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COLUMBIA ORTHOPEDICS SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Shoulder Fractures

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How are Shoulder Fractures Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

A shoulder fracture can be diagnosed through various imaging scans, which will determine the location and the severity of the injury. These imaging tests can be ordered by your physician if you’re experiencing symptoms of fractured shoulders. Such tests include X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and/or ultrasound imaging.

  • X-ray.  X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams (X-rays) to create images of the bones. This allows for a general assessment of bone anatomy and can help detect any damage. 
  • CT scan. A CT scan combines several different X-ray images, taken from various angles, to provide cross-sectional views of the body’s structures. This allows doctors to see the shoulder in more detail and can also help detect damage to the rotator cuff tendons.
  • MRI. MRIs use large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to create detailed images of organs and structures within the body. Providing more detail than X-rays, MRIs are frequently used to assess injuries.
  • Ultrasound imaging. Ultrasounds allow doctors to inside your body using high-intensity sound waves. This kind of imaging is often used to assess torn rotator cuffs.

How are Shoulder Fractures Treated?

Treatments

Treatment options for fractured shoulders may vary depending on whether the shoulder fracture is categorized as a non-displaced or displaced fracture. Non-displaced fractures, where the bones are still in correct alignment, may be treated using noninvasive methods such as immobilization and icing. Displaced fractures, where the bones are out of alignment, may require surgical intervention. Regardless of the fracture type, your doctor may also order physical therapy to aid in the healing process.

Surgical options

Surgical options will vary depending on the fracture’s severity and which bones are affected. Shoulder fracture fixation surgery involves using screws, plates, pins, or frames to repair the fracture. 

Severe shoulder fractures may require a partial shoulder replacement, where a metal ball and stem replace the damaged ball joint and upper section of the arm bone.

In some cases, a reverse total shoulder replacement is necessary, particularly if the rotator cuff is severely damaged. This procedure involves replacing both the ball and socket, but their natural positions are reversed so that movement can rely on other muscles, such as the deltoid, rather than the rotator cuff.

Malunion and non-union shoulder fracture surgery may be necessary if a bone does not heal properly. This can involve stabilizing the fracture with a plate and screws or a bone graft to encourage bone growth.

Nonsurgical options

In most cases, non-displaced shoulder fractures can heal through noninvasive treatments. Icing the affected area, using a sling to immobilize the shoulder, and taking oral pain medications can help heal. Mobility exercises and physical therapy can commence at your doctor’s recommendation.

FAQs

FAQs

A broken shoulder can be extremely painful and can severely limit your mobility. Rotational movement, side-to-side movement, and lifting motions may cause serious pain or be impossible, depending on the nature and severity of the injury.

For displaced fractures and open fractures where the bone has come through the skin, surgery may be required to repair the damage. Most non-displaced shoulder fractures will not require surgery.

If your shoulder is not given enough time to heal and is moved too early, it may delay the healing process. However, too much restriction of movement may result in stiffness. You may begin shoulder movements once again with approval and guidance from your doctor.

The time a shoulder fracture takes to heal will depend on the severity and type of fracture. Shoulder fractures that do not require surgery will often heal within three to four months. More severe fractures may require several months of recovery time coupled with physical therapy and regular checkups to monitor the healing process.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Shoulder Fracture Treatment

Orthopedic specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian are experienced in the treatment of shoulder fractures and can provide you with the care you need to begin your road to recovery. Learn more about the symptoms of shoulder fractures, and schedule an appointment with NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia Orthopedics for a consultation.