Can I Play Ice Hockey After Clavicle Shortening Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m interested in clavicle shortening. However, I play ice hockey at competitive levels (no checking but certainly a lot of hard contact) and would be interested to know what would be the appropriate expectation in terms of how long it would take to be able to play safely again (if at all).

A: That is a good question and not one I have been asked before. My best guess would be 4 months or more after the surgery such sporting activity may be considered. With the plates in place it should take trauma just as well if not better than the natural clavicle.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon