Fractures Shoulder Pain Management
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Shoulder Pain Management

Fractures

Fractures are partial or total cracks through one or more of the three bones in the shoulder: the clavicle, scapula and humerus. The break in a bone usually occurs as a result of an impact injury. After a physical examination of the shoulder, an x-ray will confirm the diagnosis and show the extent of damage.

    Key Observations
  • Pain
  • Unable to move arm
  • Redness and bruising around the area
  • Bones appear out of position

Clinical Course

The bones will be brought back into position for healing and to restore arm movement. The use of a strap or sling may be required to keep the clavicle in place. After removal of the strap or sling, exercises to strengthen the shoulder and restore movement may be prescribed.

Content in this section is adapted and/or repurposed with permission from:
Lotke, PA, Abboud, JA, Ende, J. Lippincott’s Primary Care Orthopaedics. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:section 8.
Authors: Abboud, JA, Ricchetti, ET, Tjoumakaris, FP, Yagnik, GP.

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins <http://lww.com>

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Important Note: This web site is intended to provide general information about the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder pain. It is not intended to be a recommendation from DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. for any specific medical evaluation or treatment. It is the responsibility of each physician to determine an appropriate medical plan for an individual patient, based on the patient’s history, symptoms, physical examination, and medical tests.