Question 1

Why are glenoid fractures so serious compared to other shoulder fractures?

Accepted Answer

Glenoid fractures are particularly serious because the glenoid is the socket of your shoulder ball-and-socket joint—any irregularity in its surface directly affects shoulder stability and movement. Unlike proximal humerus fractures (upper arm bone fractures which are more common and often heal well), glenoid fractures involve the articular surface (joint cartilage). When the joint surface is disrupted, several problems arise: (1) Post-traumatic arthritis - any step-off or gap in the joint surface (even 2-3mm) causes abnormal cartilage wear, leading to arthritis in 30-40% of patients within 5-10 years. The shoulder is a high-motion joint and cartilage damage from misaligned healing causes progressive pain and stiffness; (2) Chronic instability - the glenoid socket is shallow even when intact (like a golf ball on a tee rather than a deep cup), so any loss of bone from rim fracture makes shoulder prone to recurrent dislocation. Loss of more than 20-25% of glenoid rim usually causes persistent instability requiring surgical reconstruction; (3) Associated soft tissue injuries - glenoid fractures rarely occur in isolation. Over 50% have rotator cuff tears, labral tears, or nerve injuries which compound the functional deficit. The combination of bone and soft tissue damage makes recovery difficult. This is why surgeons are very precise about surgical indications—even small amounts of displacement require perfect reduction to minimize long-term arthritis risk.

Question 2

Will I regain full shoulder function, or should I expect permanent limitations?

Accepted Answer

Honest answer: full recovery to 100% pre-injury shoulder function is uncommon, even with perfect treatment. Most patients (70-80%) regain good shoulder function meaning they can perform most daily activities and return to work, but typically have 10-30% permanent loss of overhead reach and strength. Realistic expectations: BEST-CASE scenario (minimally displaced fracture, non-surgical treatment, young healthy patient, excellent physiotherapy): 80-90% of shoulder function, can return to desk work and light sports, some limitation with heavy overhead activities. TYPICAL scenario (displaced fracture requiring surgery): 70-80% of shoulder function, noticeable stiffness especially with overhead reach (difficulty putting items on high shelves, throwing, swimming butterfly stroke), can return to most work including manual labor but may struggle with overhead trades like painting or electrical work, return to recreational sports possible but competitive overhead sports (tennis serve, cricket bowling, baseball pitching) usually too limited. WORST-CASE scenario (severely comminuted fracture, multiple associated injuries, delayed treatment): 50-60% of shoulder function, significant stiffness and pain, may require subsequent surgeries for arthritis or instability, permanent work restrictions. Long-term outcomes: 30-40% develop post-traumatic arthritis within 5-10 years - this may progress to needing shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) in severe cases. The key is having realistic expectations and understanding that glenoid fractures, even when treated perfectly, often result in some permanent functional limitation due to cartilage damage and soft tissue injuries at time of initial trauma.

Medical Disclaimer

Broken Shoulder Socket (Glenoid Fracture)

📖What is Broken Shoulder Socket (Glenoid Fracture)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention