A broken shoulder, or shoulder fracture, involves a break in one of the bones that make up the shoulder joint. This injury can significantly impair mobility and cause pain. Healing requires medical guidance and rehabilitation to regain function and strength.
Understanding Your Shoulder Injury
Diagnosing a broken shoulder involves imaging to identify the fracture’s location and severity. X-rays are the initial step, providing a general assessment. For more detail, especially to assess soft tissues or complex fracture patterns, a CT scan or MRI may be used. CT scans combine multiple X-ray images for cross-sectional views, while MRIs use magnets and radiofrequencies to create detailed images of soft tissues and structures. Ultrasound can also assess soft tissue injuries.
Shoulder fractures typically affect the humerus (upper arm bone), clavicle (collarbone), or scapula (shoulder blade). Proximal humerus fractures, at the top of the upper arm bone, are common, particularly in adults over 65. Clavicle fractures are also frequent. Scapula fractures are less common due to their protected position by surrounding muscles. The specific bone fractured, and whether it is non-displaced (bones aligned) or displaced (bones out of alignment), significantly influences the healing process and treatment.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment for a broken shoulder depends on the fracture type and severity. Non-surgical methods are often effective, particularly for non-displaced fractures where the bones remain in proper alignment. These conservative treatments typically involve immobilizing the arm with a sling or brace to support the shoulder and allow the bone to heal. Pain management is also a component of non-surgical care, often utilizing over-the-counter pain relievers or stronger prescribed medications.
If bone fragments are displaced or the fracture is complex, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign and stabilize the bones. Surgical options include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), where plates, screws, or pins hold the fractured pieces together. In severe cases, a partial shoulder replacement might be considered. A medical professional makes the decision between surgical and non-surgical approaches, considering factors like fracture displacement, patient age, and activity level.
The Healing Timeline
Bone healing is a natural, multi-stage process. Initially, a hematoma (blood clot) forms at the fracture site within days, providing a framework for repair. This is followed by a fibrocartilaginous scaffold, a temporary bridge between bone ends, typically around 5 to 11 days post-injury. Immature bone, known as callus, then forms, strengthening the fracture site. This stage usually occurs between 11 and 28 days and allows some limited movement.
The final stage is bone remodeling, where the callus converts into solid, mature bone. This process can continue for months or years, though functional recovery often occurs sooner. For a broken shoulder, overall healing time ranges from three months to a year, influenced by factors such as the specific bone fractured, severity, treatment method, and individual health. For instance, a well-aligned humeral fracture might heal within approximately eight weeks, while clavicle fractures typically heal in 6 to 12 weeks.
Rehabilitation and Return to Activity
Physical therapy is a key part of healing a broken shoulder, helping restore range of motion, strength, and function. Therapy often begins shortly after initial treatment, even while the bone heals, focusing on protecting the injured area and maintaining mobility in adjacent joints. Early rehabilitation may involve gentle movements like pendulum exercises, where the arm hangs freely and swings to prevent stiffness.
As healing progresses, exercises become more active, gradually increasing shoulder muscle use. This includes movements to improve flexibility, such as wall climbs and shoulder flexion, and later, strengthening exercises. A physical therapist guides this progression, developing a personalized program for safe and effective recovery. The goal is to regain full strength and mobility, allowing a safe return to daily activities, work, and sports. Returning to activities, especially sports, should be gradual, starting with low-impact movements and incrementally increasing intensity to prevent re-injury.
Supporting Your Recovery
Managing pain is important for recovery. Ice therapy can reduce swelling and discomfort, especially in the initial days, typically applied for 15-20 minutes every few hours. Heat therapy can be introduced later to promote blood flow and relax muscles.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen are often recommended. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen may be avoided as they can potentially slow bone healing. If pain is severe, stronger medications may be prescribed.
Nutrition also plays a role in bone health and healing. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is beneficial for bone repair. Protein is important, as it forms about half of bone structure and is needed to build new bone. Foods rich in vitamin C and iron contribute to collagen production and oxygen supply. Recognize warning signs requiring medical attention, such as increased pain, numbness, or signs of infection, and adhere to medical advice throughout recovery.