What are the treatment options for a broken shoulder bone?

Dear Md sajad ji,

A shoulder bone fracture needs to be examined by an orthopaedic doctor before deciding whether surgery is required. Surgery is not needed for every fracture. It depends on which bone is broken, how much it has moved out of position, and whether the joint is affected.

An X-ray, and sometimes a CT scan, may be needed to understand the fracture properly. The doctor will then decide whether the fracture can heal with a sling and other treatment or whether surgery is the better option.

What you can do until the doctor visit

• Keep the injured arm supported in a sling if one has been provided.

• Avoid lifting weight or moving the shoulder unnecessarily.

• Do not try to straighten or set the bone yourself.

• Use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for about 15–20 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling.

• Take pain medicine only as advised by a doctor.

• Keep any wound or dressing clean and dry.

Get urgent medical help if

There is severe or increasing pain, major swelling, an open wound, numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers, weakness, bluish or pale fingers, or the hand feels unusually cold.

Please share your city and state. We can help connect you with a suitable orthopaedic doctor or hospital for evaluation and treatment.