Back in the Game: Rockhill Helps Student Athlete Overcome Broken Clavicle

It was one week before the start of his junior football season at Lawrence High School, and safety Jaylen Parks was ready. He had spent his summer training for a record-breaking year—until an accidental tackle in practice sent Jaylen to the ground. 

“It was the most physical pain I’ve ever felt,” Jaylen says. “And then there was the crushing feeling that I would never play football again.” 

What came next was a blur for the whole family. Jaylen’s father drove him to the nearest hospital. His mother, Krista, met them there, fearing the worst for her son who had worked so hard over the summer to pursue his dream of playing college football. 

“He was primed for a big season,” she says. “He spent all summer working on his strength and speed. It was heartbreaking to see him in the hospital.” 

Jaylen was diagnosed with a broken clavicle. Also known as a collarbone, the clavicle is one of two bones connecting the breastbone to the shoulders. Once discharged, Jaylen met with a local orthopedist, who recommended a “wait-and-see” approach over the next 12 weeks. But Krista, a registered nurse, had reservations about that approach and sought a second opinion. 

She reached out to her colleagues and asked for their recommendations for best orthopedic care in Kansas City. The unanimous choice was Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists, where Krista made an appointment for Jaylen with Larry Frevert, MD. With a dedicated sports medicine program led by board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians, Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists works with athletes across the Kansas City region to get them back in the game. 

“We noticed an immediate difference when we met with Dr. Frevert,” Krista says. “You could tell he wanted what was best for Jaylen.” 

Dr. Frevert met with Jaylen’s family and outlined several treatment options. While it was certainly possible for Jaylen’s injury to heal on its own, it could have left him with pain and mobility issues over time. Surgery, however, offered a path to faster relief and fewer complications. 

“Dr. Frevert never pushed surgery, but he wanted to see me make a full recovery,” Jaylen says. “He didn’t want me to go back to playing sports and deal with a lifetime of pain or a potential reinjury. That gave me a lot of peace of mind.” 

Just a few days after meeting with Dr. Frevert, Jaylen was in surgery to repair his broken clavicle. The surgery was a success—and his recovery went faster than anyone could have expected.

“I was very committed to the physical therapy,” Jaylen says. “I knew it would help me come back stronger, so I kept working at it. Jessica DeWitt was my athletic trainer, and I give her a ton of credit for pushing me.” 

Eight weeks after surgery and fears of missing the whole season, Jaylen suited up for the last three games of his junior year. He went on to play his full senior season and earn the attention of several college football scouts. Now, Jaylen is preparing for his freshman year of college at Missouri Western University, where he enrolled on a football scholarship and achieved a dream he refused to give up on. 

“I’ve faced a lot of challenges to be here, but I’m grateful for every one of them,” Jaylen says. “It’s cool to look back and see how far I’ve come. And now starting this new chapter, I’m excited for whatever the future holds.” 

For Jaylen’s family, the experience has reaffirmed the importance of transparent, compassionate care. 

“We’re so thankful to Dr. Frevert and everyone at Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists,” Krista says. “They listened to us and gave Jaylen the chance to keep chasing his dreams—pain free.”  

Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists has delivered high-quality orthopedic care to the Kansas City region for more than 70 years. Rockhill is affiliated with Saint Luke’s East Hospital and includes 17 board-certified and board-eligible orthopedic surgeons and physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians with a combined 200 years of experience treating a full range of conditions.