Broken Shoulder Blade

1. Get Medical Help Immediately

• Get the person to a health care provider or hospital emergency department.

2. Control Bleeding

• If there is bleeding, apply steady, direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for 15 minutes. If blood soaks through, apply another cloth over the first.

3. Make a Sling

• Supporting the injured arm, place a triangular bandage or cloth under it and over the uninjured shoulder.
• Tie the sling at the side of the neck.

4. Treat Symptoms

• Apply ice for pain and swelling.
• Give over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain.

5. Follow Up

• The health care provider will examine the shoulder and may do an X-ray or other tests. In most cases, surgery is not needed.
• The health care provider may put the arm in a sling.

SOURCES:

Mount Nittany Medical Center: "Shoulder Blade or Collarbone Fracture."

University of Michigan: "Shoulder Problems and Injuries."

Children's Physician Network: "Bone, Muscle, or Joint Injury."

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Fracture of the Shoulder Blade (Scapula)."