Broken collar bone and riding? Possible?

I broke my collar bone in a mountain biking accident about 3 1/2 weeks ago. I got pretty depressed for awhile since I am usually very active, and a broken collar bone makes it painful to do ANYTHING. The pain is no longer constant, and the figure 8 brace helps a lot. I have started riding the stationary bike at the gym to hopefully maintain whatever fitness I may still have and possibly get some back. It feels better every day, but there is still a lot of healing to do - I broke it in 3 spots!

Has anyone ever broken their collar bone and been able to ride with it? It will probably be uncomfortable, but as long as it's not painful it should be ok, right? I am just really bummed that I won't be able to enjoy the rest of the summer otherwise!

I ain't no doctor or anything like that, but my gut feeling is:

find a different sport for the rest of the summer. Like fast-walking. And keep spinning on the indoor bike...

Our shoulders and neck area work hard during cycling. A significant part of our weight is carried on our hands. It seems to me that cycling on the road or trail would seriously slow down, if not jeopardize, your healing.

I hope others have more enlightened advice to give though...

Good luck... I know it really sucks. My father in law, a long, long time cyclist, broke his collar bone (among other things) in a stupid but serious accident three years ago and was sidelined for a long time. It was really tough on him. He picked up bird photography...

If you fall again, it would mean re-breaking, probably worse than what you did. I agree - find another sport - or continue cycling indoors. It's not worth the risk.

I agree, find another sport for the summer and also ride indoors.
I just had to do the unthinkable and put my bike on the trainer for a few days while I let an eye infection heal.

My lab mate did the same thing. He returned to his mtb for commuting about 3 weeks after the incident. I did not approve. I never really asked him how it affected his healing, but I can't imagine it doing any good.

I would say do your best to avoid it.

My DH broke his collarbone 10 years ago in a cycling accident. He did not ride at all while it was healing, which I think was a good choice. As others have said, you do use your upper body when cycling, and it's just not good to stress a healing bone in that way. And you wouldn't want to risk a fall -- it's just not worth it. The bike will still be there once you heal, and eventually this forced time off will only be a distant memory. I can personally vouch for that as I was laid up with a fractured pelvis three years ago myself.

Heal well...take this time to do something else. Variety is good anyway!

Possible, yes.
Recommended, no.

You already knew this.

I know people who have gone back to riding soon *if* they'd had surgery and pins. The ones that healed naturally have had to stay off of it longer... until it is healed you cannot put any weight on it?? That seems to eliminate the option of hands on handlebars...

Broke my on a commute the first time and followed the rules. Broke the same on in a mtb race both at the old spot and a new one the second and never stopped riding or racing.
I wouldn't recommend it.


Muscle memory is a grand thing, it'll all come back quickish since you're not starting from scratch. Best wishes!

Alright, alright. I guess since I wasn't being wise when I broke it, I should at least try and be careful as it heals.