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Fracture of the shoulder joint

Any part of the shoulder, be it neck, the head of the humerus, or anything else, are prone to damage. In the end, this is what provokes open or closed fractures. Fracture in the shoulder joint is determined by the violation of the integrity of the head, neck or tubercle of the humerus. Such a fracture is not uncommon, on average, it occurs in 15-20% of people. Most often in people 45 years and older.

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The symptoms of fracture of the shoulder joint

The main symptoms of a fracture of the shoulder joint should be considered:

  • painful feelings, which become stronger at any movement, active or passive, of the shoulder joint;
  • the formation of edema in the place where the damage occurred;

  • the increase in the volume of the joint itself;

  • the presence of several bruises at the site of injury;
  • final dysfunction of the upper limb, which leads to the impossibility to perform any movement. This symptom is a manifestation of the late stage of fracture.

The final diagnosis can only after will be carried out x-rays of the shoulder joint.


Causes of fracture of the shoulder joint

Fractures of the shoulder joint is most often formed as a result of the application of significant forces from the external environment. It is worth noting that quite often it turns out to be serious in the case where the bone tissue type had already been broken. This largely facilitates the process of education pathology. For example, a history of osteoporosis, which arose as a result of changes in the hormonal background, too small of receipt and utilization of calcium. This is also due to the fact that the fractures of the shoulder joint is most commonly formed in humans after 50-55 years.

Depending on which point was the force exerted can be damaged by a variety of anatomical education in the area of the shoulder joint.

It works like this:

  • a fracture in the neck of the shoulder joint is formed by reason of a fall on the leg, shoulder, or elbow region;
  • injury in the area of the hill of the joint occurs as a result of significant and sudden contractions of the muscles that attaches to this area;
  • fracture of the body of the humerus becomes the result of a falling limb or a direct and strong impact.

Types of fractures of the shoulder joint

Fractures of the shoulder joint are of different types.

The basic rules of this division are as follows:

  • clarifying the specific locations where fracture occurred;
  • dysfunction of the axis of placement of the fragments of the bone that is fractured or the joint with displacement or without it;
  • the presence or absence of any complications, e.g., damage to nearby vascular and nerve endings.

Depending on the specific type of the fracture, determine the subsequent treatment algorithm and management of the victim. In this regard, the definition of a complete and correct diagnosis is at least half of the success.


Diagnosis

In the framework of the diagnosis is important to differentiate a fracture from, say, stretching and the right type of damage, and, hence, with the subsequent treatment. For this it is necessary to conduct x-ray examination that would have pointed to the type of fracture, also need examination by a specialist.

Speaking of x-rays, it is very important that the pictures were taken at each stage of treatment is equally important that they cover the segment of the shoulder joint fully.

Treatment of a fracture of the shoulder joint

In terms of the subsequent recovery is much more favourable will be the prognosis, moreover, the option, when the lower, or distal fragment of the humerus bumps into the head. This case is more favorable, because in this scenario, the risk of bias or the appearance of complications is greatly reduced. In this regard, it is possible to restrict the fixation of the shoulder joint with the help of specific bandages (Desault). Also there is no need for surgery. Fixation of the shoulder should be carried out in the designated position for this area between the shoulder and the body itself to place the specific cushion.

To reduce pain sensations is necessary to introduce into the hollow portion of the joint is not more than 20 ml of novocaine, withthe next day the victim must exercise damaged limb minimal movement.

At the initial stage, it would be:

  • simple movements of each of the fingers;
  • from the third to the fifth day of the movement in the wrist and the elbow;
  • at the end of the second week, it will be necessary to develop the shoulder joint.

It is much harder to cure the fracture of the shoulder joint, which is accompanied by shift of a head of the bone. In this case, there is a need in the operation. In the process of its implementation, the head must return to the place, to compare with the articular surface of the shoulder blade and fix with seams, which over time will disappear on their own.

After this, all further actions are largely similar to those that were described earlier - fixing, gradual activity of motor type.

On topic: Pain in the shoulder joint: what to do?


Prevention

As noted earlier, the development of joint shoulder after receiving a fracture is given in the course of treatment is no less important than fixing the damaged limb. Given that in the normal shoulder is the most movable joint in the entire human body, and movements therein are made in each plane, at the turn of the experts is not merely to restore the structural integrity of bone tissues, but also to return the maximum possible degree of mobility.

To do this, doctors prescribe specific exercises with support and additional items (balls, skipping ropes). They make it possible to smoothly and progressively increase not only the quantity but also the amplitude in the motor plan. The whole gymnastics center should be chosen solely by the attending physician.

Thus, fracture of the shoulder joint is a complex trauma, however, it is possible to cure fast enough when carrying out proper treatment.