Shoulder Fractures
Fractures are broken bones. Fractures commonly involve the clavicle (collar bone), proximal humerus (top of the upper arm bone), and scapula (shoulder blade).
Fractures of the clavicle or the proximal humerus can be caused by a direct blow to the area from a fall, collision, or motor vehicle accident.
Because the scapula is protected by the chest and surrounding muscles, it is not easily fractured. Therefore, fractures of the scapula are usually caused by high-energy trauma, such as a high speed motor vehicle accident. Scapula fractures are often associated with injuries to the chest.
Symptoms of Fractures
Symptoms of fractures about the shoulder are related to the specific type of fracture.
General Findings
- Pain
- Swelling and bruising
- Inability to move the shoulder
- A grinding sensation when the shoulder is moved
- Deformity — “It does not look right”
Specific Findings: Clavicle Fracture
- Swelling about the middle of the collarbone area
- An area that may have a “bump,” which is actually the prominent ends of the fracture under the skin
- Shoulder range of motion is limited, although not as much as with fractures of the proximal humerus
Specific Findings: Proximal Humerus Fracture
- A severely swollen shoulder
- Very limited movement of the shoulder
- Severe pain
Specific Findings: Scapular Fracture
- Pain
- Swelling
- Severe bruising about the shoulder blade
(Left) Fractured clavicle (collarbone).
(Right) Fractured head of the humerus.
Diagnosis
Most fractures are diagnosed with X-rays of the area and by physical examination. Sometimes, additional imaging techniques, such as computed tomography, are necessary.
Treatment Options
Clavicle Fractures
Most clavicle fractures can be treated without surgery. Surgery is necessary when there is a compound fracture that has broken through the skin or the bone is severely out of place. Surgery typically involves fixing of the fracture with plates and screws or rods inside the bone.
Proximal Humerus Fractures
Most fractures of the proximal humerus can be treated without surgery if the bone fragments are not shifted out of position (displaced). If the fragments are shifted out of position, surgery is usually required. Surgery usually involves fixation of the fracture fragments with plates, screws, or pins or it involves shoulder replacement.
Scapula Fractures
Most fractures of the scapula can be treated without surgery. Treatment involves immobilization with a sling or shoulder immobilizer, icing, and pain medications. The patient will be examined for additional injuries.
About 10% to 20% of scapula fractures need surgery. Fractures that need surgery usually have fracture fragments involving the shoulder joint or there is an additional fracture of the clavicle. Surgery involves fixation of the fracture fragments with plates and screws.
What Should You Discuss With Your Orthopaedic Surgeon?
Some of the information you should discuss with your orthopaedic surgeon includes the following:
- The exact type of your injury
- The severity of the injury
- The treatment plan
- The possible complications
- Whether surgery will be necessary
- When it is expected that you will be maximally improved
- What is the expected outcome will be both in the short term and in the long term
Contact Us
- 1/1 B2, Anusham Plaza, By Pass Rd, Anusham Nagar, Udumalaipettai, Tamil Nadu 642126
- 04252 226 463
- 04252 226 463
- helpdesk@crishnaclinic.com
- info@crishnaclinic.com
