Fractures Around the Shoulder Specialist Singapore

Dr. Bryan Tan

MBBS (Singapore)

MMed (Ortho)

FRCS Ed (Orth)

Shoulder fractures can be non-displaced (when the bones stay in the correct position) or displaced (when fracture fragments are not in their correct position). Some of the common types of shoulder fractures include clavicle (collarbone) fractures, humerus (upper arm bone) fractures and scapula (shoulder blade) fractures. It is vital to understand your symptoms and seek medical treatment as soon as possible, as early diagnosis and management can reduce the complications of shoulder fractures.

Dr. Bryan Tan

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Sports have always played a big part in Dr Bryan’s life. His interest in sports and varied sporting activities give him a deep understanding of sports injuries and the mindset of an athlete.
The condition often develops gradually over time and is difficult to detect. This painful condition affects 2-5% of the general population.

Dr Bryan Tan is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, based in Singapore. He completed 2 fellowships in Orthopaedic Sports, Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Sydney, Australia and Nice, France. Prior to private practice, Dr Bryan was a consultant in the Division of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore. He is currently still a visiting consultant at NUH where he actively teaches medical students and young orthopaedic surgical trainees. In addition, he travels to regional countries to teach advanced arthroscopic surgical techniques.

    • MBBS(Singapore)

    • MMed (Ortho)

    • FRCS Ed(Orth)

Dr. Bryan has a special interest in keyhole surgery and performs most of his surgeries using advanced, modern keyhole surgical techniques. He regularly visits fellow surgeons from other countries to ensure his skills and knowledge are cutting edge.

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What Are Shoulder Fractures?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that is primarily made up of three bones—the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula) and the collarbone (clavicle).

Shoulder fractures can be non-displaced (when the bones stay in the correct position) or displaced (when fracture fragments are not in their correct position).

Some of the common types of shoulder fractures include clavicle (collarbone) fractures, humerus (upper arm bone) fractures and scapula (shoulder blade) fractures.

What Are the Symptoms Of Shoulder Fractures?

Common symptoms of shoulder fractures include:

  • Shoulder pain
  • Swelling or bruising
  • Tenderness
  • Deformity or ‘bump’ at the fracture site
  • Discolouration around the upper arm
  • Decreased mobility or range of motion
Billing & Payment

Medisave & Insurance Claims

The following are accredited For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners. If your insurance is not listed, you will still be able to make claims for eligible procedures! We have experience processing claims from many other various insurance providers. Please contact us if you have any queries.

How Are Shoulder Fractures Diagnosed?

Your doctor will physically examine your shoulder to check for tenderness, swelling or pain. They may also test your shoulder’s mobility and range of motion.

Additionally, imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans or and MRI scans can also determine the exact location of your fracture and the severity of your injury.

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How Are Shoulder Fractures Treated?

Non-Surgical Treatment

Common treatment methods include:

  • Ice compression
  • Immobilisation with an arm sling
  • Taking pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen
  • Physical therapy

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be recommended if your symptoms worsen or if non-surgical treatment options are ineffective. Surgery is also necessary if the fracture fragments are displaced from their original position, or if the fractured area of the bone forms part of a joint.

Common surgical treatment options are:

  • Shoulder fracture fixation surgery. This procedure involves repairing the fracture and any damaged ligaments, tendons or muscles by using special hardware such as plates, screws or pins to place the bones back into the correct position. Shoulder fracture fixation surgery is typically performed when the bones are displaced or if there is an open fracture where the bone has come through the skin.
  • Partial Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Partial shoulder replacement surgery is generally performed for severe shoulder fractures where part of the shoulder joint may be too severely damaged to accurately fix. This procedure involves replacing the damaged portion of the arm bone with an implant made up of a metal ball and stem.
  • Total Shoulder Replacement. This procedure is performed when part of the shoulder joint may be too severely damaged to accurately fix, whilst the patient may already have pre-existing arthritis in that particular joint. This procedure involves replacing the damaged portion of the arm bone with iimplants made up of a metal ball and stem, and a socket.
  • Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement. In a reverse total shoulder replacement, the socket and the metal ball are switched: The metal ball is attached to the socket while the plastic cup is fixed to the humerus. The design of this special implant allows the shoulder to move well even if some tendons around the shoulder are deficient.

What Causes Shoulder Fractures?

The common causes of shoulder fractures are:

  • Shoulder trauma or injury
  • Direct blow to the shoulder
  • Breaking a fall with the outstretched arm
  • Sports injury
What’s the first step?

Embark on Your Road to Recovery With Dr Bryan Tan

step 1

Book An Appointment
With Dr. Bryan

Our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your registration, ensuring an efficient and hassle-free process for you. Fill up this form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bryan.

step 2

Initial Consultation & Diagnosis of your Condition

During your consultation, Dr. Bryan will evaluate your medical history and the pain you are experiencing. You may also ask Dr. Bryan any questions you may have about your condition.

step 3

Treatment & Follow Up Visits With Dr. Bryan

After your consultation with Dr. Bryan, our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your follow-up appointment, and provide you with instructions/information for any prescribed treatment plans from Dr. Bryan.

Frequently Asked
Questions

Are shoulder fractures serious? When should I visit a doctor?

Shoulder fractures can significantly impair your mobility if not treated well.

You should seek proper medical treatment immediately if you suspect you might have a shoulder fracture so as to prevent more serious complications from occurring.

How to prevent shoulder fractures?

  • Exercise regularly to maintain the flexibility and strength of your shoulder joints and muscles
  • Ensure proper form and technique when playing sports or working out

Take the First Step

Book An Appointment

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    +65 8044 5516

    Visit our Clinic

    Feel free to visit our clinic and get to meet our specialist.

    Orthosports@Novena

    38 Irrawaddy Road, #10-41
    Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
    Singapore 329563

    Orthosports@Connexion

    1 Farrer Park Station Road,
    #15-17 Connexion
    Singapore 217562