WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
The large, flat bones in your back known as shoulder
blades (scapula) rarely get fractured. If a break does occur,
it is usually accompanied by other injuries. The broken
shoulder blade may take from 6 to 8 weeks to knit. At that
time, your doctor may want to take an x-ray to see if the bone
is healed.
Causes
An accident is usually to
blame--especially a car or motorcycle accident.
Signs/Symptoms
Typically, you'll have swelling,
pain, bruising, or bleeding in the injured area. Your shoulder
or arm may feel weak, numb, or tingly. The break may push some
bones out of place and make the shoulder look
misshapen.
Care
Your doctor may order an x-ray,
and you may need a splint or sling to prevent you from moving
your shoulder and twisting the bones out of place. Surgery may
be necessary if you have a bad fracture. If you scratched or
tore some skin, you may also need a tetanus shot.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each
hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic
bag and place a thin towel between the bag of ice and your
skin or the splint.
-
After the first 1 to 2 days, you may put heat on the
injury to help lessen the pain. Use a heating pad (set on
low), whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels for 15 to 20
minutes every hour for 48 hours.
-
Wear your sling until your doctor says you may take it
off or until your follow-up examination.
-
You may take off the sling to dress or bathe, but
be careful not to move your arm.
-
Never lift your arm.
-
If the doctor prescribes pain medicine that makes you
drowsy, don't drive. You also may take over-the-counter
medicines for pain. Take all medications exactly as
directed.
-
If you are given a tetanus shot, your arm may get
swollen, red, and warm to the touch at the site of the
shot. This is a normal reaction to the
medicine.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
Pain and swelling gets worse.
-
Your arm becomes numb, pale, or
cold.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have pain in your chest, trouble breathing,
cough, or fever.
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