much we use them every day. Because they are effected by the surrounding joints of the hips and ankles, knees can be particularly vulnerable. Especially considering that they are a weight-bearing joint. A knee orthopedic surgeon can perform several different surgeries for various conditions and injuries, but some of the most common knee surgeries preformed include:

    1. Total Knee Replacement:

    Total knee replacement is also known as knee arthroplasty. This surgery replaces the damaged surfaces of the femur, tibia, and patella with artificial components. It’s often recommended for severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Degenerative arthritis can result from damaging, repetitive motion or trauma, which is why athletes, people suffering from obesity, and manual labor workers commonly need total knee replacement surgery as they age.

    2. Partial Knee Replacement:

    Also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, this procedure replaces only the damaged portion of the knee joint. The knee is dived into 3 major compartments:

    1. Medial Compartment (Inside of the Knee)
    2. Lateral Compartment (Outside of the Knee)
    3. Patellofemoral Compartment (Top/Front of the Knee)

    Because it preserves more healthy bone and cartilage tissue, the procedure oftentimes allows patients to have a shorter recovery. Most patients who undergo partial knee replacements also suffer from osteoarthritis, but only in part of the knee.

    3. ACL Reconstruction:

    This surgery repairs or replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is a major ligament in the knee that provides stability during pivoting and twisting motions. Several athletes in soccer, football, tennis, basketball, and other sports that require quick direction turns are at risk of torn or damaged ACLs. Slippery or uneven surfaces can also contribute to a torn ACL in non-athletes.

    4. Arthroscopy:

    Knee arthroscopies can also be known as knee scopes. This minimally invasive procedure uses a small camera and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat various knee problems, such as cartilage tears, meniscus (MCL) tears, and plica (tissue folds) problems. It is different than the other surgeries preformed because sometimes, it doesn’t fix the issue, it only diagnoses it. But, because it is minimally invasive, it can tell a knee orthopedic surgeon much more about whether a knee injury needs additional surgery or if it can be solved with non-surgical treatments.

    5. Meniscus Repair/Meniscectomy:

    The meniscus is a cartilage structure that cushions the knee joint. Meniscectomy involves removing a torn meniscus, while meniscus repair involves suturing the torn meniscus to promote healing. There are several factors for a torn meniscus that come into play when it comes to the best treatments.

    • Meniscus injuries can result both from degenerative reasons or from acute trauma, which will affect the pain level that a patient feels.
    • Not all locations of the meniscus connect to the body’s blood flow, which means that some areas cannot heal on their own.
    • Some meniscal tears may detach part of the meniscus from itself, which prohibits natural healing.
    • There are stable and unstable tears that may affect whether the meniscus moves abnormally.
    • There are 6 different tear patterns that will affect its ability to heal naturally and on its own.

    Knee Orthopedic Surgeon in Louisville, KY

    Knee orthopedic surgeons can administer and oversee non-surgical options, but when the pain gets too severe or an injury cannot heal on its own, surgery can help mitigate symptoms. If you or someone you love has suffered a knee injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    Employee Spotlight of the Month: Bailey Belcher

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Meet this month’s employee spotlight, Bailey Belcher!

    Bailey Belcher Barrel Racing

    When you come into our office here at Orthopaedic Specialists, our staff shows you the kindness, professionalism, and patience that you would expect from an orthopedic doctor’s office. You see the smiles, you hear the laughs, you witness them in action. But, each of our staff members has an exciting and unique life outside of work, and we like the share snippets every so often when something really exciting happens—like buying a mini donkey! Meet Bailey Belcher, our resident MA/LMR (X-Ray Tech), and her new furry friend, Tucker.

    About Bailey Belcher

    Bailey Belcher has officially been working at Orthopaedic Specialists since December 2020 after she graduated from ATA College. But, her journey with us actually started before that, as an intern during her final year of school. She came to us and we never let her go! She has been a steady and important presence around the office for going on almost 5 years now, and we couldn’t imagine our team without her.

    “I love everybody here,” Bailey says about working at Orthopaedic Specialists. “My boss is the best, she’s so funny! This is only my second job ever and I can’t imagine it gets any better than working here.”

    We’re very lucky to have snatched her up before anyone else could hire her!

    Barrel Racing and Horse Riding

    Bailey Belcher Posing with HorseLife isn’t all about work, and balancing hobbies on top of a profession can be a difficult thing to do. But, for Bailey, her hobbies have been a part of her life for over a decade now.

    Her story of how she grew up riding horses with her family and the opportunities that is has brought her is one that we love hearing. She says, “I’ve ridden horses since I was practically a baby. My grandma would put a pillow in front of her in the saddle and let me ride with her, and by the time I was 3 years old, I could ride totally by myself. I started barrel racing in 7th grade at age 12 after years of trail riding, and it just came pretty naturally to me.”

    Bailey Belcher Riding HorseBailey exercises her horses 2-3 times a week, and races on the majority of her weekends. Since she began competing, Bailey has competed in and won a variety of different state and national championships and competes at the highest rank of barrel racing. She loves the speed and the challenge of the sport, and has competed in many different places, including cities around Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and even Texas, where she was able to compete in the world’s largest rodeo. The rodeo, RFD TV’s The American, is only attended by 250 of the best riders with their horses the world.

    What About the Mini Donkey?

    Horses are highly social herd animals. In the wild, herds can have up to 130 horses in them, broken down into smaller herds with unique social hierarchies. Domesticated horses need to have the same social opportunities. It’s why you rarely see only one horse in a pasture. But, companions for horses don’t always need to be another horse.

    While Bailey and her family have several horses, their newest addition is a mini donkey by the name of Tucker. Bailey got Tucker as a companion for her horse, and he has been hee-hawing his way into our hearts. We just couldn’t help but share him with you!

    If you or someone you love has suffered an injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    Risk Factors of Osteoporosis

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Osteoporosis bone model

    There are some conditions of the body that have causes still unknown to us. However, with studies and the technology of modern medicine, there are several that have established causes and risk factors that can help people seek preventative measures before symptoms of conditions become severe. Osteoporosis is one of these conditions. Moreso than other conditions, risk factors of osteoporosis are important to take into account because of the normal lack of symptoms.

    What is Osteoporosis?

    Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes a decrease in bone mineral density and bone mass. This makes bones brittle and very susceptible to fractures, breaks, and deformities. As we age, usually after the age of 30, bone density is lost faster than it is created, which is when the risk of osteoporosis becomes higher. While there are some treatments available for osteoporosis, prevention is far more effective than treatment.

    Prevention methods include having a calcium and Vitamin D-rich diet and exercising regularly. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, and calcium is what helps to build bone density. Men between 18-70 and women between 18-70 should be getting 1,000-2,000 mg of calcium per day. Supplements can help if your diet does not allow for that much calcium, but eating well is a cornerstone to health, and incorporating calcium-rich foods can help people take steps towards a long-term healthy lifestyle.

    Exercising can help to build strong bones and supporting muscles to protect you as you go about your daily life. People should be combining weight-bearing exercises with balance and flexibility exercises. Weight-bearing exercises can include walking, jogging, lifting weights, skipping rope, and impact sports while balance and flexibility exercises include yoga, active stretching, tai chi, and calisthenics.

    Risk Factors of Osteoporosis

    There are some risk factors of osteoporosis that people can change, and others that people cannot change.

    Risk factors that you cannot change:

    • Gender: Women have a higher risk of osteoporosis because they generally have less bone tissue and experience hormonal changes after menopause.
    • Age: Anyone older than 50 likely have been experiencing bone density loss for ~20 years and go through hormonal and physical changes at this point that may make exercise and other preventative measures more difficult.
    • Body size: Petite people have less bone mass than larger people, and therefore have a lower peak bone mass.
    • Ethnicity: White and Asian women are generally more at risk for osteoporosis.
    • Family history: Interestingly, those who have family histories of broken hips or fractures, as well as other conditions like IBS, arthritis, eating disorders, and others are more likely to get osteoporosis.

    Risk factors that you can change:

    • Hormone levels: People with naturally-low hormones such as testosterone or estrogen can affect bone density, but hormone therapy and medication can help correct levels.
    • Eating disorders: Disorders like anorexia, which can cause nutrient deficiencies, or bulimia, which can cause obesity and put excess strain onto people’s bones, contribute to factors that lead to osteoporosis.
    • Diet and vitamin intake: Diets that lack the necessary vitamins and nutrients that allow bone density to grow can contribute to osteoporosis.
    • Medication use: Long-term use of medications like corticosteroids or other high-risk medications can disrupt the body’s natural production of bone density.
    • Lifestyle choices: Heavy smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle all contribute to weaker bones and an overall less healthy body to fight diseases like osteoporosis.

    The Importance of Recovery

    Taking care of your body when you are young and still building your body’s bone density is a big part of prevention. You cannot exercise when you have an injury, and injuries that do not heal correctly weaken the bone and surrounding muscle, which are put at a higher risk of reinjury in the future. Whether you are a serious athlete or just a hobbyist, recovery is a crucial part of your future. Take physical therapy seriously, listen to your body, and learn to think about how your decisions now will affect your body in the future.

    If you or someone you love has suffered a bone break or fracture injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    Patient of the Month: Shana Andres

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Meet this month’s patient in the spotlight, Shana Andres!

    Shana Andres Headshot

    Shana (pronounced Shay-na) Andres is an OT (occupational therapist) originally from Floyds Knobs, Indiana, and proudly calls herself a Hoosier. She attended Indiana University Southeast (IUS), where she played softball and earned a degree in Sociology and minored in Religion. After college, she pursued a career in occupational therapy. She completed OT school at Spalding University in Louisville, and her early career took her out west as a travel therapist. Eventually, though, she returned to her roots at home in Indiana and began specializing in hand therapy.

    Shana discovered a true passion for helping others regain function and independence. She focuses on upper extremity orthopedic rehabilitation. In 2023, she became a Certified Hand Therapist. She is also certified in dry needling for the upper extremity. Shana finds joy in connecting with patients and seeing their progress. She values the hands-on nature of her work and the difference it makes in people’s lives.

    Dr. Grossfeld and Shana AndresOutside of work, Shana enjoys life with her wife, their two children, and their family dog. They love spending time outdoors, and her hobbies include biking, exercising, camping, cooking, and relaxing in a hammock.

    Shana has a special connection to Orthopaedic Specialists. Years ago, during her time as a collegiate athlete, she was a patient of Dr. Grossfeld’s for a knee injury. But, just recently, she also returned to visit and shadow Dr. Grossfeld in the clinic.

    We loved having her around, and we’re proud to feature Shana this month to celebrate her journey from patient to dedicated healthcare professional!

    If you or someone you love has suffered a knee injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    What is a Buckle Fracture?

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Buckle Fracture in Arm

    A buckle fracture, otherwise known as a torus fracture or impacted fracture, is a common broken bone in children under the age of 12. Unlike complete breaks, buckle fractures don’t go all the way through the bone. This makes them more stable and less severe. They occur when a bone compresses suddenly, such as when a child uses their wrist to break a fall or lands on their feet harshly.

    While rare, buckle fractures can happen in adults. This usually affects flat bones like the ribs, or in people with osteoporosis. Children are more at risk of a buckle fracture because their bones are softer and more flexible than adult bones. When the bone compresses, it bends outward, similar to crushing a soda can without breaking it. This leaves a bump at the site of the injury.

    Where Can a Buckle Fracture Form?

    Buckle fractures form near where compression and impact might take place. Usually, it affects the radius and ulna, which connect the wrist to the elbow; however, it can also affect bones like:

    • The femur (thigh)
    • The tibia (shin)
    • The fibula (calf)
    • The humerus (upper arm)

    Symptoms of a Buckle Fracture

    Symptoms of a buckle fracture include:

    • Pain at the injury site
    • Swelling
    • Bruising or tenderness
    • A noticeable bump or deformity
    • Refusal to use the affected arm or leg

    Never ignore a suspected buckle fracture. While the bone will normally heal without any deformities or instability, untreated fractures can lead to worse symptoms or improper healing. If your child has intense pain, severe swelling, or visible deformity, seek emergency care immediately.

    Buckle Fracture Treatment

    Diagnosing a buckle fracture usually involves a physical exam and an X-ray to confirm the fracture and check bone alignment. Because buckle fractures don’t go through the entire bone, they’re very stable and heal faster than most other fractures. Most children heal with a simple splint or removable brace to help with pain and swelling; surgery is not needed for buckle fractures.

    A brace can be removed for bathing and sometimes for sleeping or activities like swimming as healing progresses. However, until the injury heals fully, your child should wear the brace when possible. Once the pain is gone, they can stop using it. Most children only need the brace for 3 to 4 weeks. After that, they can return to regular activities.

    Recovery

    If your child is in a lot of pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort during recovery. No prescription medicines will be necessary during recovery. Children typically return to school during recovery but should avoid sports until their symptoms fully resolve. They can usually resume all physical activities about a month after the injury, once cleared by their provider. Since these fractures don’t involve the growth plate, there’s no risk of bone length differences or long-term deformities or complications.

    How to Prevent Buckle Fractures

    You can reduce your child’s risk for buckle fractures by following basic safety practices, such as:

    • Wearing proper sports gear
    • Keeping floors clutter-free
    • Using seatbelts
    • Avoiding standing on furniture
    • Encouraging a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D

    Buckle Fracture Doctor in Louisville, KY

    If you or someone you love has suffered a buckle fracture or broken bone injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    Patient of the Month: Tonya Lowe

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Meet this month’s patient in the spotlight, Tonya Lowe!

    Tonya Lowe, Owner of Blondie & Jim's Bistro

    Orthopaedic Specialists is a steadfast supporter of local small businesses and women-owned businesses, as we’re fortunate enough to be both. We’re proud to shine a spotlight on our incredible patients who inspire us with their resilience, determination, and positivity throughout their healing journeys. This month, we’re honored to feature Tonya Lowe, a dynamic entrepreneur, devoted family woman, and someone whose strength both inside and out continues to motivate everyone around her.

    Tonya Lowe: A Woman of Many Talents

    Tonya is a powerhouse of creativity, business smarts, and community spirit. As the author of the best-selling book “Breathe, Believe, and Bounce Into It,” Tonya shares her journey navigating the two worlds of entrepreneurship and family. She outlines her own experience chasing her dreams while maintaining her role as a devoted wife, mother, and now, soon-to-be grandmother. Her story is one of tenacity and self-belief, a message that has inspired countless readers.

    Beyond her work as an author, Tonya is the proud owner of Blondie & Jim’s Bistro, a popular restaurant in Norton Commons known for its welcoming atmosphere and flavorful, healthy take on Southern cuisine and community classes and events. She also runs Keep It Spicy, a gourmet smoked seasoning company unique to Louisville. When she’s not juggling her multiple ventures, Tonya loves riding her bike and exploring new places through travel—activities that bring her both joy and peace.

    A Challenging Setback

    Like so many active individuals, Tonya’s journey took a turn when an old meniscus tear turned into a new knee injury and began to significantly impact her life. With the addition of arthritis, she experienced limited mobility. Daily tasks like standing for extended periods or climbing stairs became painful and discouraging.

    “For someone who’s always on the move running a business, writing, or spending time with family, not being able to stand for more than 3–4 hours at a time has really held me back,” Tonya shares. “I used to love bike riding, and now it’s something I really miss.”

    Tonya’s injury has not only affected her professional life but also touched the most personal parts of her day-to-day routine. As she looks forward to the arrival of her first grandbaby, she is also working to return to a place where she can comfortably play and interact without pain.

    The Road to Recovery

    Tonya is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and while her journey is still in progress, the signs of improvement are already bringing hope. “I’m slowly getting back to going up and down the stairs with a little less pain,” she says. Her commitment to healing and her positive attitude toward the recovery process are inspiring reminders that progress, even when gradual, is still progress worth celebrating.

    Tonya represents the best of what it means to be a Patient of the Month; not just for her strength in recovery, but for the energy and purpose she brings to every role in her life. We are proud to be part of Tonya’s journey and excited to see her continue to heal and thrive. Congratulations, Tonya, and thank you for letting us be a part of your incredible story!

    If you or someone you love has suffered a knee injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    Can I Run with a Sprained Ankle?

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Sprained ankle Treatment

    Sprained ankles are very common and often mild injuries. However, they are still your body’s way to telling you that something is wrong. You should not run with a sprained ankle until it has time to heal. This can take anywhere from a week to 8 weeks to heal, depending on the severity of the sprain. It is very important during this time that you take all the necessary steps to heal completely and properly. If you ignore the pain and keep exercising, you risk:

    • Re-injury
    • Chronic ankle instability
    • Chronic swelling
    • Chronic inflammation
    • Chronic pain
    • Injuries to other joints or muscles

    Your body will correct itself in order to accommodate an injury, and that puts strain on other parts of the body like the hips, knees, and back. Don’t let one minor ankle sprain turn into a worse injury later on. In order to get back to running after an ankle sprain, consult with your doctor for severe sprains, or follow these tips for recovery.

    Recovering After an Ankle Sprain

    Many runners think that a sprain is nothing to worry about. And, in most cases, it isn’t. A few days of rest with the R.I.C.E. method and an over-the-counter pain medication usually allows the tendons and muscles to heal enough that they can get back to their sport. However, if the sprain is more severe than a minor ache, try to minimize the pressure you put on the ankle by wearing a brace, boot, or using crutches. Do not run with an ankle sprain the day of and a few days after the injury. Give your body time to recover

    When your ankle is able to support your weight without aids, you can move on the active phase of recovery. This includes balance exercises, physical therapy, and targeted ankle exercises. During this process, tape or brace your ankle for additional stability as the tendons and muscles restrengthen.

    Some good exercises to do in the active stage of recovery can be:

    1. Swimming or water aerobics
    2. One-leg balancing
    3. Squats
    4. Calf raises
    5. Resistance band stretches
    6. Bosu ball balancing
    7. Jump roping

    Running After Recovery

    After you are able to hold your full weight on your injured ankle, slowly reintroduce running long distances. Start small and slow, and then allow your speed and distance to grow. This may be difficult, especially for long-distance cross country or marathon runners, but reacclimating is important! Once you reach this step, you’ll be back to your normal distance in no time.

    Sprained Ankle Treatment in Louisville, KY

    It is important to treat even minor injuries with care. The swelling, inflammation, and pain are all indicators that your body needs time to rest and recover. More severe symptoms indicate that your body needs help healing. Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists in Louisville, KY can help you diagnose and treat ankle injuries so that you don’t have to run with a sprained ankle.

    If you or someone you love has suffered an ankle injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    Broken Collarbone Treatment in Louisville, KY

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Broken Collarbone Pain

    Broken collarbones are one of the most common broken bones in adults and athletes. They are painful, and can make moving the arm very difficult. The collarbone, or the clavicle, is located just below the throat, extending out from the sternum between the ribs and the shoulder blade to connect them. It plays a key role in shoulder movement and stability. At Orthopaedic Specialists in Louisville, KY, we offer broken collarbone treatment for a speedy recovery to help you get back to your normal daily activities.

    How Does a Collarbone Break?

    Collarbones usually break after a direct impact to the shoulder or a fall onto an outstretched arm. Sports injuries, bicycle accidents, and car crashes are common causes. Even something as simple as slipping on ice can lead to a fracture.

    When the collarbone breaks, it often causes sudden, sharp pain. Many people also experience swelling, bruising, and a visible bump or deformity over the fracture site. In some cases, you may hear a crack or snap at the time of injury. Limited arm movement and shoulder stiffness are also typical, and many patients cannot raise their arm without pain.

    Diagnosing a Broken Collarbone

    At Orthopaedic Specialists, our doctors perform a thorough physical exam to check for deformities, swelling, and tenderness. We also assess your shoulder range of motion and strength. To confirm the diagnosis, we typically use imaging tests such as X-rays. In more complex cases, a CT scan may be recommended to get a detailed view of the fracture pattern.

    Non-Surgical Treatment Options

    Most broken collarbones heal well with non-surgical treatment. If the bones are not severely out of place, we may recommend:

    • Wearing a sling to keep the arm supported and reduce movement

    • Taking pain medications and using ice to manage swelling

    • Limiting physical activity for several weeks

    • Starting physical therapy to restore strength and mobility

    In children and teens, a broken collarbone usually heals within 6-8 weeks. However, in adults or in cases where multiple fractures occur, patients can expect recovery time to extend to up to 4 months. Physical therapy plays an important role in regaining full shoulder function after the bone has healed.

    When Surgery Is Necessary

    In some cases, surgery may be the best option for broken collarbone treatment. This is especially true if:

    • The broken bone ends are far apart or overlapping

    • The fracture involves multiple pieces (a comminuted fracture)

    • The bone has pierced the skin (an open fracture)

    • The injury affects nearby nerves or blood vessels

    During surgery, a surgeon re-aligns the broken bone and secures it with a plate and screws. This helps the collarbone heal in the correct position and allows for faster recovery in some cases. Physical therapy usually starts a few weeks after surgery to rebuild strength and flexibility.

    What to Expect During Recovery

    Whether your treatment is surgical or non-surgical, recovery from a broken collarbone takes time and patience. The first few days often involve pain and swelling, but this gradually improves with rest and medication. Your arm will be in a sling for several weeks, so it’s important to avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling during this time. Your doctor will guide you on when it’s safe to start gentle movements and exercises.

    Physical therapy is an essential part of recovery. PT works restore range of motion, strengthen shoulder muscles, and prevent stiffness. Most people return to normal activities within three to four months. Athletes and active individuals may need a longer recovery period before resuming sports or intense workouts.

    Why Choose Orthopaedic Specialists in Louisville, KY?

    A broken collarbone can make daily life difficult. Simple tasks like getting dressed, lifting objects, or even sleeping can become challenging. The sooner you begin treatment, the better your outcome will be. Our experienced staff provides compassionate, patient-focused care. We specialize in treating fractures and shoulder injuries, including broken collarbones.

    If you or someone you love has suffered a collarbone injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    5 Common Mistakes After Getting Knee Replacements

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Knee Replacements Recovery

    Knee replacement surgery is a common treatment method for injuries and severe arthritis cases alike. When the knee joint sustains too much damage, then sometimes the only way to reduce pain and regain mobility is to replace it. Knee replacements can last for more than 20 years, but there is a possibility that some people may need a correction preformed. However, if the knee is taken care of properly, then there is less of a chance of correction necessary.

    Proper care is important from day one. For such a major surgery as a total knee replacement, there is no rushing recovery. It is difficult to lose the ability to walk for a while, but recovery is one of the most important steps in making sure the surgery is successful. The most common mistakes that people make after getting a knee replacement are:

    1. Ignoring Your Body

    After surgery, it is normal to feel some pain, swelling, and inflammation. However, that is only true to a certain point. Check with your doctor if:

    • You experience continually worsening levels of pain,
    • You experience pain in a different part of your leg,
    • Your knee gets swollen and hot, which suggests a joint infection.

    Painkillers should help you through most of the anticipated aches and pains. If you are still feeling like your pain levels are unbearable, even with the medication, or you experience pain after a relatively pain-free period, that may be a sign that something is wrong. Paying attention to your body is one of the most important steps of recovery, because no one knows what you are feeling except for you.

    2. Not Having a Support System

    Not having a functional leg as you heal can make daily activities quite difficult. Having a support system to help you stay off your feet as your knee recuperates lessens the risk of injury as you move around. Having people around throughout the recovery process is also good for physical therapy exercises that you may need a hand with and tasks like getting in and out of a bathtub, bed, or stairs if necessary. These are all activities that you cannot cut out completely from your life, but raise the risk of injury if you attempt them by yourself.

    3. Rushing Back Into Activities

    We get it: there is only so much time you can spent recuperating before you get restless. However, rushing back into your activities will only make things worse. Don’t reintroduce any high-impact sports or strenuous activity until you are cleared by a doctor. Even small things, like driving or going to work, need a slow and gradual return. Be patient with your body!

    4. Coddling Your Injury

    In contrast to taking things too fast, you also should not be coddling knee replacements. You may find yourself wanting to protect your knee by limiting movement or staying off your feet after your doctor says that you’re cleared to move around more. However, underuse can be just as dangerous as overuse and can lead to stiffness, lack of motion, and potential reinjury. The muscles and tendons around your injury will need to be rehabilitated after a period of disuse. Taking part in your physical therapy and slowly integrating daily activities back into your routine are much better ways to protect your knee than to not use it at all.

    5. Skipping Steps in Your Post-Operation Plan

    You should have a comprehensive post-op plan to follow that gives you an efficient and effective road to recovery. These plans usually include wound care, medications, physical therapy, check-ups, proper mobility assistance devices, and other important steps to get you back to a better form. Skipping out on any of these plans can end with potential reinjury or a longer recovery. Don’t stop using mobility assistance devices or medications until your doctor clears you, even if you think you start to feel good enough not to need them. It is always better to be safe than sorry!

    Having Knee Pain? Schedule and Appointment with Dr. Grossfeld!

    Knee replacements require major consideration and a lot of consultation from a qualified doctor. There are pros and cons to the surgery, and a lot of factors that influence the decision. There are plenty of cases that do not need to end in surgery.

    If you or someone you love has suffered a knee injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.