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    22

    2024
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Types of Shoulder Fractures

Types of Shoulder Fractures

Shoulder fracture, also called broken shoulder, refers to broken bone in the shoulder. It occurs because of any accidental fall or collision. The shoulder is a complicated joint that links your body to your arm. It has numerous parts, which include the humerus or the upper bone; the scapula, or the shoulder blade bone; and the clavicle, or the collarbone. In the upper end of the humerus, there is a ball-like shape that is connected to the scapula socket, known as the glenoid, thereby forming the ball and socket.

A shoulder fracture occurs when there is a crack or break in any of the bones of the shoulder following any high-impact fall. A fracture in any of the shoulder bones can impact mobility and lead to pain.

Shoulder fractures can be either non-displaced or displaced. Non-displaced fractures are very common and take up 80 percent of shoulder fractures. Such kinds of fractures are mostly treatable through non-surgical techniques. Displaced fractures need surgery to realign the bones. There are primarily three types of shoulder fractures.

Three types of shoulder fractures

  1. Clavicle shoulder fracture

This type of shoulder fracture is a break in the collarbone and is one of the most common kinds of shoulder fractures. The collarbone connects the breastbone to the shoulder blade. It occurs because of accidents like falls from height etc. and is common among people of all ages. In most cases, clavicle fractures occur in the middle part of the bone. Symptoms of clavicle shoulder fracture include swelling and straining across the middle of the collarbone, a bump under the skin, and limited motion in the shoulder.

  1. Proximal humerus fracture

This fracture occurs in the humerus, which is present in the upper portion of the arm. The word “proximal” here means the part of the bone that has a ball-like shape and connects to the shoulder blade socket. In some cases, proximal humerus fracture involves simple cracks in the bone instead of a displaced bone. This fracture is common among people aged 65 and more. Symptoms of proximal humerus fracture are swelling, severe pain in the shoulder, and bruising across the top arm.

  1. Scapula shoulder fracture

The scapula, also called the shoulder blade, is a triangle-shaped bone present in the shoulder. Scapula shoulder fracture is not common and occurs because of traumatic events such as a long fall or car accident. Symptoms of scapula fracture involve pain in the shoulder, bruising across the shoulder blade, and swelling.

Most commonly, the kind of shoulder fracture mainly depends on the person’s age. For instance, clavicle fracture is common among children while proximal humerus fracture is common among seniors or aged people.

Conclusion

So, a shoulder fracture is a break in any of the three bones of your shoulder. If you feel you have a fractured shoulder, please see an orthopedic doctor as quickly as possible. Imaging tests like X-ray or CT are one of the best ways to confirm whether the bone is broken or not. Treatment includes use of sling; in the case of a severe fracture, surgical intervention may be required. Delaying treatment increases the chance of permanent damage.

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