Glenoid Fractures
Causes, Symptoms, Types, Treatment Options, and Rehabilitation
Glenoid fractures are injuries that involve the shallow, socket-like portion of the scapula (shoulder blade), known as the glenoid cavity. These fractures are typically caused by significant trauma, such as shoulder dislocations or high-energy injuries. Symptoms of glenoid fractures may include:
- Shoulder pain: Intense pain in the shoulder area, particularly during movement.
- Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising around the shoulder joint due to soft tissue damage.
- Limited range of motion: Difficulty moving the shoulder due to instability and pain caused by the fracture.
- Arm weakness: Weakness in the arm due to impaired shoulder function.
Causes and Symptoms of Glenoid Fractures
Cause
Glenoid fractures stem from various traumatic and biomechanical events. They commonly occur during shoulder dislocations (a “bony Bankart” lesion when the rim is fractured), direct blunt force trauma, or high-impact collisions in contact sports or accidents.
While less common, stress or overuse injuries may also produce small rim fractures over time. Patients with weakened bones from osteoporosis are at additional risk—even from low-impact falls or injuries
Symptom
Typical symptoms include sharp shoulder pain, especially during movement, swelling and bruising around the joint, and limited range of motion due to pain and instability.
Severe or complex fractures may produce visible deformity, a feeling of instability or ill‑fitting shoulder, tenderness over the glenoid, and mechanical symptoms like catching or locking during motion.
Treatment options
The treatment approach for glenoid fractures depends on the fracture type and degree of displacement:
Non-surgical treatment: Non-displaced or minimally displaced glenoid fractures may be managed without surgery. The treatment typically involves immobilising the shoulder with a shoulder sling. Regular surveillance with X-rays is necessary to ensure the fracture remains in an acceptable position for healing.
Surgical treatment: Displaced or more complex glenoid fractures may require surgical intervention to realign the fractured bone fragments and stabilise the joint. Surgical options may include:
- Keyhole surgical repair: Also known as arthroscopic surgery, this minimally invasive approach uses small incisions and specialised instruments to repair the fracture.
- Screw fixation: In this procedure, screws are used to hold the fractured bone fragments together and promote proper healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery Timeline
After surgery, rehabilitation begins early—with passive and active range-of-motion exercises starting 48–72 hours post-op, progressing to strengthening activities around 6–12 weeks. Functional recovery typically takes 4 to 6 months, and full return to activity depends on the injury severity and adherence to the rehab program.
Glenoid fracture care with Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell
At the Adelaide Shoulder & Upper Limb Clinic, Dr Oscar Brumby‑Rendell offers specialist care tailored to glenoid fractures. His combined approach across clinics in Adelaide means individuals can receive timely, expert care for shoulder socket fractures with minimal recovery times and maximized functional outcomes.
With expertise in both minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques and open fixation, he provides:
- Accurate diagnosis using clinical assessment and advanced imaging
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Personalized treatment planning, weighing conservative versus surgical options
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Arthroscopic or open surgical repair, depending on fracture complexity and displacement
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Expert rehabilitation guidance through structured physiotherapy programs for optimal recovery
Working closely with patients, Dr Brumby‑Rendell ensures treatment aligns with their lifestyle goals and recovery expectations.
Ready to learn more?
Want to learn more about shoulder joints? Watch our video here as Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell gives a deep dive discussion on what the Shoulder Joint is how it functions.
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