Competitive endurance cyclist Roelof is back on his bike after an ORIF procedure with Professor Ali Noorani

The pain and discomfort in his collarbone was a real burden to him. He had trouble sleeping and moving around. The loss of function was worse to Roelof than the actual pain. He couldn’t spend the same quality time with his wife and children, and he could not do the things he enjoys and feels passionate about, such as swimming, running and especially cycling. The incident itself and the resultant loss of mobility depressed him, and he had to seek treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Roelof contacted Professor Noorani to treat his clavicle fracture. Roelof says: ”Professor Noorani had helped me before and the care I received from him was excellent. I had a lot of confidence that I would get excellent treatment from Professor Noorani.“

On examining Roelof and reviewing his scans, Professor Noorani decided that a clavicle (collarbone) open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure would be the best option for his injury.

An ORIF operation involves bringing the fragments of bone back into alignment using special screws, plates, wires or nails to hold them in place while the bones heal.

During this operation, the broken fragments of clavicle are repositioned so they are correctly aligned. Once the bones are properly aligned, they are fixed into position using surgical screws, plates, wires or nails. This prevents the bones from moving out of alignment and from healing abnormally.

Six weeks after the fracture and ORIF, Roelof was allowed to do the full range of motion and was able to start gently loading the shoulder under supervision with his physiotherapist.

After 3 months, he had near enough full range of motion and had been back on his bike. He was advised by Professor Noorani at this stage to continue with his strengthening programme to maintain and improve upon the excellent range of motion that he had already achieved. Professor Noorani was happy for Roelof to go back to cycling as long as he takes the necessary precautions.

Roelof was delighted with his outcome: “The treatment and care I received was great, and have not just met, but exceeded my expectations. Professor Noorani was able to see me and book me in for surgery within days of phoning.”

He continues: “I have recommended Professor Noorani to a number of my fellow triathlon/cycling club members, and those that went to see him has been singing his praises too. I tell them all that in my experience, a clavicle fracture is something that some doctors / hospitals would deprioritise, resulting in longer periods of pain, discomfort and loss of mobility. This often may exacerbate mental health issues, such as depression, PTSD and feelings of self-worth. Moreover, I have found Professor Noorani’s care and attention given to me as patient to be of a very high quality.”

Roelof summarises: “I am very pleased with the treatment I have received from Professor Noorani and would recommend him to anyone who needs orthopaedic care. He has been very supportive throughout my treatment and recovery, and has not just shown interest in me as a person, but also showed genuine care. Professor Noorani has gone out of his way to ensure that I recover well, for which I am very grateful.”

Professor Noorani concludes: ”An open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure is useful in cases such as Roelof and allows patients to get back to activity, in Roelof’s case, cycling, quickly and pain free. I am really pleased he has done so well.”