Shoulder Fracture

This leaflet covers the first few weeks after your injury when your arm is in a sling.

What is a proximal humerus fracture?

The humerus is the long bone of your upper arm. If the part of the arm bone (humerus) which is close to the shoulder breaks, it is called a proximal humerus fracture.

What to expect?

These fractures normally take between 6 to 12 weeks to heal, and full recovery can take up to six months. However, it could be longer, as this type of fracture is linked to stiffness of the joint. Following this type of injury, the main aim is to regain enough movement to perform day-to-day activities.

Sometimes the deep muscles of the shoulder joint (rotator cuff muscles) can be injured at the same time as the fracture. Following the advice and rehabilitation programme provided by your physiotherapist will help reduce stiffness and improve the movement in your shoulder.

What advice is there for using a sling?

The length of time needed for using a sling will vary from patient to patient. The orthopaedic team will advise you on the length of time that is needed for you. People are usually advised to wear their sling for about three weeks. For some people, this may be longer, and you may be advised to wear it for 6 weeks.

You can remove this for washing, dressing, and doing your rehabilitation exercises.

The sling will ease the pain and help the bone and soft tissues to heal, so it is important that you wear it both day and night. The sling should support the weight of your arm.

If you have not injured your elbow, wrist and hand of the affected arm, it is safe and important to move them regularly. This will help prevent stiffness, reduce swelling and maintain the function of the arm.

What advice is there to help with dressing?

It is easier to use front button shirts and pull-up trousers with an elastic waistband in the first few weeks. When dressing put the injured arm into sleeves first and when undressing take the un-injured arm out first, followed by the injured arm.

How do I sleep?

You may find it easier to sleep more upright than usual, using pillows to prop you up in bed or in a reclining armchair. These injuries are usually very sore, and you may need to take pain relief, especially in the first two weeks or when you do your exercises. Take these as advised by your pharmacist or doctor.

Frequently asked questions

When can I drive?

There is no set timescale for when you can drive, it will be different for each individual. You can return to driving once you are no longer using your sling, and you have adequate strength and range of movement at the shoulder in order to control the car safely and comfortably. You should also ask yourself if you would be able to perform an emergency stop if needed. Most people feel safe to do this around 6 to 8 weeks. You may need to inform DVLA of your injury.

When can I return to work?

You may need to take some time off work. You will need to ask your G.P. to give you a sick note. You can return to work as soon as you feel able to perform your normal duties.

For manual work you may not return for 3 months but if you can perform light duties this may be from 6 weeks depending on discomfort and mobility in the arm.

When can I return to leisure activities?

This will vary dependent on your pain, range of movement and strength in your shoulder. You should avoid heavy lifting for approximately 12 weeks. You can return to sports with guidance from your Physiotherapist. Usually you can restart lighter sports 6 weeks after your injury and, contact sports after 12 weeks. You should also remember to pace yourself and not try and do everything all at once – little and often is better.

What medication should be taken for pain relief?

When you have fractured a bone it can be very painful. Painkillers will not help the bone heal faster, however, it may help make you more comfortable while the bone heals. There are lots of different painkillers you can take. Sometimes a simple over the counter painkiller such as paracetamol can work. However if you are in a lot of pain you may need something stronger, for this you will need a prescription from your G.P.

Is there any medication that should be avoided?

There is some evidence that shows some anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen can slow the fracture from healing. It is best to limit, where possible, taking anti-inflammatory medication.

Is there anything I can do to help myself?

Stay focused on your home exercise programme under the guidance of your Physiotherapist. If you notice any new swelling, redness or increased pain, contact your G.P.

Factors such as:

• Stopping smoking.

• Controlling alcohol intake.

• Management of diabetes play a significant role in effective healing.

These factors increase inflammation in our bodies, which unfortunately reduces our ability to undergo effective healing. For further advice, please see useful links section.

Useful Contacts:

University Hospital of North Tees

Orthopaedic Outpatients
Telephone: 01642 624 486

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Orthopaedic Outpatients
Telephone: 01642 522 590

Physiotherapy Appointment Queries
Telephone: 01429 522 471
Monday to Friday, 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Other Useful Links:

• Make Every Contact Count Gateway
  MECC – https://www.meccgateway.co.uk/nenc

• North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
  Stop smoking service – https://www.nth.nhs.uk/services/stop-smoking-service/

• NHS Live Well – Healthy Weight Advice and education on weight loss and maintain a healthy weight – https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight  

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

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Telephone: 01642 617617

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Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

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Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

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