Fractures
Receiving evidence-based care and optimal outcomes from an orthopaedic surgeon.
After injuries resulting from sports, falls or car accidents, an individual's shoulder often experiences trauma in the form of a break or fracture. The most common shoulder bones fractured are the proximal humerus (upper arm bone) and the clavicle (collar bone). The scapula (shoulder blade) is fractured very rarely due to its positioning, but chest injuries often cause such fractures.Â
Symptoms of 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.
Often, orthopaedic surgery is not required for treatment of minor injuries and broken bones. More severe injuries associated with deformities and skeletal instability generally heal more effectively and complication-free with surgical realignment of bones.
In the majority of shoulder fractures (80 percent), the fractured bones are not displaced and instead remain near their correct, anatomic position. These fractures are healed in approximately six weeks through immobilisation in a shoulder immobiliser or sling. In contrast, displacement is seen in 20 percent of shoulder fractures, and realignment via surgery or other means is required.
Complications can arise if the rotator cuff muscles are torn or damaged alongside the fractural injury.
What are the different types of fractures?
Treatment options for shoulder fractures
Non-surgical treatment
Immobilisation:Â Immobilising the shoulder via a sling can heal most fractures in approximately 6 weeks. To determine if the fracture has healed, X-rays will be conducted. If healing progress is satisfactory, motion exercises will be permitted.
An important part of healing is maintaining flexibility throughout immobilisation via elbow, wrist and fingers exercises. Wait to receive Dr Brumby-Rendell's guidance before commencing shoulder exercises.
Surgical treatments
Surgical treatment methods include:
- Plating (rods, plates or screws)
- This animation displays the insertion of a plate into a humerus head (upper arm) fracture.
- Using shoulder arthroscopes in shoulder surgeries allows invasiveness to be minimised; surgeries that require good visualisation of the fracture may necessitate larger incisions.
There are some fractures that will not heal properly using repair or fixation procedures, and alternative methods - such as fusion, replacement or excision - may be implemented.
Generally, shoulder injuries will affect arm function for weeks or months, regardless of treatment type. To decrease stiffness, Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell recommends physiotherapy, which also improves movement capabilities and muscle strength.
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
Once you have a referral…
Book your consultation here.