Fractures Around the Shoulder Specialist Singapore

Dr Bryan Tan, orthopaedic surgeon in 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.
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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 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 are the symptoms?

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

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. 

Are shoulder fractures affecting your quality of life, and your ability to perform everyday activities such as working, playing sports and wearing your clothes?
Dr. Bryan will assess your symptoms in detail before recommending the right treatment plan for your condition.
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How Are Shoulder Fractures Treated?

Common treatment methods include:

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

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How to prevent shoulder fractures?

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.

WHAT’S THE FIRST STEP?

Embark on Your Road to Recovery With Dr Bryan Tan

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STEP 1

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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.

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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.

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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.

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