Shoulder Fractures
Breaks in the bones of the shoulder caused by falls, trauma, or high-impact injuries
Shoulder fractures involve a break in one or more of the bones that form the shoulder joint, including the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), or humerus (upper arm bone). These fractures can result from trauma, falls, or high-impact activities, causing pain, swelling, and restricted movement. Dr Ben McGrath, an orthopaedic specialist, provides expert diagnosis and treatment to help patients recover from shoulder fractures and restore joint function.
- What are Shoulder Fractures?
- Common Symptoms of Shoulder Fractures
- Causes and Risk Factors for Shoulder Fractures
- Types of Shoulder Fractures
- Diagnosis of Shoulder Fractures
- Non-Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Fractures
- Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Fractures
- When to See Dr Ben McGrath for Shoulder Pain or Trauma
- FAQs About Shoulder Fractures
What are Shoulder Fractures?
A shoulder fracture refers to a break in any of the bones that make up the shoulder joint:
- Clavicle (Collarbone): The most commonly fractured bone in the shoulder, often due to falls or direct trauma.
- Proximal Humerus (Upper Arm Bone): Fractures near the shoulder joint are common, especially in older adults with osteoporosis.
- Scapula (Shoulder Blade): Rare but typically caused by high-energy trauma, such as car accidents.
Fractures can range from minor cracks to complex breaks that disrupt joint alignment.
Common Symptoms of Shoulder Fractures
Patients with shoulder fractures often experience:
- Severe Shoulder Pain: Pain that worsens with movement or pressure on the shoulder.
- Swelling and Bruising: Localised inflammation and discolouration around the fracture site.
- Deformity: Visible changes in the shape or alignment of the shoulder, particularly in clavicle fractures.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the shoulder due to pain or structural damage.
- Grinding Sensation: A feeling of grating or grinding when attempting to move the shoulder.
Causes and Risk Factors for Shoulder Fractures
Shoulder fractures are commonly caused by:
- Falls: Falling onto an outstretched hand or directly onto the shoulder.
- Trauma: Motor vehicle accidents or high-impact sports injuries.
- Osteoporosis: Weakened bones due to age or medical conditions increase the risk of fractures, particularly in older adults.
- Contact Sports: Rugby, football, and similar sports carry a higher risk of shoulder injuries.
- Repetitive Stress: Overuse can lead to stress fractures, particularly in athletes.
Understanding these risk factors can help in prevention and management.
Types of Shoulder Fractures
Shoulder fractures are classified based on the affected bone and the nature of the break:
- Clavicle Fractures: Often occur in the middle third of the collarbone and may result in visible deformity.
- Proximal Humerus Fractures: Can involve the humeral head, neck, or greater tuberosity, often classified into four-part fractures based on the Neer classification.
- Scapular Fractures: Rare but typically involve the scapular body or glenoid (socket).
- Comminuted Fractures: The bone is broken into multiple pieces, often requiring surgical intervention.
- Open Fractures: Bone fragments penetrate the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Diagnosis of Shoulder Fractures
Dr Ben McGrath uses a thorough diagnostic approach to confirm shoulder fractures:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: Assessing symptoms, swelling, deformity, and range of motion.
- Imaging Tests:
- X-rays: Provide clear images of the fracture site and severity.
- CT Scans: Used for complex fractures to assess alignment and plan surgical treatment.
- MRI: May be recommended to evaluate soft tissue injuries associated with the fracture.
Accurate diagnosis guides effective treatment planning.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Fractures
Non-surgical management is often effective for simple or stable fractures:
- Immobilisation: Using a sling, brace, or shoulder immobiliser to stabilise the fracture and promote healing.
- Physiotherapy: Once healing begins, a tailored exercise program helps restore shoulder strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Pain Management: NSAIDs or prescribed medications can help manage pain and inflammation. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any medication.
- Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that stress the shoulder during the healing process.
These treatments aim to ensure proper healing and gradual return to function without invasive procedures.
Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Fractures
Surgery may be required for severe, displaced, or complex fractures:
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): Realigning the bone and securing it with plates, screws, or pins.
- Shoulder Replacement: In cases where the humeral head is severely damaged, partial or total shoulder replacement may be performed.
- External Fixation: Temporary stabilisation of the fracture using external hardware, often used in open fractures.
Dr McGrath discusses surgical options based on the severity of the fracture and the patient’s activity level. Post-operative rehabilitation is essential for successful recovery.
When to See Dr Ben McGrath for Shoulder Pain or Trauma
If you experience severe shoulder pain, swelling, deformity, or difficulty moving the arm after an injury, a consultation with Dr McGrath can provide an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
FAQs About Shoulder Fractures
Healing times vary but typically range from 6–12 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture and the treatment approach.
Many fractures, particularly stable ones, heal well with non-surgical treatments like immobilisation and physiotherapy.
While not entirely preventable, maintaining strong bones through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and fall prevention strategies can reduce the risk.