Shoulder Fracture Care

Shoulder fractures can significantly disrupt daily life, causing pain and limiting your ability to move your shoulder. This article covers everything you need to know about shoulder fractures, including causes, symptoms, treatments, and recovery options.

If you’re in Austin, Texas, and need expert care for a shoulder fracture, Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO—a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon—provides comprehensive, personalized treatment plans to help you heal and regain function. Contact us today to book an appointment!

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What Patients Are Saying

“I had a tear in my right shoulder, and when I saw him, he clearly explained what had happened to my shoulder and the procedure that would be used to fix it. So far so good in the recovery process as well. I had a few checkup appointments as well to make sure my shoulder was healing properly. Overall, a great doctor.” — Maleo Z.

What is a Shoulder Fracture?

A shoulder fracture occurs when one or more bones in the shoulder are broken. The shoulder is composed of three main shoulder bones: the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the humerus (upper arm bone). A break in any of these bones can be classified as a shoulder fracture.

Types of Shoulder Fractures

The types of shoulder fractures are typically classified by the bone affected:

Clavicle Fracture – A break in the collarbone is often caused by falls or direct trauma.
Scapula Fracture – A rare fracture of the shoulder blade is often the result of high-energy impacts.
Proximal Humerus Fracture – A break in the upper arm bone is more common in older adults due to osteoporosis.

Healthcare providers classify shoulder fractures further as:

Displaced vs. Non-displaced shoulder fractures: Displaced fractures are when the two sides of the broken bone are out of line. Non-displaced fractures are when the broken bone remains in alignment.
Open vs. closed shoulder fractures: Open fractures break through the skin, while closed fractures do not.

What Causes a Shoulder Fracture?

Shoulder fractures are often the result of:

Trauma or falls: Falling onto an outstretched arm or directly onto the shoulder.
Sports injuries: High-impact sports can force your shoulder joint beyond its limits.
Motor vehicle accidents: Significant force can fracture the bones in your shoulder.

Shoulder Fracture Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the likelihood of experiencing a shoulder fracture. These include:

Age: Older adults face a higher risk due to bone density loss and falls.
Osteoporosis: Weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures.
High-impact activities: Sports like football, skiing, or cycling increase the chance of injury.
Accidents: Motor vehicle collisions or workplace incidents often lead to trauma in the shoulder region.

Understanding these risk factors can help you take steps to protect yourself, such as practicing fall prevention and strengthening your bones.

What Are the Symptoms of a Shoulder Fracture?

You may notice swelling or a visible deformity in your shoulder if it’s fractured, making it difficult to move. Other common fractured shoulder symptoms include:

Intense pain in the shoulder or upper arm.
Swelling and bruising around the shoulder joint.
Grinding sensations when moving the arm.

If you suspect a broken bone in your shoulder, you should go to the emergency room right away.

How is a Shoulder Fracture Diagnosed?

Shoulder fractures are diagnosed using the following methods:

Physical examination: Assessing pain, deformity, and movement limitations.
Imaging tests: X-rays are the primary tool, while CT scans provide detailed images of complex breaks.

Healthcare providers classify shoulder fractures based on imaging results to guide treatment decisions.

Complications of Shoulder Fractures

If untreated or improperly managed, shoulder fractures can lead to several complications, including:

Chronic pain: Persistent discomfort in the shoulder joint or upper arm bone.
Limited mobility: Permanent loss of range of motion, making it hard to move your shoulder freely.
Nerve or blood vessel damage: Severe fractures can compress or injure nearby nerves and blood vessels.
Improper healing: Misaligned healing (malunion) or failure of the bone to heal (nonunion) may require additional treatment.
Infections: Open fractures, where the bone breaks through your skin, are at a higher risk for infection.

Timely care and expert treatment, such as those provided by Dr. Benjamin Szerlip, can minimize the complications of shoulder fractures and ensure the best possible outcome.

How Are Shoulder Fractures Treated?

The treatment of broken bones in the shoulder often involves a combination of immobilization and physical therapy. The methods depend on the type of shoulder fracture and its severity. A qualified provider or surgeon will evaluate the severity of the fracture and recommend the best course of action, whether surgical or non-surgical.

Non-surgical treatments: For non-displaced fractures, treatments often include wearing a brace or sling, resting, and physical therapy to restore mobility.
Surgical options: Severe fractures, such as those requiring open reduction and internal fixation, may need surgery to repair. A surgeon inserts metal plates, screws, or pins to stabilize the bone.

Recovery from a Fractured Shoulder

Recovery from a fractured shoulder can take months to recover fully. Key factors include:

Physical therapy: A critical component for regaining strength and restoring the range of motion.
Follow-ups: Regular visits with your healthcare provider to monitor healing.
Avoiding shoulder fracture surgery complications: Adhering to post-operative care if surgery was performed.

Can Shoulder Fractures Be Prevented?

While accidents cannot always be avoided, you can prevent shoulder fractures by:

Maintaining bone health through a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Regular weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones.
Using proper equipment and techniques in sports.

Get Expert Shoulder Fracture Care in Austin, Texas

Shoulder fractures—whether simple or complex—require expert attention to ensure optimal recovery. Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, brings advanced training and years of experience to diagnose and treat all types of shoulder fractures, including clavicle fractures, scapula fractures, and proximal humerus fractures. Whether you require conservative care or shoulder fracture surgery, Dr. Szerlip’s patient-centered approach will help you return to your normal activities as quickly as possible.

Take the first step toward healing your shoulder. Contact Dr. Szerlip’s office in Austin, TX, today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your treatment options!

Medically reviewed by Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO

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