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A broken shoulder can happen in an instant. One fall, one hard hit, and suddenly you can't move your arm without sharp pain. Whether you're an athlete or someone who simply lost their footing, a Dallas shoulder fracture needs proper care to heal correctly. Many breaks heal without surgery using a sling and physical therapy. But some injuries need surgical repair to restore full function. This guide explains when surgery helps and what repair options are available for patients seeking Dallas shoulder fracture treatment.
Your shoulder includes three bones. The clavicle (collarbone) connects your shoulder blade to your chest. The humerus is your upper arm bone. The scapula is your shoulder blade. A break in any of these counts as a shoulder fracture.
Common types include:
Falls cause most shoulder fractures. Young patients often break bones during sports or vehicle crashes. Older adults may fracture bones from simple falls due to osteoporosis.
Symptoms include:
If you suspect a break, see a doctor right away. X-rays confirm the injury and help plan treatment.
Many shoulder fractures heal without surgery. Your doctor may use a sling to keep your arm still while the bone mends naturally. This works well when bone pieces stay close together and properly aligned.
Most clavicle fractures heal in a sling within 6-8 weeks. Nearly all scapula fractures also heal without surgery.
However, surgery helps when:
A Dallas shoulder fracture specialist will review your images and explain whether surgery gives you a better outcome. Age matters too. Recent research from PLOS Medicine found that patients over 60 with complex fractures often do as well without surgery. The surgical group actually had more problems.
For younger patients and athletes, surgery often makes sense. Proper alignment means better strength and less chance of the bone healing crooked.
Modern orthopedic surgery offers several ways to fix broken shoulder bones. Your shoulder fracture surgeon in Dallas will choose the best method based on your specific injury.
This is the most common surgery for shoulder fractures. The shoulder fracture surgeon in Dallas makes an incision, moves pieces back into proper position, and secures them with metal plates and screws.
ORIF works well for displaced clavicle and humerus fractures. Special locking plates hold broken pieces firmly, even in weak bone. According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, surgical treatment rates for shoulder fractures rose from 20% in 2001 to over 60% by 2022.
For some breaks, surgeons insert a metal rod through the bone's center. This method uses smaller cuts than plate surgery. It works best for fractures that run down the arm bone shaft.
When the ball of your shoulder joint is shattered, fixing it with plates may not work. Joint replacement might be your best option.
Two types exist:
Reverse replacements have become popular for complex fractures in patients over 65 according to Cureus Journal. They provide reliable pain relief and decent motion for daily tasks.
Your surgeon considers your age, activity level, and fracture type. Research from JAAOS Global Research shows that surgeons who do many shoulder fracture repairs get better results.
Healing takes time whether you have surgery or not. Bones typically need several months to fully heal.
Early phase (0-6 weeks):
Active rehab (6 weeks onward):
Most patients handle daily tasks comfortably by 3 months. Full recovery often takes 6 months to a year. Athletes may need 3-4 months before returning to sports.
Don't rush your recovery. Doing too much too soon risks re-injury. Skipping therapy leads to lasting stiffness and weakness.
Finding the right doctor matters for your recovery. Look for an orthopedic surgeon who focuses on shoulder injuries. A Dallas shoulder fracture specialist stays current on the latest research and treatment methods.
What to look for:
Ask your doctor about their experience with your specific fracture type. A good specialist explains the pros and cons of each treatment path.
High-volume surgeons tend to get better results according to orthopedic research. This means they've treated many similar cases and know what works best.
Most shoulder fractures heal well with the right treatment approach. Many injuries mend in a sling without surgery. When surgery helps, modern techniques from plates to joint replacements can restore your shoulder function. If you're dealing with a Dallas shoulder fracture, consult an experienced orthopedic specialist who can guide you through the best treatment plan. With expert care and dedicated rehab, you can regain strength and return to normal activities.
Most shoulder fractures need 6-12 weeks for the bone to mend. Full recovery including strength takes 3-6 months depending on the injury severity.
No, some fractures require surgery for proper healing. Badly displaced breaks, joint surface damage, or multiple bone fragments often need surgical repair for the best outcome.
Success rates are high when performed by experienced surgeons. Most patients regain good shoulder function with modern surgical techniques.
Yes, physical therapy is essential for recovery. It helps restore your range of motion and rebuild strength after the bone heals.
Seek a Dallas shoulder fracture specialist if you have a broken shoulder bone. Specialists have more experience treating these injuries than general orthopedic doctors.
Shoulder replacement for fractures is mainly used in older patients with severely shattered bones. It's less common than plate fixation but very effective when needed.
Ready to get expert care for your shoulder injury? Contact our orthopedic team today for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized Dallas shoulder fracture treatment plan. We'll help you heal properly and get back to the activities you love.