Image: www.fairviewrehab.com
Imagine this: you’re out enjoying a day of skiing, when suddenly, you take a nasty fall and land hard on your shoulder. Agony shoots through your arm, and you know instantly that something is amiss. A broken shoulder can be a debilitating injury, but fear not – with the right treatment, you’ll be back to full mobility in no time.
A broken shoulder, also known as a proximal humerus fracture, occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) breaks near the shoulder joint. This type of injury is typically caused by a high-energy impact, such as a fall or a direct blow to the shoulder. Symptoms of a broken shoulder include:
- Severe pain
- Swelling and bruising
- Deformity of the shoulder
- Inability to move the shoulder
Treatment for a Broken Shoulder
The treatment for a broken shoulder depends on the severity of the fracture. In some cases, the bone may simply need to be reset and immobilized. In other cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the fracture and/or repair any damaged ligaments or tendons. Nonsurgical Treatment Options
Nonsurgical treatment options for a broken shoulder include:
- Immobilization: This typically involves wearing a sling or cast to keep the shoulder immobilized.
- Physical therapy: This helps to restore range of motion and strength to the shoulder.
- Pain medication: This can help to relieve pain and inflammation.
Surgical Treatment Options
Surgical treatment options for a broken shoulder include:
- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): This involves making an incision in the shoulder and surgically aligning and stabilizing the broken bone fragments with plates, screws, or wires.
- Arthroscopic surgery: This involves making several small incisions in the shoulder and using a camera and small instruments to repair the broken bone and/or damaged ligaments or tendons.
Recovery from a Broken Shoulder
The recovery time for a broken shoulder varies depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment received. Nonsurgical treatment typically takes 4-6 weeks, while surgical treatment may take 8-12 weeks or longer. During recovery, it is important to follow your doctor’s orders and participate in physical therapy to regain full mobility and strength in your shoulder.
Preventing a Broken Shoulder
While it is not always possible to prevent a broken shoulder, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk. These include:
- Wearing proper protective gear when participating in sports or other activities that could put you at risk of a fall.
- Strengthening the muscles around your shoulder with regular exercise.
- Avoiding activities that put excessive strain on your shoulders.
Conclusion
A broken shoulder can be a painful and debilitating injury. However, with the right treatment, you will be able to regain full mobility and strength in your shoulder. If you have any questions about your injury, do not hesitate to consult with your doctor.
Image: www.medicalexperts.co.uk
How To Fix A Broken Shoulder
