What is a shoulder fracture?
Shoulder fractures refer to breaks or cracks in one or more bones that make up the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is composed of three main bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). Fractures can occur in any of these bones, and they can vary in severity and location.
What are the types of shoulder fractures?
Common types of shoulder fractures include:
Clavicle Fractures
Clavicle fractures, or collarbone fractures, are quite common. They often occur as a result of a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and deformity around the collarbone area. Treatment options depend on the severity of the fracture and may include immobilization with a sling or brace, pain management, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be required for more severe fractures.
Proximal Humerus Fractures
Proximal humerus fractures involve the upper part of the humerus near the shoulder joint. These fractures can range from a crack in the bone to a complete break. They often occur due to falls or direct trauma to the shoulder. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited shoulder movement. Treatment options depend on factors such as fracture severity, displacement, and patient age. Conservative treatment with immobilization, pain management, and physical therapy is often sufficient for less severe fractures, while surgery may be necessary for more complex fractures.
Scapula Fractures
Scapula fractures, or shoulder blade fractures, are relatively rare and usually result from high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from a significant height. Symptoms include severe shoulder pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the arm. Treatment depends on the specific characteristics of the fracture, but may involve immobilization, pain management, and, in some cases, surgery.
How is a shoulder fracture treated?
The treatment approach for shoulder fractures is determined by several factors, including the location and severity of the fracture, the displacement of the bone fragments, the patient's age and overall health, and the presence of any associated injuries.
Treatment options may include:
- Immobilization: This involves wearing a sling, splint, or cast to restrict movement and allow the bones to heal.
- Pain management: Medications or pain-relieving techniques may be used to manage pain during the healing process.
- Physical therapy: Once the fracture begins to heal, physical therapy exercises and rehabilitation are important to restore shoulder strength, mobility, and function.
- Surgery: In some cases, particularly for complex fractures or fractures that do not heal properly with conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options may include the use of plates, screws, or other fixation devices to stabilize the fracture.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon or book an appointment online.