The shoulder is a complex joint that is crucial for daily activities and enjoyable pastimes. Shoulder fractures, breaks, and sprains can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, causing pain, swelling, bruising, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Our fellowship trained and board-certified specialists use a step-by-step approach to accurately diagnose shoulder injuries, including obtaining a complete medical history, performing a physical examination, and ordering medical imaging studies. Non-surgical treatment options such as rest, ice, medications, and physical therapy may be prescribed for less severe cases. However, surgical intervention may be necessary in more severe cases. An open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) procedure may be performed to fixate and reduce a broken or fractured bone using a metal plate or rod and screws. Bone healing typically takes several weeks, and patients can return to their normal, pain-free lives. Don't let shoulder pain limit your daily activities – schedule an appointment with our specialists today by calling our practice or visiting our contact page.
The shoulder is one of the most important joints. Shoulder fractures, breaks, and sprains can limit a patient’s ability to perform movements required for day-to-day living and fun activities. Common causes of shoulder fractures, breaks, and sprains are:
Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. In some cases, an anatomical deformity may be seen. Our specialists are fellowship trained and board-certified. They use a step-by-step approach to accurately diagnose shoulder fractures, breaks, and sprains. First, a complete medical history that includes the cause of the injury and a history of symptoms is obtained. Next, a physical examination is performed. Last, medical imaging studies (X-rays and possibly an MRI) are ordered, performed, and analyzed. A customized treatment plan is prescribed after a diagnosis is made.
Nonsurgical treatment options may be used to treat shoulder fractures, breaks, and sprains that do not involve serious bone displacement or tendon tearing. A combination of the following is prescribed:
Surgical intervention may be recommended in some cases. A broken or fractured bone is reduced and fixated during an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) procedure. A metal plate or rod and screws are used. X-rays confirm the bone is in a perfect anatomical position. Bone healing takes place over the course of several weeks. Symptoms decrease and patients return to a normal, pain-free, unrestricted life.
