GLENOID FRACTURE

If you’ve suffered a glenoid fracture or experience severe arm pain, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What is a Glenoid Fracture?

The Glenoid refers to the small cavity where the upper arm sockets into the shoulder socket. Due to injury, the Glenoid can fracture, either on the rim of the socket or the center. Patients suffering from this condition will experience pain, swelling, and bruising of the shoulder. To fracture the Glenoid usually requires a large amount of force from something such as an auto accident or large fall. Patients with conditions such as Osteoporosis have a higher risk of all types of bone fracture, due to decreased bone density.

In most cases, an Orthopedic Specialist will have to operate on a Glenoid fracture since the nature of the injury will usually dislocate the joint. If allowed to heal while out of position, the bone can possibly heal incorrectly and lead to further problems.

What are the symptoms of a Glenoid Fracture?

Symptoms of a glenoid fracture include shoulder pain, swelling, deformity at the site of the fracture, and inability to move the arm. Your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination. Following, the physician will order x-rays or a CT scan to determine the extent of the fracture and displacement of the joint.

What are the types of Glenoid Fractures?

Glenoid Lip Fractures: Glenoid lip fractures happen when the shoulder dislocates or experiences shoulder subluxation, causing the ball to come out of the socket. As the ball dislocates, it can exert pressure against the rim of the glenoid socket, leading to a bone fragment fracture. Treating a glenoid rim fracture focuses on restoring the normal contour of the shoulder socket to prevent recurrent instability (repeat dislocations) of the shoulder joint. Healthcare providers often consider surgical treatment for these injuries, particularly when the fracture is displaced or involves a large fragment of the glenoid bone.

Glenoid Fossa Fractures:

The glenoid fossa constitutes the central portion of the socket. Glenoid fossa fractures are much less common injuries and are often associated with severe trauma. Because they are rare, there is limited data on the ideal treatment for these injuries. However, most surgeons concur that fracture management decisions should consider both the fracture type and the patient’s needs. Surgery to realign these injuries is likely beneficial for more active patients with fractures that are not properly positioned.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Upper Extremity Specialist in North Texas, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.