Since most shoulder fractures are the nondisplaced type, you could recover good function in your shoulder. Since these injuries are treated with immobilization, however, you may develop a stiff or "frozen" shoulder.

Displaced fractures may require surgery in order to regain good function of the shoulder.

After a physical examination of your shoulder, your physician will confirm the diagnosis with an x-ray. This also will show the extent of the damage.

Your doctor will attempt to place your broken bones back into a position that will allow healing and help restore mobility. You may need to wear a sling to immobilize the area while it heals. Most fractures can be treated without surgery, and heal in about 3 to 4 months.

Sometimes an injury causes a shoulder bone to completely or partially crack. The fracture usually involves your collarbone (clavicle) or the area just below the ball of your upper arm bone (humerus). The cause is rarely a surprise — you received a sudden blow to your shoulder or had a bad fall. Pain follows, and you may be able to see your shoulder bones out of position.

Fractures are either "displaced" or "nondisplaced."