Broken Shoulder Blade Treatment
Shoulder blade fractures are not very common injuries. They can result in inflammation and pain in the shoulder arc. Shoulder blade fractures can be caused by blunt and high energy trauma incidents. This can be in the form of car accidents or falls. This fracture type is generally treated in non-surgical ways. However, they may require surgery in some instances depending on its severity.
Shoulder blade fractures can often result in severe injuries to the chest, lungs, and internal organs. It is important, for this reason, to attain medical attention if you fracture your shoulder blade.
Thomas & Bigler Knee and Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, while also serving areas such as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Anatomy of Your Shoulder Blade
A complex system of muscles protects your shoulder blade, which is in a triangular shape. The rotator cuff, which is again a combination of tendons and muscles, helps in keeping your arm bone centered within the shoulder socket. The rotator cuff is responsible for covering the upper arm bone’s head and keeping it attached to the shoulder blade.
Why Do Shoulder Blade Fractures Take Place?
Shoulder blade fractures occur during blunt trauma injuries, such as falls or car accidents. The injury is often accompanied by trauma to the lungs, chest, and other internal organs as well. This is why it is important to get in touch with an orthopedic surgeon to prevent any injury from taking a downturn.
Fortunately, shoulder blade fractures are not very common. They constitute to 1% of all broken bones. Men aged 25 to 45 suffer from the most shoulder blade fractures.
Symptoms of Shoulder Blade Fracture
These are a few common symptoms of fracture of the shoulder blade:
- Inflammation at the back of the shoulder
- Severe pain while using the arm
- Bruises around the shoulder
- Scraps around the shoulder
You should seek immediate medical attention if you have the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased sensation
Fractures of the shoulder blade can be treated in both surgical and nonsurgical ways.
Non-Surgical Approach
You may not need a surgery depending on the severity of your fracture. It is important that you immobilize your arm and shoulder immediately after the injury. You should also apply ice to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Non-surgical treatments typically involve slings to keep the arm from moving accidentally.
Your physician may prescribe rehabilitation exercises after the first one week to prevent the risk of elbow and shoulder stiffness. You should continue with stretching exercises until you regain complete shoulder motion. This can take anywhere from 6 months to a year.
Surgical Approach
Surgery may be necessary if your shoulder blade fracture is extensive. Fragments of your shoulder blade bone will be repositioned in a proper alignment. They will be held in place using metal plates and special screws on the bone’s outer surface.
Orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for orthopedic surgery.
Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.
Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada