About this topic
Three bones make up your shoulder joint. These are the upper arm bone, the shoulder blade, and the collarbone. If the top of the shoulder blade bone breaks, you have a floating shoulder. When this happens, the shoulder gets pulled out of its normal position. This makes the shoulder look like it is floating. There are many blood vessels and nerves that are around this area. Damage can happen to those parts as well. Surgery may be needed based on how bad the damage is. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Fall
- Car or motorcycle crash
- Strong blow to the shoulder
- Gunshot wound
What are the main signs?
- Injured shoulder looks like it is in a different position than the other arm. One arm may hang lower than the other.
- Shoulder pain
- Muscle spasms
- Bruising and swelling
- Numbness and tingling that may go down the arm
- Weakness or trouble moving the arm
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will feel around your shoulder. The doctor may have you try to move your shoulder. The doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Sling or shoulder immobilizer to keep your shoulder from moving
- Surgery
Are there other health problems to treat?
If there is damage to other tissues, such as blood vessels and nerves, this will need to be treated. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Nerve or blood vessel damage
- Slow bone healing
- Frozen shoulder
- Osteoarthritis
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00394 ‚
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This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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