the operation i had:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84fsz68LPG

i had an extrem anterior break. the surgeon had to install a nylon tie and button to support the outside of the accumed plate. i recently sold both of my rr bikes and bought a hybrid. after a 35 mile ride the next day the shoulder kills me. next step is a hybrid with a suspension fork. hopefully you don't have the same kind of break. eight months after the surgery i can finally sleep on the side that the break was. just started doing leg lifts again and have not been able to resume pushups. there is always 10-20 % numbness in the shoulder and the surgeon said that is normal and will be with me forever.