A shoulder fracture refers to a break in one of the bones that make up the shoulder region. These injuries commonly occur after falls, sports injuries, or industrial and motor vehicle accidents and can cause significant pain, swelling, and loss of arm function. The most appropriate treatment depends on the type of fracture, how separated the bone pieces are, and your individual health and activity needs.
Early assessment is important to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether surgical or non-surgical management is most appropriate.
In older adults, reduced bone density can increase the risk of fracture after relatively low-impact falls.
Imaging helps determine fracture pattern and guides treatment planning.
Healing time varies depending on the fracture and individual factors.
Regular follow up with physical assessments and Xray is important to ensure adequate healing of the fracture. This allows any secondary effects such as restricted shoulder movement to be identified and treated.
The goal of surgery is to restore bony anatomy by holding fracture fragments in their correct position while they heal.
Fixation is either performed via an open incision (most common) or via an arthroscopic (keyhole) approach.
Usually pre-contoured titanium or stainless steel implants are used
The initial stability gained from the internal fixation while waiting for healing generally permits earlier exercise preventing shoulder stiffness and often allows earlier return to use of the shoulder for work, general living and in some circumstances, sports.
Some metal hardware will need to be removed once the fracture has healed, while many times it can be retained for life.
Joint replacement is performed if a complex fracture of the upper arm involving the shoulder joint has separated into fragments deemed unlikely to heal properly by either being left to heal alone or pieced together with metalware. This is almost always a reverse shoulder replacement.
Full recovery can take several months, and rehabilitation is usually physiothery guided to minimise stiffness and optimise final outcome. Most exercises will be home based in the recovery period.
Dr Richard Dallalana provides specialist assessment and management of shoulder fractures, focusing on accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment selection, and coordinated rehabilitation. Fractures in the older age group, particularly if occurring with a minor injury, should be followed up with bone density testing, coordinated by a family doctor.
Specialist assessment can help clarify the diagnosis and guide the most appropriate management pathway.
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