11 Dec 95 09:17, Michael Yeager wrote to All:
 MY>      Does anyone know of any long term problems with diving with broken
 MY> bones? I am currently recovering from a broken clavical (collar bone)
 MY> and would like to return to diving as soon as I am able. Thanks...
Sop to the Lords of Litigation:  I'd recommend a complete evaluation by 
physician familiar with the requirements of diving physiology before resuming 
diving.  That being said, here's what I would do if this situation applied to 
me:
Injury to the articulating joints is more threatening to long term health 
than a midshaft fracture.  As long as the blood supply to the bone hasn't 
been interrupted (as with a crushing injury to the femoral head, for 
example), the risk is minimal.
With an interruption to the distal bone, you become susceptable to aseptic 
bone necrosis...... you'd develop the symptoms of severe osteoarthritis long 
before your time.
I'd suspect your collarbone will let you know when you can safely dive 
again.....when you can stand the weight of the gear on your shoulders again 
on dry land, most likely.
Jay, RN
PADI M-9033
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