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Get Medical Help Immediately
- Get the person to a health care provider or hospital emergency department.
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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.
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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.
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Treat Symptoms
- Apply ice for pain and swelling.
- Give over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain. Stronger pain medications may be prescribed initially by the health care provider.
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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
Referenced on 24/05/2021
- https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/broken-shoulder-blade-treatment
- 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)."
- Broken Shoulder Blade Information from eMedicineHealth.