Shoulder Fractures
Receiving professional care and tested results from Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell
Shoulder fractures, commonly affecting the clavicle (collarbone) and proximal humerus (upper arm bone), are often induced from sports injuries, falls, or car accidents. Though scapula (shoulder blade) fractures are rare due to its protected position, they may occur in traumatic chest injuries.
Causes & When to Seek Treatment for Shoulder Fractures
There are many different causes of bone fractures. Although the majority of these injuries are caused by high force stress or impact, osteoporosis and other medical conditions may also contribute.
Shoulder fractures may result from high-impact trauma (such as falls and sports injuries) or motor vehicle accidents, as well as from medical conditions like osteoporosis that weaken the bones. Common symptoms include sudden shoulder pain, swelling, bruising, visible deformity, and difficulty or inability to move the arm. You may also experience numbness or tingling in the arm or hand if nearby nerves are affected.
You should seek medical attention immediately if:
- You hear or feel a cracking or snapping sound at the time of injury.
- Your shoulder looks visibly out of place or deformed.
- You are unable to lift or rotate your arm without severe pain.
- There is significant swelling or bruising that appears rapidly.
- You experience persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm or hand.
- The pain does not improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain relief within 24–48 hours.
What are the different types of fractures?
- Clavicle Fractures - A broken collarbone; especially common in falls on the shoulder or outstretched arm injuries
- Proximal Humerus Fractures - Fractures near the shoulder joint; one of the most frequent adult shoulder fractures.
- Humeral Shaft Fractures - Mid-arm fractures, often from direct trauma.
- Glenoid Fractures - Involve the shoulder socket and may affect joint stability.
Shoulder Fracture Treatment: Non-Surgical vs Surgical
Non-surgical treatment
Around 80% of shoulder fractures are stable and non-displaced, meaning the bone fragments remain in proper alignment. These injuries often heal successfully without surgery.
Treatment typically involves immobilisation with a sling for 4–6 weeks to allow the bone to knit together, followed by a structured physiotherapy program to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Pain relief, ice therapy, and gradual return to activity are also part of recovery.
Regular follow-up X-rays may be required to ensure the fracture is healing correctly. Starting gentle shoulder exercises at the right time is crucial while moving too early can disrupt healing, delaying too long may cause stiffness or frozen shoulder.
Surgical treatments
Surgery is often recommended for displaced, unstable, or complex fractures, where bone fragments have shifted out of alignment or involve multiple fracture lines. Surgical options may include:
- Plate and screw fixation – used to realign and stabilise the broken bone.
- Intramedullary rods or nails – inserted inside the bone to provide internal support.
- Arthroscopic techniques – allowing minimally invasive repair for certain fracture patterns, leading to smaller scars and faster recovery.
- Open surgery – required for severe fractures, including those involving joint surface damage or multi-part breaks.
In rare cases where the fracture cannot be reconstructed, shoulder replacement surgery (partial or total) may be considered, particularly in older patients with osteoporosis. Post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in regaining function, with most patients resuming daily activities within 3–6 months, depending on the severity of the injury and their overall health.
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell uses advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques, tailoring each treatment plan to the patient’s age, activity level, and specific fracture type to achieve the best possible long-term outcome.
Rehabilitation After Shoulder Fracture Surgery
Following fracture repair, physiotherapy is paramount
Following fracture repair, physiotherapy is an essential part of recovery: whether the treatment was surgical or non-surgical. The main goals are to:
- Prevent stiffness – Shoulder immobilisation, while necessary for healing, can cause joint tightness. Early, guided movement helps maintain flexibility and reduces the risk of developing frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis).
- Restore shoulder strength – After weeks of limited use, muscles around the shoulder, upper arm, and scapula can weaken. Targeted strengthening exercises rebuild stability and function.
- Improve functional mobility – Rehabilitation focuses on regaining the ability to perform daily activities such as lifting, dressing, and reaching overhead without discomfort.
Rehabilitation programs are highly individualised. Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell works closely with experienced physiotherapists to design a progressive plan tailored to your specific fracture type, healing stage, and lifestyle needs.
The process typically begins with passive motion exercises, where the joint is moved gently by a therapist to maintain mobility without stressing the healing bone. As recovery advances, active-assisted and active exercises are introduced to engage the muscles while still protecting the repair. Eventually, resistance training helps restore full strength and endurance.
Consistency is key: patients who actively participate in their physiotherapy program often experience faster recovery times, reduced pain, and better long-term shoulder function.
Frequently Asked Questions
The shoulder is most frequently fractured at the clavicle (collarbone) or proximal humerus (upper part of humerus), while scapula (shoulder blade) fractures are far less common and often linked with chest trauma.
How Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell can help
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell has extensive upper limb experience in areas of diagnosis, treatment and surgery.
In your consultation, Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell will develop a treatment plan with you to ensure the best possible results for your shoulder condition. He will also discuss the following with you:
- The type and severity of condition
- Tailored treatment options
- Possible complications
- Necessity of surgery
- Post shoulder surgery recovery period
- Short and long-term expected outcomes
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