A surgeon discussing Shoulder Fracture Surgery options with a patient in Florida
Treatment/Treatment Details

Shoulder Fracture Surgery

Surgical repair of shoulder fractures using plates, screws, or replacement to restore bone alignment and shoulder function.

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Restoring Shoulder Function After Fracture

Shoulder Fracture Surgery is performed to repair broken bones in the shoulder, most commonly the proximal humerus (upper arm bone near the shoulder). Fractures can result from falls, direct trauma, or high-energy injuries. At Mountain Spine & Orthopedics, our shoulder specialists use advanced surgical techniques including open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates and screws, or shoulder replacement for severe fractures. The goal is to restore bone alignment, promote healing, and restore shoulder function.

The type of surgery depends on the fracture pattern, bone quality, and patient factors. Some fractures can be repaired with plates and screws, while others may require shoulder replacement if the bone cannot be reliably fixed. Our surgeons specialize in both techniques and choose the best option based on each patient's specific fracture and goals.

Explore Shoulder Conditions & Treatments

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Who Needs Surgery?

  • Patients with displaced fractures that cannot be treated with casting
  • Individuals with fractures involving the joint surface
  • Those with multiple fracture fragments requiring surgical stabilization
  • Patients with poor bone quality (osteoporosis) where fixation may fail
  • Active individuals who need reliable fracture healing
  • Those with fractures that cannot heal properly without surgery

What Conditions does Shoulder Fracture Surgery Help Ease?

This procedure may help with:

Rotator Cuff TearLabral TearsShoulder ArthritisShoulder TendonitisShoulder PainShoulder Impingement
X-ray showing shoulder fracture repair with plates and screws

The Fracture Repair Procedure

  1. Following consultation and diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scan), the procedure is performed under general anesthesia
  2. An incision is made to access the fracture
  3. The fracture fragments are realigned (reduced)
  4. Metal plates and screws are used to hold the bones in place while they heal
  5. For severe fractures, shoulder replacement may be performed instead
  6. The incision is closed, and the shoulder is placed in a sling

Benefits of Shoulder Fracture Surgery

  • Restores bone alignment and promotes proper healing
  • Allows early motion to prevent stiffness
  • Reduces risk of non-union or malunion
  • Improves functional outcomes compared to non-surgical treatment
  • Allows return to activities once healed

Recovery and Healing

Recovery Timeline: 3-6 Months for Full Recovery

Recovery from shoulder fracture surgery involves protecting the repair while the bone heals. A sling is worn for 6-8 weeks. Physical Therapy begins gradually with passive motion and progresses to active motion and strengthening as the bone heals. X-rays are taken regularly to monitor healing. Full recovery typically takes 3-6 months, with return to most activities. The hardware may remain in place permanently or be removed later if it causes problems.

Related Shoulder Treatments

Explore other shoulder treatment options:

Resurfacing Shoulder Replacement TreatmentRotator Cuff Repair SurgeryShoulder ArthroscopyTotal Shoulder ReplacementReverse Shoulder ReplacementLabral Repair (Shoulder)Biceps TenodesisShoulder Instability Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is shoulder fracture surgery?

Shoulder fracture surgery treats broken bones in the proximal humerus, clavicle, or scapula through open reduction internal fixation (plates/screws), intramedullary nailing, or hemiarthroplasty/reverse shoulder replacement for comminuted proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients.

When does a shoulder fracture need surgery?

Surgery is needed for displaced fractures, multiple fragments (3-4 part proximal humerus), fractures with rotator cuff injury, open fractures, neurovascular injury, or fractures in young, active patients. Many minimally displaced fractures heal non-surgically with immobilization.

What is the recovery time for shoulder fracture surgery?

Recovery varies by fracture type. ORIF fixation: 3-6 months. Reverse replacement for complex fractures: 4-6 months. Clavicle ORIF: 3-4 months. Initial immobilization lasts 4-6 weeks, followed by progressive motion and strengthening under supervision.

What determines if I need plates or shoulder replacement?

Decision factors include fracture pattern, bone quality, patient age, and function. Young patients with good bone: ORIF fixation. Elderly with osteoporotic 4-part fractures: reverse shoulder replacement often provides better outcomes than attempting fixation of poor-quality bone.

What are the complications of shoulder fracture surgery?

Complications include stiffness (most common), avascular necrosis of the humeral head (10-20% in complex fractures), malunion, nonunion, hardware irritation, infection, nerve injury (axillary nerve), and potential need for revision to shoulder replacement.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Suffered a shoulder fracture? Schedule an urgent consultation with our orthopedic specialists at Mountain Spine & Orthopedics. We offer same-day and next-day appointments for fracture evaluation and treatment planning.

Locations Offering Evaluation

Our board-certified specialists offer shoulder fracture surgery evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.

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