SHOULDER FRACTURES
Shoulder Fracture
Treatment
Shoulder fractures range from injuries that heal well without surgery to complex fractures requiring fixation or shoulder replacement. The right treatment depends on fracture pattern, bone quality, displacement, age, activity level, and long-term functional goals.
Fracture Position Matters
Fixation Depends On Strength
Restore Shoulder Use
Fixation vs Replacement
Common Shoulder Fractures
Proximal Humerus Fracture
A fracture of the upper arm bone near the shoulder joint. Treatment may include sling care, ORIF, or reverse shoulder replacement.
Reverse Replacement For Fractures
In selected severe fractures, reverse shoulder replacement may provide more reliable function than fixation.
Complex Shoulder Reconstruction
Treatment for fractures with bone loss, deformity, failed fixation, nonunion, or previous surgery.
Dr. Streit's Clinical Perspective
The goal of shoulder fracture treatment is not simply to make the X-ray look better. The goal is to restore a functional shoulder. Some fractures heal well without surgery, some are best treated with fixation, and some are more reliably treated with reverse shoulder replacement.
The key decision is choosing the treatment most likely to restore durable comfort, motion, and independence for that specific patient.
What Determines Treatment?
Fracture Pattern
The number of fragments, displacement, joint involvement, and tuberosity position all matter.
Bone Quality
Poor bone quality can make fixation less reliable and may shift treatment toward replacement.
Patient Goals
Age, activity level, independence, work demands, and health all influence treatment planning.
Treatment Options
Nonoperative Treatment
Many minimally displaced fractures heal successfully with sling protection, time, and guided therapy.
ORIF Surgery
Open reduction internal fixation uses plates, screws, and sutures to restore alignment and stabilize the fracture.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Severe fractures, poor bone quality, or non-reconstructable fracture patterns may be treated with reverse replacement.
ORIF Versus Reverse Shoulder Replacement
When Fixation May Be Best
- Reconstructable fracture pattern
- Good enough bone quality for fixation
- Preservable humeral head
- Repairable tuberosities
- Reasonable chance of fracture healing
When Replacement May Be Better
- Severe comminution
- Head-splitting fracture
- Fracture-dislocation
- Poor bone quality
- High risk of avascular necrosis
- Non-reconstructable anatomy
Recovery After Shoulder Fracture
Recovery depends heavily on fracture severity and treatment type. Stiffness is common after shoulder fractures, so rehabilitation must balance protection of healing bone with restoration of motion.
Protection
Early sling use protects the fracture and reduces pain.
Healing
X-rays monitor fracture alignment and bone healing.
Motion
Therapy restores shoulder motion gradually and safely.
Strength
Strengthening begins once healing allows.
Explore Shoulder Fracture Resources
Have A Shoulder Fracture?
A shoulder fracture evaluation can determine whether the fracture is likely to heal without surgery, whether fixation is appropriate, or whether shoulder replacement offers the most reliable path to recovery.
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