The hot topic this week is Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers who has been out with a fractured collarbone. People are eager to know when he will be able to play again. He fractured it on November 4th during the Monday night game against the Bears. He landed on his shoulder while sacked and ended up leaving the game. No real details of his fracture are out, but we know he is not opting for surgery. This implies it is not displaced much. Displaced fractured require reduction for good long term function. It is not his throwing arm so that is also in his favor. Doctors say he will be out at least 4-6 weeks, but from interviews he seems to want to get back on the field even sooner. The truth is 3 weeks is very early to get back, and he is at very high risk of re-injury at that time. The bones get sticky at three weeks, more solid at 6 weeks, but the average healing time for a clavicle is 12 to 14 weeks for solid union and this is if all goes well. Now many players return when it is sticky or starting to get more solid with protection (special pads and the like). What is the likelihood of this in QB Rodgers case? Lets look at Tony Roma, clavicle fracture in 2010, did not return to play. Matt Leinert in 2007 and 2011 fracture collar bone both times did not return. All things being equal 6 weeks is the earliest he should be back. Knowing he is key to any playoff chances , everyone one will be pushing the envelope here to the max. If he does come back too early he is at high risk for a second injury and may be less likely to run, more likely to through the ball away to avoid that extra hit. Look for some very funky padding under his jersey too.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 15:34:19 +0000
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