Shoulder Fracture Surgery

Description

There are several types of shoulder fracture, including clavicle fractures, proximal humerus fractures and scapula fractures. Each is treated differently. Clavicle fractures can be treated without surgery unless there is a compound fracture that has broken through the skin or the bone is significantly out of place. Surgery involves fixing the fracture in place with plates, screws or rods. Proximal humerus fractures also may be treated without surgery if the bone is not displaced, or shifted out of position. If displaced, surgery is often required and involves the fixation of fracture fragments with plates, screws or pins. In some cases, it may require shoulder replacement surgery. Scapula fractures also may be treated without surgery, which involves immobilizations with a sling or shoulder immobilizer, ice and pain medications. Only a very small percent of scapula fractures require surgery.