Fractures of the Shoulder and Elbow

Fractures of the shoulder and elbow are common in the elderly population. Osteopenia and osteoporosis put this population at risk for fractures from low-energy trauma. The majority of fractures of the shoulder and elbow in this population are best managed nonoperatively. However, surgical intervention with open or closed reduction with fixation, shoulder arthroplasty, or total elbow arthroplasty may offer more predictable and better functional outcomes for certain fracture patterns. Regardless of the treatment modality, the goal of treating these injuries is to provide stable fracture fixation or reconstruction allowing early mobilization and pain free upper extremity function.