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Clavicle, Proximal Humerus, and Scapula Fractures

What Are These Bones?


  • Clavicle: the collarbone, which connects the arm to the chest.

  • Proximal humerus: the upper end of the arm bone, near the shoulder joint.

  • Scapula: the shoulder blade.


What is This Condition?


Fractures are breaks in any of these bones. They can range from minor cracks to complex injuries that affect the shoulder joint itself.


What Causes It?


  • Falls onto the shoulder or outstretched arm

  • Sports injuries or collisions

  • Car accidents or high-energy trauma

  • Osteoporosis, which makes bones more fragile


What are the Symptoms?


  • Sudden, sharp pain after an injury or fall

  • Swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the shoulder

  • Difficulty moving the arm or using the shoulder

  • Visible deformity (especially with clavicle fractures)

  • Grinding or crepitus if the bone ends move against each other


How is It Diagnosed?


  • Exam: pain, swelling, bruising, and limited shoulder use

  • X-rays: confirm the location and pattern of the fracture

  • CT scans: sometimes needed for complex fractures involving the joint


How is It Treated?


Non-surgical:


  • Sling or brace for comfort

  • Physical therapy once healing begins to restore motion and strength


Surgical:


  • Plate and screw fixation or rods for displaced clavicle or humerus fractures

  • Shoulder replacement for severe proximal humerus fractures in certain patients

  • Scapula fractures are often treated without surgery unless the joint is significantly disrupted


Learn more from AAOS (OrthoInfo):

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/clavicle-fracture-broken-collarbone/

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/scapula-shoulder-blade-fractures/

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/shoulder-trauma-fractures-and-dislocations/

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