An Overview of Shoulder Fracture Repair

Minimally-invasive shoulder fracture repair is a surgical procedure used to treat and fix fractures of the shoulder area and broken bones within the shoulder region. New minimally-invasive techniques allow shoulder fractures to be fixed percutaneously (through the skin) with only tiny incisions and limited internal hardware such as screws and sutures. Such repairs preserve the blood supply to the fractured bone fragments, which hastens healing and minimizes the risk of late complications. Minimally-invasive shoulder fracture repair surgery, if it is an option, is many times preferred by both the doctor and the patient because it does not require tearing or cutting through the muscle layers. As a result, overall pain after the shoulder surgery has been performed is decreased.

After Shoulder Surgery

  • Apply ice to the incision site to help combat pain; protect your skin with a light cloth to avoid burning the skin.
  • Keep your arm immobile.
  • For pain management, Dr. Millett can prescribe a pain medication.  Please take as prescribed and follow the precautions listed for the drug. You also may take over-the-counter medicines for pain.
  • Do not remove your sutures—they will disintegrate by themselves.  Follow the incision site care instructions that are given to you after your shoulder surgery.

For additional details on shoulder fracture repair, or to discuss another arthroscopic shoulder surgery with Dr. Peter Millett, please contact his orthopedic office today.

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