Types of Shoulder Fractures - Treatment and Surgery

Shoulder fractures are not something we tend to think about—until we or someone we know experiences one. Whether you are an athlete, a senior who had a fall, or just unlucky in an accident, a shoulder fracture can turn your life upside down. Moreover, there are multiple treatment options available to treat any shoulder deformities like slings or surgeries like arthroplasty.

Our expert, Dr Ateet Sharma, will guide you toward the best treatment that can bring relief to your pain. Here, we are equipped with all the resources for Shoulder Replacement Treatment in Ahmedabad. Let us now dive into the details of shoulder fracture.

all about knee implants structure

What is a Shoulder Fracture?

A shoulder fracture is simply a break in one of the bones that make up your shoulder. The shoulder is a complex part of the body, made up of three bones: the collarbone (clavicle), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the upper arm bone (humerus). When one of these bones breaks, it is called a fracture. Depending on the fracture, the symptoms and treatments can vary.

Types of Shoulder Fractures

Clavicle Fracture (Collarbone)

It is one of the more common types of shoulder fractures. You might know someone who's broken their collarbone falling off a bike or taking a fall. When the clavicle breaks, you often see a bump on the shoulder and find it quite painful to move your arm.

Scapula Fracture (Shoulder Blade)

Scapula fractures are not that frequent when it comes to their occurrence. It is because the muscles around protect the shoulder blade. However, whenever this type of fracture occurs, it is usually due to a trauma like a car accident. A scapula fracture can be painful and limit your ability to move the shoulder.

Proximal Humerus Fracture (Upper Arm Bone)

Proximal Fracture is near the top of the arm bone, exactly where it connects to the shoulder joint. This fracture is more frequent in older adults, especially those with osteoporosis. It can cause trouble in routine and often shows symptoms like swelling and bruising.

How Are Shoulder Fractures Treated?

The type of treatments you require will depend upon various factors like the severity of the condition, age of the patient, or overall health of an individual. Here are some options available to treat Shoulder Fractures.

Non-Surgical Treatment

If the case is not that severe, your expert might suggest a non-surgical treatment like a sling or brace for a better recovery. The overall ideation of this treatment is to keep the shoulder still so the bones can heal on their own. The patient requires physical therapy to gain strength and mobility back. Non-surgical treatment is a non-invasive technique with a high level of success in cases where it can be implemented.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical treatment is preferred when the fracture is more severe or the bones are displaced/moved out of their normal position. In such cases, the requirement of this surgery becomes a must. The surgeon will then realign the bones and secure the bones with plates, pins or screws. The surgical approach helps the bone heal correctly and prevents any long-term issues with shoulder movement.

When Is Arthroplasty (Shoulder Replacement) Necessary?

In some cases, a shoulder fracture might reach to such a severe level that a traditional surgery might not work. In such a condition, arthroplasty comes into the picture. Arthroplasty is a shoulder replacement procedure in which the parts or shoulder joint are replaced with an artificial implant. It is a big decision to go for an Arthroplasty Shoulder Replacement.

It is usually reserved for cases where the bone is shattered or the joints are severely damaged.

Here are a few situations where arthroplasty might be considered :

Severe Proximal Humerus Fractures

It is a condition where the upper arm breaks into multiple pieces. It occurs in older adults with weaker bones. With the help of arthroplasty, it is possible to put everything back to normal and restore function, which may lead you to your routine.

Pre-existing Conditions

If you are already going through some issues related to your shoulder, like arthritis, then arthroplasty might be the best option. Replacing the joint can relieve pain from both the fracture and the underlying condition. It is a win-win situation to get rid of the pain soon.

Complications After Surgery

It is essential to look at the negative perception despite the best efforts. A fracture might not heal properly after surgery only if the condition is severely damaged. If you are left with ongoing pain and limited mobility, then your doctor may recommend arthroplasty as a solution.

To deal with the complication, you need to be well-versed in How to Prepare for Shoulder Replacement Surgery in advance to get the best result and avoid any uncertainty.

Types of Shoulder Arthroplasty

There are a few types of shoulder replacement surgeries, and the final decision of which one will suit your condition will depend upon the underlying factor you are suffering through. It is best to seek advice from an expert like Dr. Ateet Sharma, the best Orthopedic Surgeon, who can analyze your situation and recommend the best possible outcome.

Hemiarthroplasty (Partial Shoulder Replacement)

In certain situations, only the head part of the bone has to be replaced with a prosthetic. This type of surgery is used when the rest of the shoulder joint is still in good shape. Here, it goes by "Partial" as only the top part is replaced.

Total Shoulder Replacement

Total Shoulder Replacement is a surgical procedure where the humeral head and the socket (glenoid) of the shoulder joint are replaced. It is recommended for severe fractures or in a condition where the entire joint is damaged.

Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Reverse Shoulder Replacement is preferable for an individual with severe damage to their rotator cuff muscles. The ball and socket of the joint are reversed, which leads to other muscles taking over for the damaged rotator cuff. This procedure is more complex than the earlier ones. However, it can provide a good option for those who need it.

Our experts can guide you on How a Revere Replacement Treatment Works over time. Every situation is analysed based on your condition. After the deep analyses by the expert, a treatment option will be suggested.

Shoulder fractures are painful and inconvenient, but modern treatment options for Shoulder Replacement in Ahmedabad mean that you do not have to live with any long-term damage. Any fracture can be dealt with with a sling or surgery. Working with our team of experts will help you get the best outcome out of the treatment procedure. Moreover, if you are dealing with a shoulder fracture, be patient with your recovery process.

With the expertise of Dr Ateet Sharma, our Best Orthopedic Surgeon, you will soon return to your routine.

© 2024 Dr.Ateet Sharma All rights reserved. | Manage by  Nexus