What are shoulder fractures?
A break in the shoulder bone can be classified according to three types: a scapula or shoulder blade fracture, collarbone or clavicle fracture or long upper arm bone (humerus) fracture. Typically, any type of shoulder fracture leads to pain and swelling in the shoulder. Therefore, it’s normal to notice a reduced range of mobility of the shoulder as a result of the pain, swelling and tenderness in the region.
Shoulder fractures may be displaced or non-displaced. Depending on the type, certain types of shoulder fractures can be treated non-surgically. For example, if the shoulder fracture is non-displaced, the bones are separated but still in alignment. Conversely, a displaced shoulder fracture means the bones have completely shifted from their anatomical position. Of course, displaced fractures require surgical intervention to position the bones more accurately.
What are the signs?
Signs of shoulder fractures include the following:
- Bruising around the shoulder
- Swelling in the shoulder
- Deformed or out-of-place shoulder
- Shoulder instability as if the shoulder is shifting out of place.
What are the common causes of shoulder fractures?
Shoulder fractures may occur for various reasons, such as sudden, unexpected falls, contact sports, or motor vehicle accidents. However, low bone density and an underlying condition such as osteoporosis can increase the risk of shoulder fractures.
How does Dr du Toit treat shoulder fractures?
Fortunately, non-displaced shoulder fractures can be treated non-surgically through timeous, indirect applications of ice, immobilisation, prescription oral medication and physical therapy. Complex displaced shoulder fractures require surgical intervention, in which case Dr du Toit performs shoulder fixation surgery. Fixation surgery involves using hardware (pins, screws and plates) to realign and lock the broken pieces of bone in place. In addition, depending on the severity of the situation, Dr du Toit carries out bone grafting and repairs soft tissues (tendons and ligaments). However, if the nature of the fracture is beyond repair, your orthopaedic surgeon may decide to perform joint replacement surgery.
Alternative surgical options include the following:
- Partial shoulder replacement involves using a device comprising a metal stem and ball that is used to replace the affected upper portion of the long arm bone and ball.
- Reverse shoulder replacement entails attaching the metal ball to the socket, and the plastic cup is connected to the humerus.