Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

Yes No

Leave this Site?

The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site.

Continue Cancel
honeypot link
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Home /
Quick Facts: Injuries and Poisoning /
Fractures /
... /
Broken Shoulder /
IN THIS TOPIC

What is a broken shoulder?

What causes the shoulder to break?

What are the symptoms of a broken shoulder?

How can doctors tell if my shoulder is broken?

How do doctors treat a broken shoulder?

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Fractures
Overview of Broken Bones
Broken Ankle
Broken Collarbone
Broken Fingertip
Broken Heel
Broken Hip
Broken Metatarsal
Broken Pelvis
Broken Shoulder
Broken Toe
Broken Wrist
Compartment Syndrome
Compression Fractures of the Spine
Growth Plate Fractures

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

Test your knowledge

Polyglandular Deficiency Syndromes
Polyglandular deficiency syndromes are hereditary disorders in which several endocrine glands (ie, glands that secrete hormones) malfunction together. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for these types of disorders? 
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

More Content

Quick Facts

Broken Shoulder

(Fractured Humerus)

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Feb 2021| Content last modified Feb 2021
Click here for the Professional Version
Get the full details
Topic Resources

What is a broken shoulder?

A broken shoulder is a break near the top of your upper arm bone, close to your shoulder joint. This bone is called the humerus. All broken bones are considered fractures. For more information, see Overview of Broken Bones.

Shoulder Fracture

Fractures that occur in the upper part of the upper arm bone (humerus) cause pain in the shoulder because the upper arm bone is part of the shoulder joint. The upper arm bone may fracture in different places. One example is shown below.

Shoulder Fracture

  • You usually break your shoulder by falling with your arm outstretched

  • Broken shoulders are more common in older people

  • You'll have pain and may not be able to move your arm at the shoulder

  • Most of the time, you'll just need to wear a sling, but sometimes doctors do surgery

What causes the shoulder to break?

Common causes:

  • A hard hit to the upper arm or shoulder

  • Falling down with your arm outstretched

What are the symptoms of a broken shoulder?

Symptoms include:

  • Pain and swelling in the shoulder

  • Difficulty raising your arm

  • Sometimes, numbness in your upper arm

How can doctors tell if my shoulder is broken?

Doctors do:

How do doctors treat a broken shoulder?

Doctors treat a broken shoulder with:

  • A sling, and sometimes also a swathe (a strap that holds the sling against your body)

  • Exercises to keep your shoulder from becoming stiff

  • Sometimes, surgery for bad fractures

If you need surgery, the surgeon may use metal plates, screws, or wires to hold your bones in place while they heal. Sometimes, the surgeon will put in an artificial shoulder joint (joint replacement).

After the broken bone heals, your shoulder will be stiff. You'll need to do exercises to loosen it up and get your strength back.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA)
Broken Pelvis
Broken Toe

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Fractures
Overview of Broken Bones
Broken Ankle
Broken Collarbone
Broken Fingertip
Broken Heel
Broken Hip
Broken Metatarsal
Broken Pelvis
Broken Shoulder
Broken Toe
Broken Wrist
Compartment Syndrome
Compression Fractures of the Spine
Growth Plate Fractures
Others also read
Broken Collarbone Broken Collarbone
Shoulder Dislocation Shoulder Dislocation
Upper Arm Fractures Upper Arm Fractures
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

Test your knowledge

Polyglandular Deficiency Syndromes
Polyglandular deficiency syndromes are hereditary disorders in which several endocrine glands (ie, glands that secrete hormones) malfunction together. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for these types of disorders? 
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

Also of Interest

Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

Merck and the Merck Manuals

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual outside of North America. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.

This icon serves as a link to download the eSSENTIAL Accessibility assistive technology app for individuals with physical disabilities. It is featured as part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
View Privacy Shield Verification Status
View APEC CBPR Privacy Certification Status

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

© 2021 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
TOP