I spotted a
spot on the main stem near the dirtline that was exploded. it was
still holding together but had broken open with slits. I think a
storm thrashed the short guy around and snapped it.

It doesn't take much sometimes to crack the stem open. A dog barging through or
you just moving the stem can do it. You are lucky it started to come up from
the root again!

And BTW - what is 'digital vinyl'? I am into non-digital vinyl of the music
sort, and was wondering.