Shoulder

As our shoulders continually provide the upper body with a full range of motion and physical movements, it’s not surprising for injuries and/or conditions to develop. As such, patients should consult with surgeons with unique breadth of orthopaedic experience. The Florida Hospital Orthopaedic Institute Fracture Care Center (FCC) is a leading destination for shoulder fracture treatment.

Under the leadership of J. Dean Cole, MD, the Center’s Medical Director, patients are quickly diagnosed and treated for all manner of shoulder conditions. Drs Cole, Vickaryous, and Hawks specialize in minimally invasive surgery, which eliminates large incisions. As such, patients’ bones and soft tissues are continually supplied with blood and spared further injury. This improves the healing process, and reduces infections and complications.

Dr. Cole considered a pioneer in orthopaedic medicine, has invented a wide array of devices and applications utilized by surgeons worldwide. Of particular interest to shoulder injuries is one invention, the “proximal humeral nail.”

Typically, shoulder-related fractures and injuries are difficult to address, as the complex system bones, muscles, joints and tissue require a continuous blood supply. The rotator cuff must be maintained to allow early motion, even as soft tissue must be left to function normally. However, the implantation of Dr. Cole’s proximal humeral nail offers normal healing process, stability and compatibility when compared with the traditional open approach.    

If you’ve suffered a shoulder fracture or related injury, it’s crucial to consult with the Florida Hospital Fracture Care Center. These qualified orthopaedic specialists in Orlando will address all questions and concerns about the available shoulder-related procedures performed at the Center, please contact us.

Shoulder Fractures & Dislocation

The shoulder is made up of multiple components; the upper end of the humerus, the shoulder blade, and the clavicle. This means that there are more parts susceptible to fractures and dislocations, whether due to high-energy accidents or relatively simple falls. With simpler injuries, rest and time may enable healing; physical therapy may also address stiffness and weakness.

However, more complex fractures and dislocations demand that the Fracture Care Center’s experienced orthopaedic surgeons to evaluate and make shoulder fracture treatment recommendations. Dr. Cole and his fellow surgeons can perform minimally invasive procedures, including arthroscopic procedures for rotator cuff tears and shoulder dislocation. Our physicians’ background and experience as experienced orthopaedic trauma surgeons allow them to better diagnose and treat shoulder fracture concerns that are more complex. 

Proximal Humerus Fractures   

Fractures involving the humerus (upper arm) are very common, and represent one of the Center’s leading surgical procedures. Some fractures are simple, and only require rest; a sling may relieve pain during healing. But more severe fractures, such as humerus fractures, may require surgery in order to put the fracture fragments back in place. Surgeons may even need to replace dramatically damaged parts of the humerus (“shoulder replacement”). 

The FCC surgeons have the experience and skill to evaluate each case individually and recommend treatment plans specific to patients’ injuries. Specifically, they perform minimally invasive open reduction and internal fixation procedures of moderate to complex fractures. Various proprietary devices and tools created by Dr. Cole are utilized, including intramedullary nails, and multiple plates and screws. The specific equipment is dependent on the fracture’s characteristics, as well as the quality of the bone (osteoporosis is associated with shoulder injuries).

Clavicle Fractures   

At the Fracture Care Center, clavicle (collar bone) fractures are among the more common injuries addressed. While simple shoulder fracture treatment options may include slings or braces to relieve pain during bone healing, more complex shoulder-related injuries may call for surgery. In particular, our physicians advise surgery when broken bone fragments from the clavicle have moved considerably, or have injured the skin, lungs or blood vessels. Procedures may also be performed when multiple broken pieces shorten the clavicle, thereby affecting the shoulder’s actual shape.

Patients who need to return to regular activities as soon as possible, such as professional athletes, may require prompt surgical attention. Regardless of the injury’s cause or the patient’s needs, the Center assesses each case individually, and recommends surgery when necessary.

Shoulder Separations  

Acromioclavicular joint dislocations, or “shoulder separations,” commonly occur after a fall onto the shoulder, or if an outstretched arm is involved. While different degrees of injury are possible, surgery is often necessary. These dislocations may require reconstructions of the damaged ligaments, which are technically demanding.

In some cases, surgery may be required. Depending on the grade of the injury, the Center’s surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery. The surgeons employ a unique cable that actually holds the affected ligaments in place. These procedures may be performed. This cable imparts a stable, secure method to repair the separated shoulder bones. Typically, orthopaedic procedures for fractures and separations may require additional surgery to remove any hardware, such as fixed screws. However, Dr. Cole’s cable mechanism eliminates the need for additional procedures.

Shoulder Blade Fractures 

The shoulder blade (“scapula”), which has a complex shape, actually forms the shoulder joint. When this component is broken, bone fragments can become displaced, thereby affecting joint function. These “intraarticular” injuries may require surgery if the fragments are moved apart or are impacted. Typically, scapula fractures are caused by high-energy injuries.

Regardless of the severity, multiple scapula fractures may indicate the need for surgery. For example, two or more unstable shoulder fractures (known as a “floating shoulder”) are a surgical matter. And like other shoulder fractures, injuries affecting the lungs or blood vessels may require surgery, as well. 

For further information, please contact us.