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Background and Etiology

A fracture is defined as a partial or complete crack in a bone. Fractures can be minor with little or no displacement of the bone, or more severe with complete displacement of the two ends of the bone that requires surgery to realign. There are closed fractures that do not break the skin, and open fractures that do break the skin.

Fractures of the shoulder are usually caused by direct trauma or a fall on outstretched hand (FOOSH). In the event a person suspects a shoulder fracture, radiographic study (X-Ray) of the shoulder is essential.

The shoulder is comprised of three bones: the humerus, scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collar bone). These bones form three joints: the glenohumeral joint, sternoclavicular joint, and acromioclavicular joint. Fractures in the shoulder area can involve any of the bones that form the shoulder, therefore a shoulder fracture can be:

  • Fracture of the scapula or shoulder blade (scapular fracture)
  • Fracture of the clavicle or collar bone (clavicular fracture)
  • Fracture of the humerus or upper arm (humeral fracture)
  • Little League Shoulder is a fracture of the proximal shoulder at the growth plate, usually from over head throwing.

Fractures of the Scapula

There are four basic sections of the scapula, the body, neck, acromion and glenoid fossa.

Fracture of the body of the scapula:

  • Etiology: fractures of the scapula generally occur from a direct blow, fall or high-energy trauma.
  • Of concern is an underlying pulmonary injury due to a possible corresponding rib fracture.
  • Treatment: most scapular fractures respond well to conservative treatment by a physical therapist. Symptomatic treatment designed to decrease pain and improve function may also be appropriate. Fractures to the body of the scapula are generally stabilized by the surrounding musculature.

Fracture of the neck, glenoid region and coracoid process of the scapula:

  • Etiology: direct trauma or fall
  • Of concern is damage to the neurovascular structures that pass through this area known as the thoracic outlet.

Fracture of the acromion process of the scapula:

  • Etiology: direct trauma or fall
  • Treatment: Acromion and coracoids fractures may require pinning or open reduction surgical interventions to stabilize the fracture.
  • Caution should be taken with younger adolescents who are still growing because open growth centers may be mistaken for fractures.
  • Radiographs should be taken of the opposite shoulder to determine if the ossification center is still developing.

Intra-articular fractures of the glenoid fossa:

  • Etiology: direct trauma or fall
  • Treatment: This type of fracture may require surgical open reduction if it involves the joint to the degree that stability or mobility of the shoulder is at risk of causing degenerative changes in the joint.
  • More extensive physical therapy will be needed because this injury has the potential for severe weakness and hypo-mobility (loss of movement) due to the period of immobilization required post-surgery.

Symptoms of scapular fracture will vary depending on the severity but they may include some or all of the following:

  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Decreased ability to move or lift arm, often results in holding the effected arm at ones’ side in a protective manner
  • Redness, discoloration or bruising over the fractured area
  • Stiffness
  • Deformity of the area due to misalignment of displaced bone or muscle

Treatment of scapular fracture will require a period of immobilization in a sling. More severe scapular fractures may require surgery to realign and stabilize the injury. How much movement should be restricted following the fracture will depend on the severity of the break. Once cleared by the physician, a physical therapy program should be initiated to reverse the effects of immobilization and restore shoulder motion. In more involved fractures recovery can be long and arduous. Formal therapy and compliance with an extensive home program is the mainstay to restoring function of the shoulder.

Post scapular fracture immobilization can have detrimental effects that can be improved through physical therapy including:

  • Joint articular cartilage softening
  • Shortening and atrophy of musculotendinous units
  • Decreased mobility of the joint capsule and periarticular connective tissues
  • Decreased circulation
  • Loss of active and passive motion

Goals for physical therapy post scapular fracture immobilization are optimal loading and restoration of normal tissue relationships to improve motion, strength and ability to perform functional activities of daily living.

  • Manual Therapeutic Technique (MTT): hands on care including soft tissue massage, and joint mobilization by a physical therapist to modulate pain and reduce any soft tissue or tendon irritation and restore normal joint mechanics and range of motion.
  • Therapeutic Exercises (TE) including exercises to improve strength and performance of the shoulder, rotator cuff and scapula muscles.
  • Neuromuscular Reeducation (NMR) to restore stability, begin retraining the upper extremity, improve proximal joint stability and improve movement technique and mechanics (for example: throwing) in use of the involved upper extremity in daily activities especially overhead activities.
  • Modalities that can include the use of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice, cold and laser to decrease pain, improve mobility and reduce inflammation of the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles and tendons.
  • Home program development should include strengthening, stretching and stabilization exercises as well as instructions to help the person perform daily tasks and advance to the next functional level.

Scapular fractures can be diagnosed with X-Ray studies and when necessary a CAT scan. The use of pain medications, immobilization, rest and ice are the first line of treatment. Surgical intervention may be required in more severe fractures or those that affect the integrity of the shoulder joint.

Scapula: The rarest of shoulder fractures, this type of fracture occurs most often due to trauma. Medical treatment may vary from immobilization in a sling for 2-4 weeks, to open surgery especially when the glenoid, acromion, or neck of the scapula are involved because they may effect joint alignment of the shoulder.

Prognosis

Rate of recovery and the prognosis from scapular fracture will depend on a number of factors:

  • Severity – Minor fractures do well with immobilization and physical therapy, while fractures that are more severe and require surgery or effect joint integrity take longer to recover. Patients may have residual motion and strength deficits, especially if the rotator cuff is involved.
  • Age– Younger individuals recover faster and are less likely to have residual deficits. Younger individuals heal quicker, have better circulation, are stronger and usually their pre-injury tissue integrity is better.
  • Prior activity level plays an important role in post-injury recovery. Those who exercise regularly are stronger and more flexible, and generally have an easier and more complete recovery.
  • Compliance– Patients that are committed to their rehabilitation program and are compliant with their home program are more successful in returning to full function.

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"Twin Boro Piscataway/South Plainfield is great! I was treated for occipital neuralgia and posture issues. Aside from performing wonderful treatment, everybody there is super friendly and accommodating (you will always be greeted with a smile) and also very focused and helpful! Bri is a knowledgable and experienced physical therapist who is not only a great PT, but also one of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Her pacing with my various exercises was perfect, as she pushed me, but not to any point that was uncomfortable for me. I enjoyed the variety of exercises and treatments, from heat and stim to exercises with weights and stretch bands. I thoroughly enjoyed going in 3 times a week to be treated by Bri. It is clear that she cares about and wants the best for her patients, with her passion and expertise for physical therapy! My posture has gotten much better and the headaches and pain I used to experience have completely disappeared after 3 months at Twin Boro. 5/5 I would recommend Twin Boro Piscataway/South Plainfield to anyone seeking physical therapy."

Stephanie M.

"I have had the pleasure of attending Twin Boro Physical Therapy this past year and prior to Optimum Health becoming Twin Boro, I had been a patient since 2006. The entire staff is very caring, professional, and make your PT sessions fun. There is always something to laugh about and get you through your pain! A special thanks to Keith for all he has done for me over the years!"

Donna R.

“I loved being a patient at your facility because your therapist went by my and the doctors needs. I was there not only at the old location in somerset but also I went to the new location to in North Brunswick, which I loved it was bigger and better. All of the therapist are so friendly and nice and treated you with respect. I was treated by not only Melvie but also Nick and both are so professional and gentle of the way they did my treatments. If I ever need to have physical therapy in the future I will definitely come back to your facility for you are very professional and well organized. I have been to other places but your facility beats them all.”

Christine

"Although getting released from physical therapy is a great thing, today was bitter sweet. How often do you get to rehab with your twin daughters at a place that makes you feel important, special and at home? Twin Boro Physical Therapy in Middletown has been our home away from home for the past three months. We always looked forward to our sessions because they helped us gain back the life we had before. From the phone calls with Stephanie scheduling appointments (all three of us simultaneously) to our awesome therapists: Andrew, Chris, Sydney, Brad, Justin & Anthony, to our PT assistants: Ryan, Gerard, Julian and the girls, we can't thank you enough! We couldn't even walk on two feet when we arrived. Today, we successfully completed "Boot Camp' running, hopping and jumping! We appreciate all that you have done. We will truly miss you all, but you have taught us well. We are forever grateful."

Denise M.

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