In the case of a shoulder fracture, you will experience severe shoulder pain and reduced mobility. Shoulder fractures generally occur due to trauma or injury to the shoulder from a fall, contact sports, motor vehicle accidents or any direct hard blow to the shoulder. Dr Tilak Mahesh, an orthopaedic specialist in Kurnool, treats shoulder fractures of all types using the latest diagnostic techniques and treatment methods to deliver the best results.

Here are a few questions you can ask the surgeon about a shoulder fracture.

How do I know my shoulder got fractured?

A broken shoulder always results in severe pain in your damaged shoulder joint. Moreover, you may find it difficult to move your arm (restricted shoulder movement) after a fall or injury. To confirm the exact shoulder problem, reach out to an orthopaedic specialist and get evaluated. The doctor may suggest taking an X-ray for confirmation. If the tests confirm the fracture, the doctors will give you advice on how to treat the fracture and whether surgery is necessary.

Can a shoulder fracture heal on its own?

Yes, some shoulder fractures can heal themselves over time. An orthopaedic surgeon can provide all the necessary details to you associated with the shoulder injury and the treatment outcomes they can expect from both surgical & non-surgical treatment. They can assist you in making the best choice possible.

Doctors never tell patients they must undergo surgery when discussing their options. The treatment depends on many factors. Sometimes, the patients themselves must make the final call. Depending on their priorities and the results they aim to achieve from their treatment, patients can make some decisions on their treatment. 

Does shoulder fracture heal with physical therapy?

In a fracture, if the bones are not dislocated, meaning they remain in their proper anatomical locations, non-surgical treatment is the best option. In about 80% of cases, shoulder fractures do not involve displacement. Thus, there might be no need for surgery in most cases of shoulder fractures. 

Physical therapy is the best option, especially for hairline fractures. The best method to regain a complete range of motion and functionality is through physical therapy; it can help patients recover their mobility even after more severe injuries.

What is the risk of not having surgery now?

Having shoulder surgery depends on many factors like the type of injury, severity of the damage etc. In some cases, if the damage is not progressive, the surgery can be delayed for a few weeks to months. However, if shoulder surgery is delayed for too long, many complications can arise, like the initial surgery may fail and the need for revision surgery. It may also cause infection or lead to nerve injury.

Is there any alternative to shoulder surgery?

If the patients don’t want to undergo surgery, besides physical therapy, they have other treatment options like corticosteroid injections, anti-inflammatory medication etc. Sometimes it’s just the knowledge over your shoulder problem, what to do and what not to do like lifting weights, the directions you move your shoulder etc.

How long do I need to wear a sling for a fractured shoulder? 

If no surgery is needed, you will need to wear a sling for a while to prevent unwanted movements while the fracture heals and forms the callus. Based on your shoulder condition, the time frame you must wear the sling might vary slightly; however, people wear a splint for 3 to 4 weeks in most fractures.

How long does it take to recover from a shoulder fracture?

Generally, it takes a few weeks to a year to heal from a shoulder fracture, depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment you receive. In about 20% of cases, shoulder fractures are displaced and may need surgical attention to restore normal functions. The rotator cuff muscles can sometimes be torn or injured along with the fracture, which makes the treatment complicated and needs more time to recover.

Depending on the severity of the shoulder fractures, some can be treated with noninvasive methods, while others may need more involved surgical procedures. It is possible to use both conservative and surgical techniques in some cases. If you have any shoulder problems and want to know more, consult Dr Tilak Mahesh, one of the best shoulder specialists in Kurnool. He has nearly ten years of experience as an orthopaedic doctor and helped hundreds of patients suffering from shoulder pain, knee pain, bone fractures etc. Call +91-9885298383 to book an appointment with the doctor.