What is a Shoulder Fracture?
A shoulder fracture is a break or crack in one of the bones that make up the shoulder joint. The shoulder has three bones:
- Clavicle (Collarbone): This bone runs horizontally between the sternum (breastbone) and the shoulder blade. It is a common site for fractures.
- Scapula (Shoulder Blade): This is the triangular bone located in the upper back. Fractures of the scapula are relatively rare and usually occur due to high-energy trauma.
- Humerus (Upper Arm Bone): The upper part of the humerus fits into the shoulder socket. Fractures here can occur at the proximal end (near the shoulder joint) and are known as proximal humerus fractures.
Symptoms and Causes of Shoulder Fractures
Symptoms
Symptoms of a shoulder fracture may include one or more of the following:
- Severe pain around the site of the fracture.
- Swelling and bruising.
- Limited range of motion.
- A visible deformity or bump.
- Tenderness to touch.
- Numbness or tingling if nerves are affected.
Causes
Shoulder fractures can be caused by various events, such as:
- Falls: Falling onto a hand when it is outstretched or directly onto the shoulder.
- Trauma: Car accidents, sports injuries, or any direct blow to the shoulder.
- Osteoporosis: Weakened bones due to osteoporosis can fracture more easily from minor trauma.

Risk Factors for Shoulder Fractures
Risk factors for shoulder fractures include:
Age
- Older Adults: Aging increases the risk due to the natural decrease in bone density, leading to conditions like osteoporosis, which makes bones more susceptible to fractures.
Osteoporosis
- Weakened Bones: Osteoporosis significantly increases the risk of fractures, including those in the shoulder, due to reduced bone strength.
Trauma and Falls
- High-impact Injuries: Activities or accidents that involve a high risk of falls or direct blows to the shoulder, such as sports, cycling, or motor vehicle accidents.
- Low-impact Falls: Even minor falls can cause fractures in individuals with weakened bones.
Gender
- Women: Women are more prone to osteoporosis and, consequently, have a higher risk of fractures, especially post-menopausal women, due to lower estrogen levels.
Physical Activity
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of regular exercise can weaken bones and decrease muscle strength, increasing the risk of falls and fractures.
- High-risk Sports: Participation in contact sports or activities with a high risk of falling, such as skiing, snowboarding, or cycling.
Health Conditions
- Chronic Illnesses: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses can affect bone density and overall health, increasing fracture risk.
- Balance and Coordination Issues: Conditions that impair balance and coordination, such as Parkinson’s disease or certain neurological disorders, can increase the likelihood of falls.
Medication
- Corticosteroids: Long-term use of corticosteroids can weaken bones.
- Medications Causing Drowsiness or Dizziness: Some medications affect balance, increasing the risk of falls.
Lifestyle Factors
- Poor Nutrition: An inadequate diet leading to decreased intake of calcium and vitamin D may weaken bones.
- Smoking: Smoking can decrease bone density and impair healing.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol can lead to nutritional deficiencies and increase the risk of falls and bone fractures.
Previous Fractures
- History of Fractures: Individuals who have had previous fractures are at a higher risk of future fractures due to potential underlying bone weaknesses or conditions.
By addressing risk factors that can be altered, such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, individuals can help reduce their risk of shoulder fractures.
Potential Complications of Shoulder Fractures
Shoulder fractures can lead to several potential complications, which may affect recovery and overall function. These complications include:
Immediate Complications
- Neurovascular Injury: Fractures can damage nearby nerves and blood vessels, leading to issues such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or poor blood circulation.
- Infection: Particularly a risk if surgery is required, where open fractures or surgical wounds can become infected.
- Compartment Syndrome: Increased pressure within the muscles surrounding the fracture can lead to decreased blood flow, tissue damage, and severe pain.
Short-term Complications
- Malunion: The fractured bones may heal in an incorrect position, causing deformity and impaired function.
- Nonunion: The fractured bones fail to heal properly, leading to persistent pain and instability.
- Joint Stiffness: Immobilisation and injury can result in stiffness and reduced movement in the shoulder joint.
- Rotator Cuff Injury: There is a risk that the rotator cuff is affected either at the time of the fracture or during the healing process.
Long-term Complications
- Arthritis: Post-traumatic arthritis can develop in the shoulder joint, leading to chronic pain and stiffness.
- Chronic Pain: Persistent pain can result from nerve damage, improper healing, or other complications.
- Reduced Function: Loss of strength, limited range of motion, and decreased shoulder function can occur, impacting daily activities and quality of life.
- Avascular Necrosis: If there is a disruption of blood supply to the bone it can lead to bone death, particularly in the humeral head, causing severe joint problems.
- Shoulder Instability: Improper healing or damage to the joint structures can result in a shoulder that feels unstable or is prone to dislocation.
Psychological Impact
- Depression and Anxiety: Chronic pain and reduced functionality can lead to mental health issues, these may include depression and anxiety.
- Decreased Quality of Life: Ongoing pain, limitations in daily activities, and potential loss of independence can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.
Rehabilitation Challenges
- Delayed Healing: Factors like age, overall health, and the severity of the fracture can delay the healing process.
- Compliance Issues: Difficulties in adhering to rehabilitation protocols and follow-up appointments can hinder recovery.
Addressing these complications requires a comprehensive treatment plan that includes proper medical care, rehabilitation, and possibly psychological support to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. Access Ortho will assess and treat your shoulder fracture. We offer rapid appointments and provide expert orthopaedic care.
Diagnostic Methods for Shoulder Fractures
Diagnosing shoulder fractures involves several methods to accurately identify the type, exact location, and severity of the fracture. Here are the primary diagnostic methods:
Clinical Examination
- Patient History: The medical team will ask about the injury’s mechanism, onset of symptoms, and any previous shoulder problems or general health issues.
- Physical Examination: This includes inspecting the shoulder for swelling, bruising, deformity, and tenderness. The medical team will also assess the range of motion and perform specific tests to check for nerve or vascular damage.
Imaging Studies
- X-rays: The primary imaging modality for diagnosing shoulder fractures. X-rays can reveal the fracture’s location, type, and alignment. Different views (anterior-posterior, lateral, and axillary) are typically taken to get a complete picture of the shoulder.
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: CT scans provide more detailed images of the bone and are useful in complex fractures, especially those involving the scapula or humeral head. They help in assessing the extent of the fracture and planning surgical interventions if necessary.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI is used less frequently for diagnosing fractures but is valuable for evaluating associated soft tissue injuries, such as rotator cuff tears, ligament injuries, or labral tears.
- Ultrasound: While not commonly used for diagnosing fractures, ultrasound can be helpful in evaluating soft tissue injuries around the shoulder and guiding certain procedures like injections.
Additional Tests
- Bone Scans: In cases where fractures are not easily visible on X-rays, especially in stress fractures or occult fractures, a bone scan might be used. This involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material to highlight bone abnormalities.
- Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies: If there is a suspicion of nerve damage these tests may be performed.
Blood Tests
- Blood Tests: While not specific for diagnosing fractures, on occasion blood tests may be ordered to rule out underlying conditions that could affect bone health, such as osteoporosis, or to assess general health before surgery.
Accurate diagnosis through these methods is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan and ensuring proper healing and recovery. Access Ortho are expert in orthopaedic care. We can offer a rapid appointment to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

Managing and Treating Shoulder Fractures
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Options include:
- Non-surgical Treatment: This can involve immobilisation with a sling or brace, rest, ice, pain management with medication, and physiotherapy to restore movement and strength.
- Surgical Treatment: For more severe fractures, especially if the bones are displaced, surgery may be recommended. Procedures can involve the use of plates, screws, or rods to stabilise the fracture.
For specific information on treatment for a fracture, please refer to the information in the section about fractures of particular bones.
Outlook and Prognosis for Shoulder Fractures
The outlook and prognosis for shoulder fractures vary based on factors such as the specific bone involved, severity and type of fracture, patient’s age, general health, and adherence to treatment and rehabilitation.
- With appropriate treatment, most shoulder fractures have a good prognosis. Non-displaced fractures often heal well with conservative measures, including immobilization, pain management, and physiotherapy. Patients can expect to regain most or all of their shoulder function over time.
- Complex fractures, such as those that are displaced or involve the joint surface, may require surgical intervention. These fractures can take longer to heal and may need a more extended rehabilitation period. Some patients may experience residual stiffness, pain, or reduced range of motion despite surgery.
- Age plays a significant role in prognosis. Younger patients generally heal faster and more completely compared to older individuals. Elderly patients, especially those with osteoporosis, may face a longer recovery period and are at higher risk for complications.
- Adherence to physiotherapy and rehabilitation is crucial for a good outcome. Proper physiotherapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and function to the shoulder. Neglecting these exercises can lead to prolonged recovery and incomplete healing.
- Potential complications, such as malunion, nonunion, and post-traumatic arthritis, can affect the long-term prognosis. While many patients recover fully, others may experience chronic pain or limitations in shoulder function if complications arise.
- The prognosis for shoulder fractures is generally positive with proper medical care and rehabilitation. The outcome depends on the specifics of the fracture, the patient’s health, and their commitment to the recovery process.
When to Visit a Fracture Clinic (Access Ortho)
Knowing when and where to seek care after an injury can be difficult. You should consider visiting a specialist orthopaedic fracture clinic such as Access Ortho in the following situations:
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Fractures: Access Ortho can assist if you have been diagnosed with a fracture. Access Ortho is a private fracture clinic that provides orthopaedic evaluation and management for upper and lower limb fractures.
- Follow-up Care: If you have already seen your GP or emergency department, Access Ortho can provide your follow-up care. Access Ortho only treats orthopaedic injuries; therefore, it has the expertise required to care for fractures and sprains. We offer rapid appointments without the need to call multiple orthopaedic surgeons to get an urgent appointment.
- Complex or Displaced Fractures: For fractures that are complex, displaced, or involve joints or multiple bones, Access Ortho will offer expert orthopaedic care.
- Persistent Symptoms: If pain, swelling, or functional limitations continue after an initial period of treatment following an acute injury, Access Ortho can assess for potential complications like nonunion, malunion, or additional injuries.
- Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Needs: Access Ortho can assist with physiotherapy and hand therapy referrals to restore strength, mobility, and function. As a fracture clinic, they will provide tailored care and resources.
A visit to Access Ortho- fracture clinic will ensure you receive comprehensive and specialised care, which can significantly impact recovery outcomes and overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common symptoms of a shoulder fracture?
- The most common symptoms of shoulder fractures are:
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand if nerves are affected.
- Severe pain in the shoulder area.
- Swelling and bruising around the shoulder.
- Difficulty or inability to move the shoulder or arm.
- Deformity or visible bump in the shoulder region.
- Tenderness to touch.
How long does it take for a shoulder fracture to heal completely?
Healing time differs depending on the severity and type of fracture. Generally, non-displaced fractures may take 6-8 weeks to heal. More complex fractures or those requiring surgery may take 3-6 months for full recovery. Complete healing and rehabilitation can take longer.
Can a shoulder fracture heal without surgery?
Yes, many shoulder fractures can heal without surgery, especially if they are non-displaced or minimally displaced. Treatment typically involves immobilisation with a sling, pain management, and physiotherapy. However, some fractures may require surgical intervention for proper healing.
What exercises can I do to recover from a shoulder fracture?
Initial exercises focus on gentle range-of-motion activities, such as pendulum swings and passive shoulder movements, as recommended by a healthcare provider. As healing progresses, strengthening exercises, including isometric exercises and resistance training, may be introduced. Always follow your physiotherapist’s guidance to avoid complications.
How soon can I return to work after a shoulder fracture?
The timing for returning to work depends on the nature of your job and the severity of the fracture. For sedentary jobs, you might return within a few weeks, while physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period, possibly 2-3 months or more. Access Ortho will help advise you on this.
What is the difference between a shoulder fracture and a shoulder dislocation?
A shoulder fracture involves a break in one of the shoulder bones (clavicle, scapula, or humerus). A shoulder dislocation is when the head of the humerus comes out of its position in the shoulder socket (glenoid). Fractures typically involve pain, swelling, and possible deformity, while dislocations often result in severe pain and an inability to move the shoulder, with a noticeable deformity where the shoulder joint is misaligned.
Often when a dislocation occurs, a fracture is also seen.
Are shoulder fractures more common in certain age groups?
Yes, shoulder fractures are more common in older adults, especially those with osteoporosis or other bone-weakening conditions. They are also prevalent in younger individuals due to sports injuries or accidents.
How can I manage pain from a shoulder fracture at home?
Over-the-counter pain medications, for example ibuprofen or panadol, may be used as directed to manage pain. The application of ice packs to the shoulder can help to reduce swelling. Keep the shoulder immobilised with a sling or brace. Elevate the arm if possible and follow any specific pain management advice provided by your healthcare provider.
What are the long-term effects of a shoulder fracture?
Potential long-term effects include chronic pain, reduced range of motion, stiffness, and possible arthritis in the shoulder joint. Complications such as malunion or nonunion of the fracture can also affect long-term function and comfort.
When should I seek immediate medical attention for a suspected shoulder fracture?
It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe pain, significant swelling, visible deformity, or difficulty moving your shoulder or arm. Immediate care is also crucial if you have numbness or tingling in your arm or hand, which could indicate nerve involvement or other complications. Access Ortho can provide rapid appointments for shoulder injuries.