Scapular Fracture

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A scapular (SKAP-u-lar) fracture (FRAK-chur) is a break in the scapula (shoulder bone). The scapulas are two large, triangular, flat bones on each side of the upper back. Scapular fractures are not common injuries. They may happen when you fall on your outstretched hand or land on your shoulder. A direct hit by a hard object during sports, fights, or accidents may also break the scapula. You may have pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising in the injured area. You may have trouble moving your shoulder and arm.
  
  
• An x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computerized tomography (CT) scan may be used for diagnosis. Your broken scapula may need a sling or even surgery as treatment. With treatment, such as surgery and medicine, complications may be prevented and you may resume your normal activities.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Activity:

• Exercise: Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising again. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. It is best to start slowly and do more as you get stronger. Exercising will help make your bones and muscles stronger.
  
  
• Physical therapy: Your caregiver may want you to go to physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you with special exercises. These exercises help make your bones and muscles stronger.
  
  
• Rest: You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.
  
  
• Sports: Do not play contact sports, such as football and wrestling, while your scapula is still healing. Talk to your caregiver before you start playing contact sports.

Ice: Your caregiver may use ice on your fracture to decrease the swelling, pain, and redness. Put crushed ice in a plastic bag and wrap it with a towel. Place the ice bag on the area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as needed. If ice is put on the injured area for too long or if it is slept on, it may cause frostbite.

Sling care: Caregivers may put a sling on to keep your scapula from moving while it heals. You may use a strap as long as your caregiver instructs you to and you are comfortable with it. It is also important to know how often your dressing needs to be changed if you have an open wound. Ask your caregiver for more information on sling care, including how to adjust it.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have more swelling than you did before the sling was put on.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• There are new blood stains or a bad smell coming from the fracture area.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your injury, care, or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You cannot move your fingers on the same side as the fracture.
  
  
• Your shoulder, back, arm, hand, or fingers turn blue or white, or feel cold or numb.
  
  
• Your pain is not relieved or is getting worse even after taking medicine.
  
  
• Your sling becomes soaked with blood.
  
  
• Your sling feels tighter and you have more swelling in your chest or shoulder area.
  
  
• Your wound has pus or a bad smell even if you are cleaning it everyday.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page