Shoulder Arthroscopy Treatment
Shoulder blade fractures are relatively uncommon injuries resulting in swelling and pain in the shoulder area. These fractures are usually caused by blunt trauma or high energy injuries, such as car accidents and hard falls. The injury is usually treated in a nonsurgical way. However, depending on the severity, your physician may recommend surgical intervention.
Shoulder blade fractures can often result in severe injuries to the chest, lungs, and internal organs. It’s paramount for this reason to attain medical attention when you think you may have a fractured shoulder.
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.
Understanding Shoulder Fractures
Shoulder blade fractures are common in car accidents, falls from height, and other high-energy blunt force impact. Shoulder blade fractures are usually accompanied by trauma to the lungs, chest, and other internal organs. This makes it important to consult with an orthopedic as soon as possible. Shoulder fractures are not common and represent just 1% of broken bones. They usually occur in men aged 25 to 45.
Common Symptoms of Shoulder Blade Fractures
Shoulder blade fractures have several common symptoms. These include:
- Extreme pain during arm movement
- Swelling in the shoulder blade
- Shoulder bruising
- Scrapes around the shoulder area
You should attain immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Decreased sensation
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
Diagnosing Shoulder Blade Fracture
Your orthopedic surgeon will check the posture and position of your shoulder. They will also look at your visible symptoms and any other additional damage. The physician may ask for certain imaging tests of the chest and shoulder to determine the severity of the injury. This includes CT Scans, MRI, and x-rays.
- Computed Tomography (CT) scans provide detailed images of the organs, bones, and soft tissues
- X-rays provide images of bone and other dense structures
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the shoulder may be required for diagnosing shoulder socket fractures
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
You should stop moving your arm immediately after getting injured. Apply ice packs to reduce discomfort and swelling. You should also consider wearing a sling to immobilize your arm and hold the shoulder in place.
Your physician may ask you to move your shoulder after the first one week to prevent elbow and shoulder stiffness. The sling will not be needed as the pain reduces. You should continue performing stretching exercises until full motion returns in the shoulder area. This can take anywhere from 6 months to a year.
Surgical Options
Surgery may be required if the shoulder blade fracture is extensive or severe and is unable to heal on its own. Bone fragments in the shoulder blade may need to be repositioned first during the surgical procedure. They will be aligned normally and held in place with special screws on metal plates.
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