Shoulder Fracture Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
A shoulder fracture is a break in one of the bones forming the shoulder, typically the clavicle, scapula, or humerus. It often results from falls, sports injuries, or accidents. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited movement. Treatment may involve immobilization, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on severity and displacement.
Start with our quick Symptom Assessment or connect directly with an Upswing Coach today.
Request an AppointmentReady to take the next step?
Start your symptom assessment or connect with a coach instantly.
Find Relief TodayOverview
Shoulder fractures are relatively common injuries that occur from a direct blow to the shoulder, such as a fall or collision. The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint made up of the humeral head(ball) and glenoid (socket). The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm that extends from the elbow to the shoulder.
A fracture or break at the top of the humerus is called a proximal humerus fracture. Shoulder fractures are described as displaced(the fragments are separated ) or non-displaced(no separation of the fragments). Most shoulder fractures can be treated without surgery, but some more serious ones, especially if the fragments are displaced, require surgery.
What causes Shoulder Fracture?
Shoulder fractures usually result from a direct blow to the shoulder, such as a fall or collision, but can also happen from landing on an outstretched hand. Proximal humerus fractures can occur at any age, with the risk increasing with age as bones weaken over time.
- How the Injury Occurs: A fracture happens when the bone cannot withstand sudden impact, twisting, or force, causing it to crack or break.
- Common Everyday Causes: Falling from stairs, slipping on wet surfaces, car accidents, or falling onto an outstretched arm can all trigger shoulder fractures, especially in older adults with weaker bones.
Shoulder fractures are relatively rare in athletes, but may occur in the following sports:
- Football: Tackles, collisions, and falls can place high impact on the shoulder, leading to fractures.
- Soccer: Falls, jumps, and accidental collisions with other players may cause shoulder breaks.
- Rugby: Heavy tackles and scrums can exert extreme force on the shoulder bones, resulting in fractures.
Symptoms
If you have a shoulder fracture, you may experience several noticeable signs, including:
- Pain, swelling, or bruising: Discomfort and discoloration around the shoulder joint.
- Inability to move the shoulder: Difficulty or inability to lift, rotate, or use the arm normally.
- Weakness: Reduced strength in the shoulder and arm.
- Numbness or tingling: Sensations of pins and needles in the arm, indicating possible nerve involvement.
When to see a doctor
If you experience shoulder pain after a fall, collision, or impact during sports, it’s important to see a doctor to check for a possible fracture. The doctor will review your injury and broken shoulder symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order imaging tests like X-rays. In some cases, CT scans or MRI scans may be needed to determine the severity of the fracture and guide the appropriate broken shoulder treatment plan.
Non-operative treatment
If your shoulder fracture is non-displaced or only minimally displaced, your doctor will usually recommend non-operative treatment.
Non-operative care for proximal humerus fractures may include:
- Icing the shoulder: Apply ice every 1–2 hours for 20 minutes; avoid heat during the first 24–48 hours to prevent increased swelling or bleeding.
- Pain management: Use over-the-counter pain medications as needed to control discomfort.
- Immobilization: Wearing a sling for 3–6 weeks to allow the bone to heal properly.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy or a home exercise program after healing to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Surgical Treatment
If your shoulder is fractured and the bones are displaced or in many pieces, then surgery may be needed to properly fix and align the bones. The type of surgery will depend on a number of factors, including your age, the amount of displacement/angulation of the fragments, and the number of broken pieces.
Many times, your surgeon can put the fragments back together with pins, screws, and plates. When that is not possible, your surgeon may suggest a partial or total shoulder replacement.
Recovery
Broken shoulder recovery time after a shoulder fracture depends on the severity of the injury and whether the fracture can be treated non-operatively or surgically. If you have a non-displaced fracture treated operatively, you may be able to get back to regular activities in as little as three months. If surgery is needed for your fracture, you should expect a 3-6 month recovery time.
Physical therapy is often needed after a shoulder fracture. Elbow and hand exercises may begin before the shoulder fracture has healed.
After the shoulder fracture has healed, you will begin gentle stretching exercises to regain the range of motion of your shoulder. Later, strengthening exercises will be added to regain your strength. It is important to follow your exercise program to regain your range of motion and strength before returning to normal activities.
Dr. Jay Kimmel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and shoulder and knee disorders. He completed his orthopedic training at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Temple University.
Dr. Kimmel previously served as the Director of the Connecticut Sports Medicine Institute at Saint Francis Hospital and has held faculty appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Departments of Orthopedics and Family Medicine at the University of Connecticut. He has extensive experience caring for athletes as a team physician for high school and collegiate programs and continues to teach in the athletic training departments at Westfield State University and Springfield College.
Find the Support You Need — Right When You Need It
Whether you’re managing pain for the first time, need ongoing guidance, or require expert medical care, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
ORTHO DIRECT
Video visit with an orthopedic doctor for advice and a care plan.
$30
/MonthMRI DIRECT
Fast, affordable MRI with orthopedic review. No insurance required.
$499
/MonthFrequently Asked Questions
Will I need surgery for a shoulder fracture?
Not always. Many shoulder fractures, especially non-displaced ones, can heal with non-operative treatment. Surgery is considered if the bone fragments are significantly displaced or unstable.
Can I move my arm after a shoulder fracture?
Movement is usually limited during the healing period. A sling is often used to immobilize the shoulder, with gentle physical therapy started once the bone has healed sufficiently.
What complications can occur from a shoulder fracture?
Possible complications include shoulder stiffness, chronic pain, nerve injury, or malunion (improper healing of the bone), which may affect strength and mobility.
How can I prevent future shoulder fractures?
Maintain bone strength through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and fall prevention. Wearing protective gear during contact sports and using proper technique can also reduce the risk of fractures.