3D CT scans of my broken shoulder and ribs (warning graphic)

*xs400* · 10-30-2009, 04:11 PM

On September 6, I was in a motorcycle accident caused by a red light runner. I ended up with a broken collar bone, 7 broken ribs, a shattered shoulder blade, and a week in the hospital. I was wearing a helmet, leather jacket and leather pants and did not have a scratch on me after the accident. Unfortunately, all that gear did not protect my bones from the trauma of the accident.

When I was in the hospital I thought I'd heal up soon and be out riding in a month or so. Unfortunately that has not been the case. I still have pain in my left shoulder and limited movement of my left arm. I still have a long way to go to recover, but I will be out riding again in the future. Next week I start physical therapy. I also have additional tests coming up to determine if I have any nerve damage. Because the damage to my shoulder blade was so extensive, I may have to have surgery.

Yesterday I saw my doctor and she showed me the 3D CT scans of my broken bones. I have to admit it's one thing to be told you have broken bones, and it's another thing to see them. The break in my collar bone didn't look bad, but I was surprised to see my ribs had been broken in both the front and back of my chest. The break in my shoulder blade was also pretty shocking to see. Part of my left shoulder blade broke off and shifted about an inch to the left. There are also quite a few smaller pieces of bone in odd positions in the break.

The breaks are all knitting together, but many are just in weird positions. I'll know in a month or so if my body will adjust to the new positions of my broken bones or if I will need reconstructive surgery.

Because I only have limited use of my left arm, I have not been able to do much photography lately. I have been given some new drugs that have lessened the pain in my shoulder and I hope to get out and take some pics this weekend.

Below are a few of my crash pics I copied from the 3D CT scan. My doctor was nice enough to give me a copy of my 3D CT scan. Pretty graphic, if I do say. Now I know why it's going to take a while for to recover.

Broken collar bone

Rib breaks in the front of my chest.

Rib breaks in my back.

Shattered shoulder blade

flippedgazelle · 10-30-2009, 04:21 PM

Wow, Best wishes for a complete recovery!

Those 3D-CT scans are cool, though.

*Ash* · 10-30-2009, 04:25 PM

The 3D reconstructions are neat - from those images you would have been at high risk of a flail chest. The scapula was certainly smashed quite extensively. The fractures will heal nicely in any case.

Hope you're feeling better now Frank.

*emr* · 10-30-2009, 04:39 PM

Ouch, this looks painful. Hope you'll recover full functionality soon.

*ltdstar* · 10-30-2009, 04:42 PM

ouch!!! I broke my left collar bone in a motorcycle accident too but not nearly as bad as yours. Wish you a full/speedy recovery.

*reeftool* · 10-30-2009, 05:03 PM

Best wishes also. Hope you recover soon and keep us posted. I've had my share of road rash but have been fortunate to walk away without serious injury.

flyer · 10-30-2009, 05:11 PM

Hopefully, all the puzzle parts will fall back to their proper position. From my (limited) experience in rehab center, you won't be riding a motorcycle for another few months. I still hope your recovery will be fine. Unfortunately, it will likely never be like before.

Good luck!

little laker · 10-30-2009, 05:23 PM

I hope that your feeling better.

I can't believe that I looked

I have cat scans looking like that or worst, however here in Canada it's the government whom owns them since they cover the full price of the scans. So I can't post any pic's comparing injuries.

*Mallee Boy* · 10-30-2009, 07:08 PM

Frank...!! shocking news.

So very glad to see you are still with us and our very best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.

As a former rider I am saddened by accidents such as this and have had my share of near misses, and always hated ridng in traffic.

The reason I stopped riding last year was a picture published in the local paper of a guy, my age, being pushed along in his wheelchair by his wife (where he was going to spend the rest of his life). He had come off his motorbike in similar circumstances to yours and broke his back & neck. Lucky to be alive .....certainly.

But the pained, forlorn, expression on his wifes face in that shot said it all to me.

I haven't riden since.

Grant.

*xs400* · 10-30-2009, 08:26 PM

Thanks for all the kind words everyone. I still have a way to go to recover, but I know I am getting better. Actually, today has been one of my best days since the accident.

When I saw my doctor yesterday, she told me that surgery is still an option if I continue to have problems with my shoulder, but she wants to try all options before going that route. Yesterday she gave me some new meds and an injection in my shoulder. I do fell better today, so the new meds must be working. My doctor also told me that she did surgery to reconstruct someone's shoulder blade just last week. However, she said that kind of surgery is risky and entails a large loss of blood. After hearing that, I am willing to try all possible options before resorting to surgery.

little laker · 10-30-2009, 11:50 PM

It's nice to see that your doctor isn't pushing you towards surgery, unless you need it.
I've seen far too many people going under the knife, only to regret it later.