Preventing Shoulder Fractures

A fracture in the shoulder can occur suddenly. It could be due to slipping while bathing, losing balance while climbing the stairs or being involved in an accident while riding a two-wheeler. This is followed by pain in carrying out basic tasks like wearing clothes, combing hair and lifting a cup of tea.

Many situations could make a person more susceptible to a fracture of the shoulder. Having fragile bones, having poor body balance, living in an unsafe environment and engaging in risky physical activities are some of those situations.

Being aware of these situations can enable one to take sensible precautions.

What is a shoulder fracture?

A shoulder fracture can involve any of the bones around the shoulder. The break may occur in the upper end of the arm bone, known as the humerus or in the collarbone and shoulder blade. It is not the same in every person. In some cases, there may be just a small crack, whereas a stronger injury can break the bone and cause it to shift from its normal position. The doctor will decide the treatment after looking at the type of fracture and the condition of the injured bone

What usually causes shoulder fractures?Damage to the nerves

A shoulder fracture generally occurs when the force placed on the bone is greater than the bone can tolerate.

Falls are a common cause. An older person may fall while walking on a wet floor, getting out of bed or using the stairs. Occasionally, the person instinctively stretches out an arm to break the fall, transferring force to the shoulder and upper limb.

Road accidents are another important cause. A rider may land directly on the shoulder after a collision or fall from a two-wheeler.

Sports and physical activities can also result in fractures, particularly when there is a collision, a fall or a strong direct blow.

High impact accidents can cause more complicated injuries involving several bones or joints. These cases require careful assessment and treatment from an experienced trauma specialist.

Can exercise help protect against shoulder fractures?

Engagement in regular physical exercise will assist in the maintenance of muscle power, coordination and balance. Muscle power may also assist a person to have more stable control when they walk and do various activities.

Walking and proper exercising for strength and balance will be beneficial for many people. But the exercise that a person chooses must be based on their age, physical state and any other health problem.

A person who has joint problems, previous fractures or limited movements must consult with a medical professional prior to participating in strenuous exercises.

It is not about exercising more but being able to cope with ordinary movements.

How Does Your Diet Help Keep Your Bones Strong?

Good nutrition is required for optimal bone health through the life span. The following nutrients in particular are essential for the health of our bones:

• Milk and other dairy items
• Ragi and other sources of calcium
• Greens
• Eggs
• Fish and other protein-rich food
• Nuts and seeds

Sometimes, just a good diet will not be sufficient if there is an issue of bone health. If your bone health is weak, the doctor may advise you accordingly.

How can two-wheeler riders reduce their risk?

Two-wheelers are very useful in the daily commute for a lot of Indians but while riding there is always a risk of being injured in an accident.

A few simple practices that could make all the difference are as follows:

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Observing speed limits and traffic signals can keep adequate distance from other automobiles and do not engage in distracted riding.

Protective riding equipment could offer more protection as per your riding requirements. Even when an accident cannot be completely avoided , reducing the force and severity of the impact can help limit injuries.

What symptoms could indicate a shoulder fracture?

Pain after a fall does not always mean that the bone is broken. There are certain signs one should not ignore.

These are:

• Sudden or sharp pain in the shoulder
• Swelling around the injured area
• Bruising or a change in skin color
• Difficulty or pain while moving the arm
• Tenderness around the shoulder or collarbone
• A change in the normal shape of the shoulder

Sometimes a person will not be able to distinguish whether the problem is a fracture, dislocation or serious soft tissue injury just from looking at the shoulder. Further investigation including an x-ray might be needed.

What should you do if you suspect a shoulder fracture?

In case of a bone fracture following an accident or fall, avoid constantly manipulating the shoulder joint or attempting to manipulate it to straighten.

Maintain the injured arm in a safe position without carrying any load on it. Applying a cold pack wrapped in cloth could relieve swelling as you organize yourself for medical consultation.

Most important is to get oneself checked by a physician especially after a major fall or accident.

Failure to do so can lead to inappropriate treatment in the case of a possible fracture.

When does a shoulder injury need urgent medical attention?

In some cases, assessment is needed immediately instead of waiting until the pain subsides.

See a doctor in case:

• The shoulder looks deformed
• You cannot move the arm
• There is severe swelling or pain
• The hand or arm becomes numb or unusually weak
• The injury occurred during a major road accident
• There is an open wound near the suspected fracture
• Continuing or increased pain after the trauma

Assessment will help to know exactly which part is damaged and if the shoulder requires immobilization, rehabilitation or surgery.

Can every shoulder fracture be prevented?

Not necessarily. Fractures can happen due to unexpected accidents or injuries from trauma and they may not always be preventable.

There are ways in which you can minimize certain risks by ensuring that you keep your bones healthy, strengthening yourself and having a safe environment as well as taking care when traveling or playing sports.

And for elderly people, fall prevention becomes particularly relevant. In case someone had frequent falls or even fractures before, it is good to see a doctor.

Final thoughts

A shoulder fracture can make your usual daily work difficult, even though the injury may be in only one part of your body. Therefore, it is better to take some precautions before a fall or accident happens.

Keep the area around you safe, do regular exercise that suits you and give proper attention to your bone health. When you travel or take part in sports and also follow the basic safety precautions.

If you have a fall or accident, do not ignore severe pain in the shoulder or difficulty in moving the arm. Getting the injury checked early can help in understanding the problem and deciding the treatment required.

If you or anyone in your family has suffered a shoulder injury or needs to get a possible fracture checked, you can consult Dr. Srinivas Kasha, an experienced orthopedic surgeon, trauma specialist and Complex Trauma Surgeon.

FAQs

Can a shoulder fracture heal without surgery?

Yes, some stable fractures can heal with immobilization, pain management and physiotherapy. Surgery may be considered when the fracture is displaced, unstable or involves the joint.

How long does a shoulder fracture take to heal?

Bone healing commonly takes several weeks but the exact recovery period varies according to the fracture, age, bone health and treatment.

Are older adults more likely to suffer shoulder fractures?

Yes. Reduced bone strength, balance problems and a higher risk of falls can make fractures more common among older adults.

Can exercise reduce the risk of fractures?

Regular, appropriate exercise can help maintain muscle strength, balance and physical function, which may reduce fall risk.

What should I do immediately after a suspected shoulder fracture?

Keep the arm supported, avoid unnecessary movement and seek medical assessment. Do not try to straighten or reposition the injured shoulder yourself.