A fractured shoulder is a break in one of the three bones forming the shoulder joint: the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), or proximal humerus (upper arm bone). These injuries often result from trauma, such as falls, sports accidents, or car crashes, placing significant force on the shoulder. Healing varies considerably from person to person.
General Healing Timelines
Shoulder fracture healing time depends on the specific bone and fracture complexity. A clavicle fracture, or broken collarbone, commonly takes 6 to 12 weeks to heal. Simple breaks may heal within 4 to 6 weeks, while more severe fractures could require three months or more. In children, clavicle fractures often heal faster, within 4 to 8 weeks.
Proximal humerus fractures, affecting the upper arm bone near the shoulder, commonly heal within 6 to 12 weeks. Complex cases may take up to a year. Pain usually subsides within three weeks, with comfort improving by six weeks.
Scapula fractures, breaks in the shoulder blade, are less common due to surrounding muscle protection. They often heal quickly, typically taking 6 to 12 weeks to unite. Most do not require surgery and can heal within 6 to 8 weeks, though full strength and mobility recovery may take several months.
Factors Influencing Recovery
Several elements influence fractured shoulder healing. Fracture severity and type play a primary role; displaced fractures, where bone pieces have moved out of alignment, often require more intensive treatment, including surgery, and may take longer to heal than non-displaced fractures. Fractures with multiple fragments or joint surface involvement also tend to have extended recovery periods.
A patient’s age is another important factor, with younger individuals generally experiencing faster bone regeneration. Overall health conditions also impact healing; for example, diabetes can delay healing due to impaired blood flow. Osteoporosis, which weakens bones, can prolong recovery.
Nutritional status is important for bone repair, as adequate intake of vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D supports new bone tissue formation. Smoking can negatively affect healing, as nicotine restricts blood flow and impedes the body’s natural repair mechanisms. Adherence to medical advice, including proper immobilization and physical therapy, is important for optimal healing and preventing complications.
The Healing Journey
Fractured shoulder recovery involves several phases, beginning immediately after injury. The initial phase focuses on immobilization, using a sling or brace to keep the shoulder stable and allow bone fragments to mend. This period usually lasts 2 to 6 weeks, depending on fracture type and stability. Patients are advised to perform gentle movements of the elbow, wrist, and hand to prevent stiffness.
As initial pain subsides and some bone healing occurs, typically 3 to 6 weeks post-injury, gentle motion exercises are introduced. These often include passive range of motion exercises, like pendulum swings, which help maintain joint mobility without stressing the healing fracture. A physical therapist guides these movements to ensure safety and prevent re-injury, with the goal of gradually increasing the shoulder’s range of motion.
The final phase involves progressive strengthening exercises, usually beginning once the bone has healed sufficiently, often around 6 weeks or later. This stage aims to restore muscle strength and improve overall shoulder function. Patients work on regaining full range of motion and building endurance, often under physical therapist supervision for several months. Full return to pre-injury activities, like overhead lifting or strenuous arm work, is a gradual process that can take several months to a year.
Potential Complications and Prolonged Healing
Despite proper care, complications can arise, extending the healing timeline. Non-union occurs when the bone fails to heal completely, often after six months, potentially necessitating further intervention or surgery. Malunion happens when the bone heals in an improper or misaligned position, leading to persistent pain or reduced function.
Nerve damage can occur with severe fractures or during surgical procedures, causing weakness, numbness, or tingling. Stiffness, or “frozen shoulder,” is a frequent complication following shoulder fractures, particularly if the joint remains immobilized too long. This condition can limit range of motion and require extensive physical therapy.
Infection is another potential complication, especially if surgery was performed, and can impede healing. These complications can prolong recovery. While most shoulder fractures heal well, these issues can delay a patient’s return to normal activities and may require additional medical or surgical interventions.