A broken shoulder blade after a crash: check the chest too
An orthopedic trauma surgeon looks at the shoulder blade and the chest around it
Your shoulder blade, called the scapula, sits over the back of your rib cage. Breaking it usually takes a lot of force. That same crash can hurt your ribs, a lung, your collarbone or your shoulder joint. So the shoulder blade may be just one piece of the picture. Most breaks through the wide, thin main part of the bone heal without surgery. A different approach may be needed if the break reaches the shoulder socket or leaves pieces far out of place. [1]
Learn exactly where the bone broke
Ask if the break involves the shoulder socket, the bony roof on top or the bone’s main body. Find out whether a CT scan gave a clearer view of where the pieces sit. Go over what the chest images showed. Ask if a rib or lung injury needs its own follow up. If surgery came up, find out what loss of alignment or function it’s meant to prevent. [1]
Pair the sling with a movement plan
A sling may make your arm feel better. Ask when you should start moving your fingers, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Holding every joint still can make you stiff. Pushing the shoulder too hard can add pain or strain a repair. Have a therapist show you safe ways to dress, reach and sleep. Get clear limits for lifting and driving. [1]
New chest symptoms need attention
Get urgent care for new trouble breathing, fainting or severe chest pain. A hand that turns cold or pale also needs an urgent check. Call your fracture team if you have a fever or a wound that drains. Call them too for new weakness or numbness in the arm, or pain that grows worse instead of easing. [1]
Bring these questions to your checkup
- Does the break involve the shoulder socket?
- What other chest and shoulder injuries did you find?
- When can I start moving my shoulder and lifting with this arm?
Keep your shoulder and chest plans side by side
Write your shoulder and chest follow up plans on one page. That way you won’t miss either one. [1]
Sources and further reading
Offered as general education from an orthopedic trauma perspective. Breaking a shoulder blade often takes a hard hit. Follow the care plan for any chest injury or other injury found along with it.
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