What is a Shoulder Fracture?

Disruption of any of the parts of the shoulder can create difficulty with its function. There are three types of shoulder fractures; clavicle, scapula, and proximal humerus.

Common Causes:

• Fall
• Motor vehicle accident
• Sport injury
• Osteoporosis

Symptoms of shoulder fracture may include:

• Pain and bruising
• Limited range of motion
• A visible anatomical deformity

When you arrive for your initial consultation, one of our team of shoulder specialists will evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your symptoms, and develop a customized and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This evaluation is a necessary part of diagnosing your condition and providing the best possible care.

When diagnosing a shoulder sprain, The OPA Shoulder Specialist:

• A medical, injury, and symptom history review
• A physical examination
• Multiple view x-rays

Once an official diagnosis is made, a customized treatment plan is prescribed. Treatment plans decrease symptoms as quickly as possible.

Common Treatments:

Nonsurgical treatment options may be used to treat shoulder fractures that do not involve serious bone displacement . A combination of the following is prescribed:

Immobilization

Use of a sling or brace gives bones and tendons time to heal.

Physical Therapy

One of OPA’s onsite physical therapists prescribes and monitors strengthening and stretching exercises.

Rest & Ice

Temporarily stopping or slowing down activities that cause shoulder tendonitis gives inflammation a chance to calm down.

Surgical intervention may be recommended in some cases. A broken or fractured bone is reduced and fixated during an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) procedure. Symptoms decrease and you return to a normal, pain-free, unrestricted life.