Shoulder Fracture Specialist

Joseph B. Wilson, MD

Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeon located in Raleigh, NC & Apex, NC

A shoulder fracture can result from a variety of common injuries, like a bad fall or a car accident. At Shoulder Expert of Raleigh, fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder specialist Joseph Wilson, MD, provides comprehensive shoulder fracture care at three locations in Raleigh, Apex, and Durham, North Carolina. If you think you have a shoulder fracture, call the nearest office, or request an appointment online today.

Shoulder Fracture Q&A

What is a shoulder fracture?

There are three bones in your shoulder, any of which can break or fracture. Dr. Wilson treats all types of shoulder fractures, including:

Clavicle fractures

Also known as the collarbone, the clavicle is a thin bone at the base of your neck. Usually, clavicle fractures result from a fall, motor vehicle accident, or direct blow.

Humerus fractures

The humerus is the upper arm bone. A break in the humeral head or the area just beneath it is called a proximal humerus fracture. The humeral head is the ball that sits in the shoulder socket.

Scapula fractures

Commonly called the shoulder blade, the scapula is a flat, triangular bone in your upper back. It’s not easy to break the scapula, so these fractures are rare. Scapula fractures often occur with chest injuries.

How do I know if I have a shoulder fracture?

Signs and symptoms of a shoulder fracture vary depending on the type, location, and severity of your injury. Most fractures cause severe shoulder pain immediately after the injury occurs. You may also experience swelling, bruising, and an inability to move the shoulder.

Shoulder fractures may cause deformity, which means it doesn’t look right. A fracture that occurs with a shoulder dislocation causes the bones to move out of place.

What are the treatment options for a shoulder fracture?

After he performs a physical exam and reviews your X-rays, Dr. Wilson explains the type of shoulder fracture you have and recommends the best course of treatment.

About 80% of shoulder fractures are non-displaced, which means the bones remain in the correct position. Non-displaced shoulder fractures usually resolve with nonsurgical treatment, such as:

Immobilization in a sling or wrap
Medications to alleviate pain
Icing the shoulder
Physical therapy after the bone heals

Severe fractures may require shoulder surgery. As a leading orthopedic shoulder surgeon, Dr. Wilson performs a wide range of procedures, including shoulder fracture fixation, partial shoulder replacement, and reverse total shoulder replacement.

If you have questions or concerns, Dr. Wilson makes himself accessible by providing all patients with his personal cellphone number.

For the highest degree of shoulder fracture care, call Shoulder Expert of Raleigh, or book an appointment online today.

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