Floating Shoulder
Overview
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Treatments
Treatment
The problem is treated based on the level of injury. Options are:
Initial Care
Initial care may be:
- Ice to ease pain and swelling
- Medicine to ease pain
- A sling or shoulder immobilizer to keep the shoulder in place as it heals
- Exercises to help with strength and motion
Surgery
The clavicle may be repaired with surgery using a plate and screws. The scapular bone may also be fixed with surgery. A sling or shoulder immobilizer will be used to keep the shoulder in place.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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a (Ipsilateral Fractures of the Clavicle and Scapular Neck)
RESOURCES
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine http://www.sportsmed.org
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.aaos.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians http://www.caep.ca
Trauma Association of Canada http://www.traumacanada.org
References
Clavicle fracture—emergency management. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/clavicle-fracture-emergency-management/ . Accessed September 20, 2019.
Kim W, McKee MD. Management of acute clavicle fractures. Orthop Clin North Am. 2008 Oct;39(4):491-505.
Questions and answers about shoulder problems. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/shoulder-problems. Updated April 2014. Accessed September 20, 2019.
Shoulder trauma (fractures and dislocations). Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00394. Updated September 2007. Accessed September 20, 2019.