Adult fractures and dislocations of the shoulder and elbow

Fractures and dislocations of the shoulder girdle, humerus and elbow are common occurrences that will be dealt with daily in any orthopaedic practice. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the most common fractures and dislocations of the shoulder and elbow that the junior trauma surgeon will encounter. The article also covers the treatment options for each injury with an emphasis on the senior author's preferred method of fixation. Most fractures around the shoulder girdle, including clavicle fractures, proximal humeral fractures and humeral shaft fractures, have traditionally been treated conservatively. There is still a role for conservative management; however, shoulder surgeons are becoming more aggressive regarding fracture fixation. This is because the initial fixation with modern prostheses is easier and carries less morbidity than dealing with an un-united or a mal-united fracture.