Shoulder Injury : Fracture

Shoulder fractures can occur from a direct blow, or indirectly, from a fall onto the shoulder. The shoulder is composed of two main structures: the HUMERUS (upper arm bone) and the SCAPULA (shoulder blade), which provides the articulating surface (socket) for the humeral head (ball). Often it is the upper humerus, close to the shoulder, that is most likely to be fractured. Other, more uncommon areas, include fracture of the scapula. Shoulder fractures are more common in the elderly who fall on an extended arm or shoulder. Common signs of a fracture include swelling at the shoulder, with tenderness to the touch, and pain while at rest. The patient will be reluctant to move the arm, due to intensification of the pain.

Evaluation involves a careful examination for tenderness to palpation, deformity, and swelling. Nerve and vascular integrity must be scrutinized (pulses, sensation, movement of fingers, hand, and wrist), since associated injuries to these structures can occur. Bone x-rays will show a fracture or dislocation, and will guide the physician in the appropriate course of treatment.

Treatment of most fractures of the upper humerus (close to the shoulder) can be initially managed with a sling and swathe (arm held close into the body), or, a special splint. Ice packs should be used on the fracture site. Each case management must be considered individually, on the basis of the patient's age, displacement of fracture fragments, or comminution (multiple pieces). Bone healing takes 6 weeks, with special regard given to early range of motion exercises. Reluctance to perform any range of motion exercises during the healing phase can lead to adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). The Physical Therapist plays an important role in aiding the return of normal joint function. Acetaminophen, aspirin, or anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen) can help reduce pain and swelling. Stronger pain medications may be necessary. The Orthopaedic Surgeon will guide the patient on the most appropriate form of treatment for this injury.

Any development of numbness, tingling, increased pain in the involved extremity, or bluish discoloration to the fingers, requires IMMEDIATE re-evaluation.

Hope this article will provide you information about shoulder injury.


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12 Human and Animal Bites
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12 Pelvic Bone Fracture
12 Puncture Wounds
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12 Shoulder Injury Clavicle Fracture
12 Shoulder Injury Strains and Sprains
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12 Abdominal Injury Ruptured Spleen
12 Foot Injury Toe Fracture and Sprain
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INJURIES

Abdominal Injury
Abdominal Injury: Contusion
Abrasion
Amputations
Animal Bites
Ankle Fracture
Ankle Injury
Ankle Injury: Contusion
Ankle Sprain
Back Injury
Back Injury : Sacrococcygeal Injury
Back Strain
Burns
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Chemical Burns
Chest Injuries
Chest Injury: Aortic Rupture
Chest Injury: Hemothorax
Chest Injury: Myocardial Contusion
Chest Injury : Pneumothorax
Chest Injury: Pulmonary Contusion
Chronic Back Pain
Clavicle Fracture
Compression Fractures
Contusions
Decompression Sickness
Disc Disease
Gunshot Wounds
Hand Injury: Fingertip Amputations
Head Injury
Liver Injury
Marine Stings
Muscle Strains
Rib Fracture
Ruptured Spleen
Shoulder Injury: A-C Separation
Spider Bites
Spinal Cord Injury
Sternum Fracture
Testicular Injury
Wrist Injury
hi Scuba Related Injuries
i Hand Injury Finger Amputaion
de Lecerations
de Cold Injury and Hypothermia
dd Dental Injury
xs Facial Injury
sdf Neck Injury
e Shoulder Injury Dislocation
e Ear Injury
ed Elbow Injury
de Elbow Injury Fracture
dfe Elbow Injury Nursemaids
ee Electrical Injury
de Eye Injury
ed Facial Injury General Considerations
fr Facial Injury Contusion
ed Hand Injury Finger Sprains
ded Fingernail and Toenail Injuries
dd Hand Injury Fractures
23 Head Injury Skull Fracture and Concussion
44 Chest Injury Myocardial Contusion
fde Heat Illness
ed Hest Injury Hemothorax
y Back Injury Disc Disease
;l High Altitude Illness


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