Fractured Clavicle

We are learning more than we'd like about "common" childhood illnesses and injuries. Back in February we had a lesson in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. April has brought us our first lesson in fractured bones. (Please, let it be the last!) Maisy has a fractured clavicle.

One sunny Friday afternoon Maisy was at the neighborhood playground, happily swinging in a bucket swing. A big kid -- too big for that part of the playground -- ran into her. We can only assume that the velocity of Maisy swinging and the big kid running combined with enough force to break the bone. Our poor sweet girl.

We took her to the after-hours clinic that evening, but the doctor who examined her there thought she was just sore and sent us home. When she didn't improve over the weekend, that Monday we went to see Maisy's pediatrician. She suspected the fracture, gave us a sling, and sent us for an x-ray.

The sling was too big! 

Obviously, the x-ray confirmed that Maisy's clavicle (otherwise known as the collarbone) was fractured. We were referred to a pediatric orthopedist at UCSF, where Maisy was fitted with a figure-eight brace to keep her in proper alignment and to protect the area. Maisy will wear the brace for three weeks, and we will return to UCSF for a follow-up x-ray a few weeks later.

Easter 2012.
Are there jelly beans in this one?

She has adapted well to the brace. Which isn't to say she likes it. Several times each day she says, "Brace off. Brace off." My usual reply is to ask if I can adjust her shirt to make the brace more comfortable, and to remind her that the orthopedist Dr. Delgado instructed us that she is to wear the brace for three weeks. This exchange has become kind of a game. "Maisy, what did Dr. Delgado say?" I ask her. Eyes gleaming, smile wide, Maisy replies, "Brace off!"

The first 10 days or so Maisy was in pain. Routine things such as helping her get in her car seat, or laying her down for a diaper change, were handled by us with extreme care while Maisy pleaded "No hurt". We are grateful that her pain has subsided and she is now her usual sunny and active toddler self. (Sometimes too active! I still worry she'll fall and it will cause her pain.)

Buster and Maisy on Rodeo Beach, Easter Sunday.
Maisy is pant-less because she poured a bucket of water all over herself. Honey, this isn't Hawaii!

Our friends have been so kind and supportive. Finn and family gave Maisy a sweet card and stuffed bunny, who accompanied us to the orthopedist and now sleeps with Maisy. Ella and family gave Maisy a lovely picture and a poncho which is so nice to slip on over the brace. Liam and family have adapted our regular get-togethers to Maisy's needs without missing a beat. We are so lucky.

Maisy, wearing Ella's poncho, holding hands with Liam.

Finn and Maisy.