Shoulder Complex Fractures

Question 1

What 3 bones make up the shoulder complex?

Answer 1

1. Shoulder Girdle
2. Humeral Shaft
3. Proximal Humerus

Question 2

Shoulder complex fracture are the ____ most common UE fracture.

Answer 2

2nd

Question 3

True or False: Incidence of shoulder fractures INCREASES with age

Answer 3

TRUE

Question 4

____% of shoulder fractures can be treated non-operatively

Answer 4

85%

Question 5

Why does an anatomic neck fracture have a poorer prognosis as compared to a surgical neck fracture?

Answer 5

Anatomic neck fractures disrupt blood flow (brachium circumflex artery)

Surgical neck fractures occur below the greater and lesser tubercles so the blood supply is not directly affected

Question 6

What is the non-operative treatment for a shoulder fracture?

Answer 6

Sling
Initial immobilization
7-10 days after fracture: Start to initiate movement

Question 7

What is the operative treatment for a shoulder fracture?

Answer 7

Pins, tension bands, hemiarthroplasy, TSR or reverse TSR