A broken shoulder generally refers to a fracture in one of the bones that make up the shoulder joint. This can involve the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder blade), or the proximal humerus (the upper part of the arm bone closest to the shoulder). Recognizing the potential signs of such an injury and understanding the appropriate immediate steps to take can guide individuals toward proper medical evaluation.
Key Signs of a Broken Shoulder
A severe, sudden pain signals a broken shoulder, worsening with arm movement. It is typically localized to the shoulder and can radiate down the arm. Its intensity usually prevents normal use of the affected limb.
Swelling around the shoulder is a common response. Bruising may also develop shortly after the injury, appearing as discoloration. In some cases, a visible deformity might indicate that bones are out of their normal alignment.
A grating or grinding sensation, known as crepitus, can be felt or heard when attempting to move the shoulder. The inability to lift or move the arm indicates structural damage. The area around the fracture will be tender to the touch, with light pressure causing considerable pain.
Distinguishing a Fracture from Other Injuries
While many shoulder injuries share symptoms like pain and swelling, certain signs distinguish a fracture from sprains, dislocations, or muscle strains. A fracture presents with immediate, sharp, debilitating pain that makes any arm movement difficult or impossible. In contrast, a sprain or strain might allow for some limited range of motion.
A distinct “pop” or “snap” sound indicates a bone breaking. This auditory cue is less common with soft tissue damage. A significant visible deformity, such as a misshapen shoulder, suggests a bone fracture rather than a soft tissue injury.
Persistent, severe tenderness directly over a bone, rather than diffuse muscle pain, suggests a fracture. While a dislocated shoulder also causes severe pain and an inability to move the arm, it typically involves the humeral head displaced from its socket. A fracture may or may not involve this displacement but always involves a bone break.
Immediate Steps and When to Seek Care
If a broken shoulder is suspected, immobilizing the arm immediately prevents further injury. Support the arm against the body, perhaps with a makeshift sling. Avoiding any movement of the arm and shoulder is paramount.
Applying ice to the injured area helps reduce swelling and pain. A cold pack wrapped in a cloth should be applied for about 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Keeping the arm elevated, if possible without causing more pain, also helps manage swelling.
Professional medical evaluation is necessary for a suspected shoulder fracture. Immediate medical attention is required for severe, unmanageable pain, a visible deformity, or an open wound. Loss of sensation or a pale, cool hand on the injured side also warrants urgent care, indicating nerve or blood vessel damage.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office
At the doctor’s office, the medical professional will begin by taking a detailed medical history, inquiring about the injury and symptoms. A physical examination will follow, with the doctor assessing the shoulder for swelling, bruising, tenderness, and any visible deformities. They will check the range of motion and nerve function.
Imaging tests are the main tools for diagnosing a shoulder fracture. X-rays are often the first diagnostic step, providing clear images of the bones and the fracture. For complex or inconclusive cases, a computed tomography (CT) scan may be ordered. A CT scan provides a more detailed, three-dimensional view, especially helpful for fractures involving the joint surface.
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will discuss treatment, depending on the fracture’s severity and type. Non-surgical management often involves immobilization with a sling and physical therapy, common for many fractures. Surgical intervention may be considered for displaced or complex fractures to restore alignment and function.