Shoulder Fractures

Diagnosis:

Fractures can occur in numerous parts of the shoulder with typical symptoms including sudden intense pain, loss of mobility, swelling, numbness, bruising and sensitivity to touch. The following are the most commonly fractured areas of the shoulder, which are treated by Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine:

Clavicle – Also known as the collarbone, the clavicle attaches the arm to the body. Typically, fractures to the clavicle occur at its center rather than its connecting points as a result of a direct blow or fall. Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine usually recommends conservative treatment for clavicle fractures, which often includes a shoulder sling or clavicle strap.

Proximal humerus – The proximal humerus, which is the head of the humerus where it connects to the scapula, is a commonly fractured bone among older individuals, particularly those affected by osteoporosis. While fractures of the proximal humerus can be excruciatingly painful, they are typically treatable without surgery unless the bone fragments have been displaced.

Depending on numerous factors, including the severity of the fracture, age of the patient, dominance of the wrist and/or hand that is afflicted, and whether or not the fracture was influenced by internal factors such as osteoarthritis, Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine will recommend different treatment options.

Scapula – The scapula, better known as the shoulder blade, is less frequently fractured than other bones of the shoulder, typically requiring a high velocity force to occur, such as that resulting from a motor vehicle collision. Scapular fractures can occur in the head, neck, glenoid, acromion, or coracoid of the bone and are normally treated using a sling for immobilization followed by physical therapy to improve its range of motion.