The Athlete:
Lance Armstrong is one of the world's most recognized athletes. Armstrong won the Tour de France cycling race a record seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005.
The Injury:
Armstrong was competing in the first stage of the Vuelta of Castilla and Leon stage race in Spain on March 23, 2009. Armstrong was injured when multiple riders fell from their bicycles as the road narrowed. Armstrong struck his shoulder and
broke his collarbone, also known as the clavicle.
The Surgery:
Armstrong opted for surgical treatment of his clavicle fracture. Treatment options of a clavicle fracture depend not only on the particular injury, but also the individual being treated. Most clavicle fractures can be treated without surgery. However, one advantage to surgery is that with the bone held solidly in position, activities can be resumed more quickly.
The Recovery:
Most clavicle fractures take about 8 weeks for healing. With surgical stabilization of the bone, activities, including cycling, may be resumed more quickly. The downsides of surgery include potential risks of infection and nerve injury. Also, the plate used to fix the clavicle may be uncomfortable and require later removal.
