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.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

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: You may need to see a physical therapist to teach you special exercises. These exercises help improve movement and decrease pain. Physical therapy can also help improve strength and decrease your risk for loss of function.
  
  
• Rest: Rest when you feel it is needed. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed.
  
  
• 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.

For more information:

Having a scapular fracture may make it hard for you to continue your usual activities. It may make things difficult for both you and your family. Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
  Leawood , KS 66211-2680
  Phone: 1- 913 - 906-6000
  Phone: 1- 800 - 274-2237
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  6300 North River Road
  Rosemont , IL 60018-4262
  Phone: 1- 847 - 823-7186
  Web Address: http://www.aaos.org/
  

• American Physical Therapy Association
  1111 North Fairfax Street
  Alexandria , VA 22314
  Phone: 1- 800 - 999-2782
  Web Address: http://www.apta.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• 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 chest pain or trouble breathing that is getting worse over time.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have new and sudden chest pain. You may have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough. You may cough up blood.
  
  
• Your arm feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.

Copyright © 2011. Thomson Reuters. 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.

Learn more about Scapular Fracture (Discharge Care)