CDU leader Merz falls on vacation and breaks his collarbone

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CDU leader Merz falls on vacation and breaks his collarbone

CDU leader Friedrich Merz broke his collarbone on vacation in Bavaria on Thursday and therefore had to have an operation on Friday morning. A spokesman for Merz announced this via Twitter. First, the “Bild” newspaper reported on the incident. The 66-year-old is already on the road to recovery, the spokesman continued. According to the DPA news agency, it is a sports accident.

According to reports, Merz did not have to be taken to the hospital with blue lights. In the past few days, the CDU chairman had given an interview to the DPA while on vacation. He is also known to enjoy running, swimming and cycling.

Friedrich Merz: OP speaks for a complicated fracture

The fact that Merz had to have an operation indicates a complicated broken collarbone. Fractures are often treated conservatively without surgery. Merz will be out for a while due to the fall. How long depends on the severity of the fracture and the healing process. The Zurich University Hospital states that the healing time after surgery for a broken collarbone is around twelve weeks.

Broken collarbones often occur when falling on an outstretched arm, for example when skiing or cycling. Affected people usually have long-term problems moving their arm again without pain. According to the University Hospital Zurich, what is technically known as a clavicle fracture is the second most common fracture after the radius fracture. Around 60 out of 100,000 people break their collarbones every year, mostly children. Although many of the fractures do not require surgery, it is still a common procedure that is routinely performed. A metal plate is often used to stabilize the displaced fracture.

Sources:Friedrich Merz’ spokesman Armin Peter on Twitter / University Hospital Zurich