Fracture = Break.

Fractures occur when there are abnormal forces placed on the bone causing a disruption in the cortical bone. Certain conditions such as osteoporosis, thyroid disease, diabetes or renal disease may increase the risk of fractures. More commonly fractures occur from direct impact, joint dislocation or high velocity direct trauma. 

​

The most common fracture involving the shoulder is of the clavicle, followed by the humerus, and lastly the scapula.

​

Clavicle and proximal humerus fractures are often caused by a direct blow to the shoulder from an accident, fall, or collision. The scapula is harder to fracture than these two bones, so fractures of it are usually caused by high energy trauma.

Symptoms 

The most noticeable, and earliest sign or symptom of shoulder fracture is pain.  This is typically followed by a sensation of inability to move the arm, weakness, swelling, and typically bruising is noted.  Bruising can often take days to develop, and is sometimes seen at distant locations, when the blood is brought elsewhere by gravity.  Deformity can be seen, when the broken bone pushes towards the skin.  This is a common occurrence especially with clavicle fractures.

Fracture Treatment