Shoulder Fractures

Beacon and TriHealth have teamed up to transform orthopedic care.

Access broader, superior orthopedic services through the combined efforts of two powerhouse providers, driven to provide a model for partnership between independent physicians and health systems in Greater Cincinnati.

Learn More.

When a shoulder condition like a shoulder fracture occurs, the pain can be significant. A fracture can prevent you from enjoying the activities you love. At TriHealth Orthopedic & Sports Institute and Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, you’ll receive advanced care for clavicle and humerus fractures from fellowship trained specialists. Collaborating in the tri-state area’s highest-volume orthopedic surgery hospital, our team uses the latest technology including 3D modeling and GPS navigation for reconstructive procedures.

Shoulder Fractures

The humerus and clavicle are the most commonly fractured shoulder bones.

Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that combine the upper arm bone (humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula) and the collar bone (clavicle). A group of muscles and tendons holds the shoulder bones together to allow a range of motion and rotation. Because your shoulder has many moving parts, you can easily experience shoulder injuries.

Shoulder fracture causes

Fractures to the upper arm bone and collar bone usually result from trauma which can include:

• Accidents, including motor vehicle, off-road and water sports accidents
• Direct blows during high-risk activities like football
• Falls

Shoulder fracture symptoms

Shoulder fracture symptoms generally include:

• Severe pain and tenderness
• Inability or limited range of motion to move the arm or shoulder without pain
• Deformity such as a bump at the site of the injury
• Swelling
• Bruising

Shoulder fracture treatment

Depending on whether your shoulder fracture is partial, broken but not shifted (an in-line break), displaced (the broken ends are misaligned) or a compound fracture (bone has broken through the skin), treatment may include:

• Nonsurgical treatment with temporary immobilization such as use of a sling or cast
• Ice and medicine to reduce pain and swelling
• Surgery
• Joint replacement
• Physical therapy

Shoulder fracture risk factors

Your risk for a shoulder fracture depends on:

• Age
• High-contact sports like football or extreme sports like snowboarding and off-road sports such as ATV sports
• Osteoporosis (low bone density)

Shoulder fracture prevention

Strategies for shoulder fracture prevention depend on your age and your activities.

• Maintain good bone health
• Wear proper shoes to maintain balance and prevent falls
• Use proper equipment for your sport
• Use proper techniques for your sport

Make an appointment

To learn more about shoulder fractures or make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist: Call TriHealth at 513 246 2300 or our orthopedic partner, Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, at 513 354 3700.