A fall onto the arm, a two-wheeler accident or a sports injury can break the collarbone, the upper end of the arm bone near the shoulder, or the bones around the elbow and forearm. It can also dislocate the shoulder or elbow. These injuries affect reaching, lifting and carrying, so treatment aims to restore movement as well as to heal the bone.
Many shoulder fractures heal well in a sling without surgery. Surgery is considered for fractures that are badly out of position, are unstable or involve a joint surface, and for many elbow fractures.
At PMG Hospital, Gota, emergency and trauma care is available 24×7, and shoulder and elbow fractures are treated with both non-surgical care and surgery, including shoulder replacement for selected fractures. This page explains the injuries, when surgery is needed, fixation and replacement, recovery, risks and cost factors.
Shoulder and Elbow Injuries
| Injury | What it is |
|---|---|
| Clavicle (collarbone) fracture | A break of the collarbone, common after a fall onto the shoulder |
| Proximal humerus fracture | A break of the upper end of the arm bone, near the shoulder; common in older people with weak bones |
| Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury | An injury to the joint between the collarbone and the shoulder blade |
| Shoulder dislocation or fracture-dislocation | The ball of the shoulder comes out of the socket, sometimes with a fracture |
| Humeral shaft fracture | A break in the middle of the arm bone; the nerve that lifts the wrist and fingers (radial nerve) can be injured |
| Elbow fractures | Fractures of the lower end of the arm bone (distal humerus), the point of the elbow (olecranon) or the radial head |
| Elbow dislocation | The elbow comes out of joint, sometimes with fractures |
| Forearm fractures | A break of one or both forearm bones (radius and ulna) |
Related pages: Shoulder dislocation · Shoulder replacement · Bone fracture surgery
Shoulder & Elbow Fracture Treatment in Ahmedabad: Sling or Surgery?
| Often treated in a sling or cast | Surgery is usually considered |
|---|---|
| Most collarbone fractures | Open collarbone fractures or those threatening the skin; in selected patients, badly displaced or shortened fractures |
| Most fractures of the upper end of the arm bone | Fracture-dislocations and selected badly displaced fractures of the upper end of the arm bone |
| Many fractures of the shaft of the arm bone (in a brace) | Open fractures, or fractures with a blood vessel injury |
| Undisplaced, stable elbow fractures | Displaced elbow fractures, especially those involving the joint surface, and unstable elbow dislocations |
| Most displaced forearm fractures in adults |
For many adults with a displaced fracture of the upper end of the arm bone involving its neck, a large trial found that, over two years, surgery did not give better results than treatment in a sling followed by physiotherapy. A shoulder and elbow trauma treatment hospital in Ahmedabad should provide this non-surgical care as well as surgery, because many of these fractures do not need an operation.
Source: Rangan A et al. JAMA. 2015;313:1037–1047.
Assessment of the Injury
A shoulder and elbow trauma doctor in Ahmedabad - an orthopaedic surgeon - assesses the injury before advising treatment:
- 1Examination: of the shoulder, arm, elbow and wrist, the skin, the circulation of the hand and the nerves
- 2X-rays: in more than one view
- 3CT scan: in selected cases, especially for fractures that involve a joint surface or are broken into several pieces
- 4Fitness for surgery: blood tests and other checks as needed
Shoulder & Elbow Trauma Surgery in Ahmedabad: Fixation or Replacement
The main steps are similar in any shoulder and elbow trauma surgery hospital in Ahmedabad: giving anaesthesia, often with a nerve block for pain relief; putting the fracture back into position; holding it with plates and screws, a nail, or wires and screws; and closing the wound.
When the upper end of the arm bone is broken into several pieces, especially in older people with weak bone, fixing the fracture may not give a good result, and a reverse shoulder replacement may be advised in selected patients. In some older people with a severely broken lower end of the arm bone at the elbow, an elbow replacement may be considered.
The Elbow Stiffens Easily
The elbow is prone to stiffness after an injury, and stiffness can be difficult to treat later. For this reason, elbow fractures are fixed, when possible, firmly enough to allow gentle movement to start early, as advised. Even with good treatment, some loss of the ability to fully bend or straighten the elbow is common.
Recovery After Shoulder and Elbow Fractures
| Time | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| First weeks | A sling or splint for comfort and protection; gentle movement as advised, often early for the elbow |
| About 6–12 weeks | Many fractures heal; active movement and strengthening are increased |
| About 3–6 months | Useful function of the arm returns for most people; complex injuries take longer |
Physiotherapy is an important part of recovery, to restore reach, rotation and strength.
Risks and Possible Complications
Shoulder and elbow fractures and their treatment carry risks. The surgeon explains these before taking consent.
- Stiffness of the shoulder or elbow, which may be permanent in some patients
- Delayed healing or non-healing of the fracture, or healing in a poor position
- Nerve injury, for example to the radial nerve with fractures of the arm bone, or the ulnar nerve with elbow fractures
- Extra bone formation around the elbow (heterotopic ossification), which can limit movement
- Infection of the wound or around the implant
- Irritation from the implant, especially at the collarbone and the point of the elbow, which may need to be removed later
- Loss of blood supply to the ball of the shoulder after some fractures of the upper end of the arm bone
- Anaesthesia-related and general medical risks
Shoulder & Elbow Trauma Treatment Hospital in Ahmedabad
When choosing a shoulder and elbow trauma hospital in Ahmedabad, check that the treating surgeon is a qualified orthopaedic surgeon with valid medical council registration, that the hospital regularly treats these injuries, whether emergency care, X-rays and other scans are available at all hours, how infection is prevented, which implants are available, what physiotherapy and follow-up are provided, and what the written estimate includes.
Look beyond general phrases such as "a shoulder and elbow trauma hospital with modern facilities" and ask which facilities are actually available on site.
Shoulder & Elbow Fracture Treatment Cost in Ahmedabad
- The bone and the type of fracture
- Whether a sling, cast or surgery is needed
- The implants used, or a joint replacement
- The type of anaesthesia
- Length of hospital stay and room category
- Physiotherapy and follow-up
A written, itemised estimate can be requested from the hospital after assessment.
Insurance
- Treatment of shoulder and elbow injuries is generally covered under health insurance policies, subject to policy terms and insurer approval
- Some policies have limits on room rent or implant costs; check these with your insurer
- Ask the hospital whether cashless treatment is available with your insurer, and whether the hospital is empanelled under the government health scheme that applies to you
Shoulder & Elbow Trauma Doctor in Ahmedabad
Fractures and dislocations of the shoulder, arm and elbow are treated by an orthopaedic surgeon. An emergency doctor usually sees the patient first, and other doctors and team members may be involved depending on the injury:
| Doctor or team member | Role in shoulder and elbow injury care |
|---|---|
| Emergency doctor | First assessment, pain relief, splinting and check of the nerves and circulation; calls the orthopaedic surgeon |
| Orthopaedic surgeon | Confirms the injury, decides between a sling, cast or surgery, and performs fixation or replacement when needed |
| Radiologist | Performs and reports the X-rays and CT scans |
| Anaesthetist | Checks fitness for surgery and gives the anaesthesia and nerve block |
| Physiotherapist | Guides early movement and the exercises that restore reach, rotation and strength |
| Physician | Manages other illnesses and checks bone strength (osteoporosis) after a fracture from a simple fall |
| Vascular or plastic surgeon | Involved at some centres when a blood vessel or a severe skin wound is part of the injury |
Shoulder & Elbow Trauma Treatment Doctor in Ahmedabad
Many shoulder fractures are treated without an operation, while many elbow fractures need surgery, so the plan differs from one injury to another. These questions may help when you meet a shoulder and elbow trauma treatment doctor in Ahmedabad:
- Which bone is broken, and is the fracture out of position or into the joint?
- Are the nerves and the circulation of my hand normal?
- Is a CT scan needed before the treatment is decided?
- If I am treated in a sling, cast or brace, when will the X-rays be repeated?
- If surgery is advised, which implant will be used, and may it need to be removed later?
- When should physiotherapy start, and which movements are allowed now?
- When can I return to work, drive a car or ride a two-wheeler?
- Should my bone strength be tested after this fracture?
Treating Surgeon
At PMG Hospital, shoulder and elbow fracture surgery is performed by:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Dr. Hiren Patel |
| Qualification | MS (Ortho), B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad |
| Specialty | Orthopaedics |
| Designation | Director & Head Joint Replacement Surgeon, PMG Hospital |
| Registration status | Registered Medical Practitioner |
| Registration number | Gujarat Medical Council Reg. No. G-20583 |
| OPD availability | Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Facilities at PMG Hospital
- Orthopaedic OPD, Monday to Saturday
- Emergency and trauma care, 24×7
- Orthopaedic physiotherapy centre
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor after a shoulder or elbow injury?
See an orthopaedic surgeon promptly after a fall or accident with pain, swelling, deformity or difficulty moving the shoulder, arm or elbow. Go to the nearest emergency facility immediately if the bone has broken through the skin, the hand is numb, cold or pale, or pain keeps increasing.
Does a broken collarbone need surgery?
Most collarbone fractures heal in a sling. Surgery is needed for open fractures or those threatening the skin, and surgery with a plate and screws may be considered for some badly displaced, shortened or multi-fragment fractures, especially in active adults, because these have a higher risk of healing poorly. The decision is made after examination and X-rays.
Do shoulder (proximal humerus) fractures need surgery?
Often not. For many adults with a displaced fracture of the upper end of the arm bone involving its neck, a large trial found that, over two years, surgery did not give better results than treatment in a sling followed by physiotherapy. Surgery or a shoulder replacement may be considered for selected fracture patterns, such as fracture-dislocations, some fractures in younger people, and fractures broken into several pieces.
When is a shoulder replacement done for a fracture?
When the upper end of the arm bone is broken into several pieces, especially in older people with weak bone, fixing the fracture may not give a good result. In selected patients, a reverse shoulder replacement may be advised. The choice depends on the fracture, age, bone quality and activity.
Why is the elbow moved early after a fracture?
The elbow stiffens easily if it is kept still for a long time. When the fracture is treated, the aim is to make it stable enough to allow gentle movement to start early, usually within days or a few weeks as advised, to reduce the risk of permanent stiffness.
How long does recovery take after a shoulder or elbow fracture?
Many fractures of the shoulder and elbow heal in about six to twelve weeks. Physiotherapy then helps to restore movement and strength. Most people regain useful function of the arm over about three to six months, but complex injuries take longer, and some stiffness may remain.
Can an elbow fracture cause permanent stiffness?
Yes. The elbow is prone to stiffness after an injury, and some loss of the ability to fully bend or straighten the elbow is common, even after good treatment. Early movement when it is safe, and regular physiotherapy, help to reduce this.
What facilities should a hospital have for shoulder and elbow fractures?
It should have 24×7 emergency care, X-ray and access to CT scanning, an operation theatre suitable for fracture fixation and shoulder replacement with strict infection-control practices, a range of implants, anaesthesia services including nerve blocks, and physiotherapy.
What decides the cost of shoulder and elbow fracture treatment?
The cost depends on the bone and the type of fracture, whether a sling, a cast or surgery is needed, the implants used, whether a joint replacement is needed, the type of anaesthesia, the length of hospital stay, room category and physiotherapy. A written, itemised estimate can be requested from the hospital after assessment.
Contact and Location
PMG Hospital
3rd Floor, Athena Avenue, B/H Jaguar Showroom, Nr. Eulogia Inn Hotel, Gota, Ahmedabad, India
- Phone / WhatsApp:
- +91 96627 70141
- OPD:
- Mon – Sat · 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Emergency and trauma care:
- 24×7