Collarbone dislocation ( sorry long)

[Wbeezer]

Does anyone have good stories about recovery from collarbone dislocations in sporty offspring?

DS1 (young adult) has had a complete dislocation of his collarbone playing rugby ( grade3) I was a bit disappointed to find that its not routine to reattach it by repairing the ligaments.

Apparently most peoples shoulders regain good enough function,( but not full and get often get arthritis in the joint in later life) so it's not worth the risk of complications and recovery time to operate.

The consultant asked if DS was a professional player and when he said no that seemed to confirm the decision to just leave it as is. DS is a good amateur club player and rugby is what keeps his spirits up, especially over the winter. They will operate in a year if its causing him bother but I know in other countries they operate sooner to have a better success rate. We felt a bit like we didn't have a choice.

I know I should be grateful he didn't break his neck but I suppose I've got deja vu as DS2 lost some function in his dominant arm after breaking his elbow and having a complication that wasn't spotted quickly and then not treated aggressively enough ( happened on a bank holiday weekend...)
His shoulder looks very odd now.

Risk of arthritis persists even if have an operation. Risks moderately high, as close to lots of important stuff and skin thin there. Age is a factor depending on closure of growth plates. Also want someone experienced if do have it done as tension hard to judge intraoperatively.
Some people have success with taping the end down during healing (my hubby included).
Most rugby players at higher levels have had this injury and few have surgery as likely to do it again. If he is going to continue with contact sports for fun, this is something to consider.
You are always welcome to a second opinion- no-one will be offended if you ask.

Thanks @Mumaway, would taping help if both sets of ligaments are bust?. The club physio didn't suggest it so I haven't looked it up.
The trouble with Dr Google is you get a lot of answers from American sources where they tend to be more interventionist about everything so it's difficult to get sensible realistic advice.
Your right, it would be awful to fix it then bust the repair. He's been lucky so far to only break a finger but they've moved up a division and the opposition is tougher!

Yes to taping. Especially in young people, they heal well even with a complete tear (not like us oldies), and seeing as though it is relying on scar, the more 'anatomical' the position while scarring/healing the better