Description

A shoulder fracture is a break in one of the bones that make up the shoulder joint, which includes the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), and the proximal humerus (upper arm bone). This type of injury is often caused by trauma such as falls, sports injuries, or car accidents.

Familiarity with Treatment

Treatment for shoulder fractures depends on the severity and location of the fracture. It can range from non-surgical methods like immobilization to surgical interventions.

Procedure

1. Diagnosis:
   • Physical Examination: Assessing pain, swelling, and deformity.
   • Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to determine the exact location and severity of the fracture.
2. Non-Surgical Treatment:
   • Immobilization: Using a sling or brace to keep the shoulder stable.
   • Pain Management: Medications to alleviate pain.
   • Physical Therapy: Gentle exercises to restore range of motion once the bone starts healing.
3. Surgical Treatment:
   • Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): Realigning the bone fragments and securing them with plates, screws, or rods.
   • Shoulder Replacement: In severe cases, replacing the damaged parts of the shoulder with artificial components.

Who is it Suitable For?

• Non-Surgical Treatment: Suitable for non-displaced fractures where the bone fragments have not moved out of place.
• Surgical Treatment: Suitable for displaced fractures, complex fractures, or when non-surgical methods fail to heal the bone properly.

Who is it Not Suitable For?

• Non-Surgical Treatment: Not suitable for severely displaced fractures or fractures involving multiple bone fragments.
• Surgical Treatment: Not suitable for patients with severe comorbidities that increase surgical risks or those who cannot undergo anesthesia.

Advantages

• Non-Surgical Treatment:
  • Less invasive.
  • Lower risk of complications.
  • Shorter recovery time.
• Surgical Treatment:
  • Better alignment and stabilization of the bone.
  • Faster return to normal function in complex fractures.
  • Reduced risk of long-term complications like malunion or nonunion.

Complications

• Non-Surgical Treatment:
  • Prolonged immobilization can lead to stiffness and muscle atrophy.
  • Risk of improper healing if the bone fragments shift.
• Surgical Treatment:
  • Infection.
  • Nerve or blood vessel damage.
  • Hardware complications (e.g., loosening or breaking of plates/screws).

Previous Care

• Immediate Care: Immobilize the shoulder and apply ice to reduce swelling.
• Medical Evaluation: Seek prompt medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.

Aftercare

• Non-Surgical:
  • Continue using the sling or brace as directed.
  • Gradual physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.
• Surgical:
  • Follow post-operative instructions carefully.
  • Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
  • Physical therapy to regain full function of the shoulder.