Shoulder & Collarbone Fracture Treatment in Colorado Springs
Medically reviewed by John C. Redfern, MD, Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon.
Falls, cycling and skiing accidents, and sports collisions account for most shoulder fractures in the Pikes Peak region: breaks of the collarbone (clavicle), the upper arm bone (proximal humerus), and the shoulder blade (scapula). Dr. John Redfern treats shoulder fractures in Colorado Springs, from a sling and rehabilitation for stable breaks to surgical repair and, for certain complex fractures, shoulder replacement.
Clavicle (Collarbone) Fractures
A broken collarbone is the most common shoulder fracture, usually from a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched hand. Many heal well in a sling. A simple sling is generally as effective as a figure-of-eight brace and is more comfortable, so a brace is rarely necessary. Surgery with a plate and screws is considered when the fracture is significantly displaced or shortened, the bone is in pieces, the skin is threatened, or an active patient needs reliable early function. A hairline (nondisplaced) fracture almost always heals without surgery.
Proximal Humerus Fractures
Fractures of the ball and upper shaft of the arm bone are common in older adults with thinner bone, usually after a fall. Treatment ranges from a sling for well-aligned fractures, to plates and screws when the pieces need to be realigned, to reverse shoulder replacement when the ball is broken into several pieces or its blood supply is compromised. A reverse replacement relies on the deltoid muscle, so it can restore function even when the rotator cuff attachments have been damaged by the fracture.
Scapula Fractures and AC Joint Separations
Shoulder blade fractures usually follow high-energy injuries and are most often treated without surgery. A separated shoulder is an injury to the ligaments where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade (the AC joint); it is not a dislocation of the ball-and-socket joint. Most AC separations are treated nonsurgically with a sling and therapy, and surgery is reserved for severe separations.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Many shoulder fractures heal well without surgery when the pieces sit in an acceptable position. Treatment is a sling for comfort, early gentle motion of the elbow and hand, follow-up X-rays to confirm the bone stays aligned, and progressive therapy as healing allows.
When Surgery Helps
Surgery is considered for displaced fractures that would not heal in a functional position, fractures that involve the joint surface, open fractures, fractures with nerve or blood vessel injury, and fractures in active patients who need reliable early function. Dr. Redfern uses plates and screws or other fixation devices as the fracture requires.
How Long a Shoulder Fracture Takes to Heal
Bone healing generally takes six to twelve weeks, and motion and strength continue to return over several months. Stiffness is the most common problem after a shoulder fracture, so early, guided motion matters. Timelines vary with the fracture and the patient.
If You Think You Have a Fracture
Obvious deformity, an open wound, numbness, or a cold or pale hand need emergency care. For a painful shoulder after a fall without those signs, call the office, let us know it is a new injury, and our team will help you get evaluated.
Risks
Risks of fracture treatment include infection, irritation from hardware, failure of the bone to heal or healing in a poor position, stiffness, nerve injury, and, after some humerus fractures, loss of blood supply to the ball of the joint. Dr. Redfern reviews the risks that apply to your injury. Individual results vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need surgery for a broken collarbone?
Most people do not. Surgery is considered when the fracture is significantly displaced or shortened, the skin is at risk, or you need reliable early function.
Do I need a brace or a sling for a broken collarbone?
A simple sling is usually all that is needed. Figure-of-eight braces have not been shown to heal collarbones better than a sling, and most patients find them less comfortable.
How long does a shoulder fracture take to heal?
Most heal in six to twelve weeks, with motion and strength continuing to improve over several months.
When is a shoulder replacement used for a fracture?
For certain complex proximal humerus fractures, particularly in older adults, where the pieces cannot be reliably fixed. A reverse replacement relies on the deltoid muscle, so it can work even when the rotator cuff attachments are damaged by the fracture.
Should I go to the emergency room?
Obvious deformity, an open wound, numbness, or a cold or pale hand need emergency care right away. For a painful shoulder after a fall without those signs, calling the office for prompt evaluation is appropriate.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Redfern
Call the office or request an appointment online and our team will help you take the next step.