Injuries to the shoulder from falls, sports injuries, auto accidents, or other direct blows to the shoulder can result in shoulder fractures. The complicated joint that joins the arm to the body is the shoulder. The humerus, shoulder blade, and collarbone are the shoulder bones. The glenoid, or ball-like portion of the top end of the humerus, is where it joins the scapula’s socket. Any portion of the shoulder that is damaged might make it difficult for the shoulder to function normally.
Fractures can be classified as displaced or non-displaced. Fortunately, around 80% of shoulder fractures do not involve displacement. This suggests that the shattered parts stay close to their anatomical positions and that the only necessary treatment is to keep the affected bone fragments immobilized in a sling until they mend.
Symptoms of shoulder fracture
Through the below symptoms, you can determine if you have a fracture in one of the three bones of the shoulder which include the scapula, clavicle, and humerus.
Difficulty in moving shoulder
You could have a fracture if your shoulder feels weak or if moving it up and down, to and from your torso, or spinning around the joint aches or appears difficult. When you move the shoulder, you may feel a grinding feeling, which is another evidence of a fracture.
Bruising and swelling
A high swollen shoulder may sign a proximal humerus fracture. A break when the ball of your ball-and-socket joint is shattered at the top of the arm bone is referred to as this fracture. You could have a clavicular fracture if the swelling is more pronounced in the center of the collarbone. A possible scapula fracture is indicated by swelling at the rear of the shoulder.
Deformity
One of the three bones in your shoulder may be broken if it seems “off” or merely off. You may have a fracture if there is a bulge under your skin at the joint and the ends of the fractured bones are sticking out just below the skin.
Weakness and tingling
Your hands and arms, which are considered your extremities, might feel weak and tingly, especially if your break has an impact on neighboring nerves. You could feel these sensations while your shoulder is immobile or when you try to move it.
The clavicle is the site of the majority of shoulder fractures. Due to falls or osteoporosis, older persons are more likely to shatter the humerus at the joint.
Types of Shoulder Fractures
- Clavicle Fracture
- Proximal Humerus Fracture
- Scapula Fracture
Clavicle Fracture
The clavicle, also known as the collarbone, is a long, thin bone that stretches from the base of the neck to the shoulder. Clavicle fractures can occur in people of any age, including babies and the elderly. A hematoma or a bone malformation may cause a hump to develop over the location of the injury. Patients who have clavicle fractures frequently have trouble lifting their arms.
Proximal Humerus Fracture
The lengthy bone that connects the elbow to the shoulder is called the humerus. A fracture at the top of the humerus bone, either at or just below the humeral head, is referred to as a proximal humerus fracture. The ball that lies in the shoulder socket is sometimes referred to as the humeral head.
Scapula Fracture
A flat, triangular bone in the upper back is called the scapula. It serves as the main link between the arm and the chest. Less than 1% of all fractures and just 3% to 5% of shoulder fractures are scapula fractures, making them extremely uncommon. They are most frequently observed in men between the ages of 25 and 45.
Treatment of Shoulder Fracture
Medical
An orthopaedist may prescribe sophisticated imaging procedures, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and Musculoskeletal ultrasounds, to diagnose a shoulder fracture and to assess the severity of the problem. While some shoulder fractures may be healed without surgery, others may need more involved procedures to mend the broken bone. Both conservative and surgical methods may be necessary as part of your treatment approach.
Conservative methods, including the following, can be used to treat the majority of non-displaced shoulder fractures:
- Icing therapy
- Immobilization with an arm sling or wrap while bones heal
- Oral medications.
- Physical therapy and motion exercises
Surgical
Surgery may be required to repair the fracture fragments with wires, pins, plates, or screws if the fracture fragments are dislocated. Replacement of the shoulder may be required if the upper arm’s ball is shattered, split, or crushed.
Since non-displaced shoulder fractures are more common, rehabilitation of good to outstanding mobility and function is frequently possible. Surgery is frequently necessary for displaced fractures, and the neighboring muscles may get hurt as a result.
Treatment options for different types of shoulder fracture
Clavicle Fractures
The majority of clavicle fractures don’t require surgery to heal. When a complex fracture has penetrated the skin or the bone is significantly misaligned, surgery is required. Surgery usually entails placing plates, screws, or rods within the bone to treat the fracture.
Proximal Humerus Fractures
If the bone pieces are not misaligned, most proximal humerus fractures can be repaired without surgery (displaced). Surgery is typically needed if the pieces are out of place. Surgery often entails replacing the shoulder or fixing the fracture pieces with plates, screws, or pins.
Scapula Fractures
The majority of scapula fractures don’t require surgery to be fixed. Painkillers, ice, and immobilization with a sling or shoulder immobilizer are used as treatment. To rule out any more injuries, the patient will be evaluated.
Recovery time of Shoulder Fracture
The glenoid (socket) or humerus (ball) of the shoulder joint may fracture as a result of trauma. The majority of these injuries may be treated successfully and permanently without surgery. Some fractures are better treated surgically because, if left untreated, they run a significant risk of developing arthritis. If not medically addressed, some are unlikely to recover or may heal incorrectly.
Most shoulder fractures recover in six weeks or less. The normal anatomy may need to be restored by manipulation in around 20% of shoulder fractures. On occasion, a fracture and a tear to the rotator cuff muscles occur simultaneously. This might make the treatment more challenging.
Orthopedic implants used in shoulder fracture
- LCP Superior Anterior Clavicle Plate With Lateral Extension 2.7/3.5mm
- LCP Superior Anterior Clavicle Plate 3.5 mm
- LCP Clavicle Hook Plate 3.5 mm
Conclusion:
Orthopedic implants with a design that mimicked the normal anatomy would provide the best function and durability. Therefore, Zealmax Ortho delivers products that function at their best efficiency. Zealmax Ortho is a leading orthopedic implants manufacturer and exporter. We are known for our quality and we never ought to compromise with the quality and efficiency of these surgical products in any terms. We make sure that every product we manufacture goes through rigorous quality checks in accordance with worldwide standards of quality to assure its dependability and safety features.