Overview of Shoulder Fractures

Shoulder fractures involve bones that form shoulder girdle i.e.

  • clavicle (collar bone).
  • humeral head (upper arm). or
  • scapula (shoulder blade).

Fractures can be with fracture bone fragments remaining in place (un-displaced) or grossly separated bony fragments (displaced). These fractures can be associated with dislocation of nearby joints, fracture-dislocations. The less the joint used due to pain there is more thickening of joint capsule which will lead to  Freeze-in state hence it’s called frozen shoulder.

Fractures of bones involving shoulder girdle occurs after a

  • Domestic fall.
  • Motor-Vehicular accident or
  • Impact during sports.

A clavicle fracture occurs after fall on outstretched hand or motor vehicle accident. Fracture occurs in middle or outer end of collar bone. Many patients will experience a visible deformity, or bump, at the fracture site. In certain cases, a bone fragment may result in a skin “tent” deformity.
A humerus fracture can occur from a domestic fall or direct impact and is commonly seen in older patients with poor bone density due to osteoporosis. Humerus fractures includes distal humeral fractures, humeral shaft fractures and proximal humeral fractures.
Scapula fracture usually occurs after a high velocity trauma and is associated with serious rib fractures or lung injury. Scapula fractures are commonly associated with other life-threatening injuries and needs emergency intensive trauma care.

Symptoms includes localized

  • Deformity(bump).
  • Pain, Swelling,
  • Local Bruise and
  • Painful Shoulder movements.

Do you have shoulder fracture of clavicle, humerus?

You can consult Dr. Abhijit Ranaware (Knee and sports injury Specialist)

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How the shoulder fractures are diagnosed?

An urgent medical care or emergency room visit is recommended if a patient has sustained a severe shoulder injury.
ER assessment– Emergency Room Doctor who is attending patient will examine patient completely.
X rays – trauma series x rays to diagnose clavicle or humerus fractures are advised.
CT Scan – Sometimes Orthopedic doctor may also ask for CT scan in certain complex fractures to get more information about fracture geometry, which will help to plan further treatment accordingly.

Dr. Abhijit Ranaware