Trauma to the shoulder is common. Injuries range from a separated shoulder resulting from a fall onto the shoulder to a high-speed car accident that fractures the shoulder blade (scapula) or collarbone (clavicle). One thing is certain: everyone injures his or her shoulder at some point in life.
The shoulder is made up of three bones:
These bones are joined together by soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, muscles, and joint capsule) to form a platform for the arm to work.
The shoulder is made up of three joints:
The shoulder also has one articulation, which is the relationship between the scapula (shoulder blade) and the chest wall.
The main joint of the shoulder is the glenohumeral joint. This joint comprises a ball (the humeral head) on a golf-tee-shaped joint (the glenoid of the scapula).
The bones of the shoulder are covered by several layers of soft tissues.
There are many types of shoulder injuries:
The following discussion will focus on fractures and dislocations.
Fractures of the clavicle or the proximal humerus can be caused by a direct blow to the area from a fall, collision, or motor vehicle accident.
Because the scapula is protected by the chest and surrounding muscles, it is not easily fractured. Therefore, fractures of the scapula are usually caused by high-energy trauma, such as a high speed motor vehicle accident. Scapula fractures are often associated with injuries to the chest.
Dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint can be caused by a fall onto the shoulder or from lifting heavy objects. The term “shoulder separation” is not really correct, because the joint injured is actually not the true shoulder joint.
Symptoms of fractures about the shoulder are related to the specific type of fracture.
Most fractures are diagnosed with X-rays of the area and by physical examination. Sometimes, additional imaging techniques, such as computed tomography, are necessary.
Most clavicle fractures can be treated without surgery. Surgery is necessary when there is a compound fracture that has broken through the skin or the bone is severely out of place. Surgery typically involves fixing of the fracture with plates and screws or rods inside the bone.
Most fractures of the proximal humerus can be treated without surgery if the bone fragments are not shifted out of position (displaced). If the fragments are shifted out of position, surgery is usually required. Surgery usually involves fixation of the fracture fragments with plates, screws, or pins or it involves shoulder replacement.
Most fractures of the scapula can be treated without surgery. Treatment involves immobilization with a sling or shoulder immobilizer, icing, and pain medications. The patient will be examined for additional injuries.
About 10% to 20% of scapula fractures need surgery. Fractures that need surgery usually have fracture fragments involving the shoulder joint or there is an additional fracture of the clavicle. Surgery involves fixation of the fracture fragments with plates and screws.
Treatment of shoulder separations is based on the severity of the injury as well as the direction of the separation and the physical requirements of the patient.
Less severe shoulder separations) are usually treated without surgery.
Severe separations in an upward direction or dislocations in the backward or downward directions often require surgery. Surgery involves repair of the ligaments.
Professional athletes and manual laborers are often treated with surgery, but the results are often unpredictable.
The initial treatment of a shoulder dislocation involves reducing the dislocation (“putting it back in the socket”). This usually involves treatment in the emergency room.
The patient is given some mild sedation and pain medicine, usually through an intravenous line. Often, the physician will pull on the shoulder until the joint is realigned. Reduction is confirmed on an X-ray and the shoulder is then placed in a sling or special brace.
Additional treatment at a later date is based on the patient’s age, evidence of persistent problems with the shoulder going out of place, and the underlying associated soft-tissue injury (either to the rotator cuff or the capsulolabral complex).
Patients who are 25 years of age or younger generally require surgery. Persistent instability (repeat dislocations) of the shoulder usually requires surgery. Surgery involves repair of the torn soft tissues.
Life after a shoulder fracture, separation, or dislocation can be greatly affected for several weeks or even months. Most shoulder injuries whether treated surgically or nonsurgically require a period of immobilization followed by rehabilitation.
If the injury was not severe, there is fairly rapid improvement and return of function after the first 4 to 6 weeks. Shoulder exercises, usually as part of a supervised physical therapy program, are usually necessary. Exercises decrease stiffness, improve range of motion, and help the patient regain muscle strength.
Some of the information you should discuss with your orthopaedic surgeon includes the following:
Quick Links
Testimonials
Stay Connected
If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call (740) 454-3273
or visit our appointment request page.
Contact Details
Orthopaedic Care