Version May 2024
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What is a shoulder or upper arm fracture? — A "fracture" is another word for a broken bone. The shoulder joint has 3 bones (figure 1):
●Upper arm bone (humerus), which goes from the shoulder to the elbow
●Shoulder blade (scapula)
●Collarbone (clavicle)
A shoulder fracture can involve any of the bones near the shoulder joint. Often, it means that there is a break in the humerus near the shoulder.
There are different types of fractures, depending on how the bone breaks. When a bone breaks, it might crack, break all of the way through, or shatter.
If a broken bone sticks out of the skin or can be seen through a wound, doctors call it an "open" fracture. If the bone does not stick out of the skin or cannot be seen through a wound, doctors call it a "closed" fracture.
A shoulder or upper arm fracture can happen because of:
●A direct blow to the upper arm or shoulder
●Falling on the shoulder
●Falling on an outstretched arm
What are the symptoms of a shoulder or upper arm fracture? — Symptoms depend on which bone breaks and the type of break it is. Common symptoms include:
●Pain, swelling, or bruising over the area
●The area looking abnormal, bent, or not the usual shape
●Not being able to move the arm or lift something with the arm
●Numbness in the area of the broken bone
If a fracture injures a nerve, this can also cause symptoms in nearby areas. For example, a break to the upper arm bone might cause pain, tingling, or weakness in the elbow and wrist.
Is there a test for a shoulder or upper arm fracture? — Yes. The doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms, do an exam, and take an X-ray.
They might also do other imaging tests, such as a CT, MRI, or ultrasound. Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of the body.
How are shoulder or upper arm fractures treated? — Treatment depends, in part, on the type of fracture, which bone is broken, and how serious it is. The goal is to have the ends of the broken bone line up with each other so the bone can heal.
If the ends of the broken bone are already in line with each other, the doctor might use an arm sling or a shoulder immobilizer with straps to hold the arm and wrist in place. This limits movement of the shoulder and will keep the bone in the correct position so it can heal.
If the ends of the broken bone are not in line with each other, the doctor will need to line them up:
●Sometimes, they can move the bone to the correct position without doing surgery, and then put a cast, splint, or brace on. This is called "closed fracture reduction."
●For more serious fractures, they might need to do surgery to put the bone back in the correct position. During surgery, they can use screws, pins, rods, or plates to fix the bone inside the body. This is called "open fracture reduction."
How long do shoulder or upper arm fractures take to heal? — Most upper arm fractures take weeks to months to heal. The doctor or nurse will talk to you about when to return to things like work, sports, or other activities.
Healing time also depends on the person. Healthy children usually heal much more quickly than older adults or adults with other medical problems.
How do I care for myself at home? — To care for yourself or your child at home:
●Follow the doctor's instructions for wearing the splint, cast, sling, or shoulder immobilizer. This supports and protects the bone as it heals.
●Do not get a cast wet unless the doctor says that it is waterproof.
●Follow instructions for limiting activity and movement until the bone is healed. The doctor or nurse will tell you what activities are safe to do. They might want you to do some gentle motion exercises to help prevent stiff joints.
●You can sleep in a recliner or with the head of the bed elevated. This keeps your injured shoulder or upper arm above the level of your heart. It might help lessen pain and swelling.
●The doctor might recommend an over-the-counter pain medicine. These include acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) and ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin). Adults can also take naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Some people get a prescription for stronger pain medicines to take for a short time. Follow the instructions for taking these medicines.
●Ice can help with pain and swelling:
•Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on the injured area every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and the skin.
•Use the ice (or other cold object) for at least 6 hours after the injury. Some people find it helpful to ice longer, even up to 2 days after their injury.
●Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of calcium, vitamin D, and protein (figure 2).
●If you smoke, try to stop. Broken bones take longer to heal if you smoke.
●Some people need to work with a physical therapist (exercise expert) after their fracture heals. They will suggest exercises and stretches to strengthen your arm or shoulder muscles and keep them from getting stiff.
When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if:
●There is weakness or less feeling or movement in your arm, hand, or fingers.
●Your shoulder or arm becomes swollen or starts to hurt more.
●Your skin becomes red or irritated around the cast, bandage, or shoulder immobilizer.
●The splint, cast, bandage, or shoulder immobilizer feels too tight and uncomfortable, or your fingers turn pale, blue, or gray.
●There is a bad smell or drainage coming from the splint or cast.
●The cast feels too loose, you notice a crack in the cast, or the cast becomes soft.
●The cast gets wet, and it is not supposed to get wet.
Patient education: Fractures (The Basics)
Patient education: Setting a broken bone in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Setting a broken bone in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Surgery to fix a broken bone (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for your cast (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for your child's cast (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a splint (The Basics)
آیا می خواهید مدیلیب را به صفحه اصلی خود اضافه کنید؟
