Scapula (Shoulder Blade) Fracture
A scapula (shoulder blade) fracture is an uncommon but serious injury that usually occurs after a high-impact accident. It can cause severe shoulder pain, swelling and difficulty moving your arm, making everyday activities challenging. At Fortius Clinic, we understand how frustrating an injury can be. Our specialists will take the time to understand your symptoms, provide a clear diagnosis, explain your treatment options and guide you through every stage of your recovery. Because scapula fractures are often associated with other injuries, early specialist assessment is important to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.
What is a scapula (shoulder blade) fracture?
The scapula, commonly known as the shoulder blade, is a large, flat bone that forms part of the shoulder joint. It works together with the collarbone (clavicle) and upper arm bone (humerus) to provide stability and allow smooth shoulder movement. Because the scapula is protected by surrounding muscles and the rib cage, it is one of the strongest bones in the body and is rarely broken. Most scapula fractures occur after significant trauma, such as a motorcycle collision, road traffic accident or a heavy fall. Less commonly, stress fractures can develop through repetitive overhead activity or intense exercise. Although anyone can sustain this injury, it is most often seen after high-energy accidents or in athletes who repeatedly place heavy demands on their shoulders. As scapula fractures can sometimes occur alongside injuries to the shoulder, chest or surrounding soft tissues, prompt assessment by a specialist is important to identify the full extent of the injury and plan the most appropriate treatment.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary depending on the severity and location of the fracture, but commonly include:
- Sudden, severe pain around the shoulder or upper back
- Pain that becomes worse when moving the arm
- Swelling around the back of the shoulder
- Bruising
- Difficulty lifting or using the arm
- Tenderness over the shoulder blade
- Reduced shoulder movement
If your injury followed a major accident or is associated with difficulty breathing, chest pain or significant deformity, you should seek urgent medical attention.
How is it diagnosed?
Your consultant will begin by asking how the injury happened, discussing your symptoms and examining your shoulder to assess movement, strength and tenderness.
To confirm the diagnosis and understand the extent of the injury, we may recommend:
- A detailed medical history
- Physical examination
- Assessment of shoulder movement and function
- X-rays to identify the fracture
- CT scans where more detailed imaging is needed, particularly if the fracture extends into the shoulder joint
Your consultant will also assess for any associated injuries that may require additional treatment.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the type of fracture, whether the bones remain in good alignment and your individual recovery goals.
Options may include:
- Pain relief to help keep you comfortable
- Wearing a sling while the bone begins to heal
- Physiotherapy to gradually restore movement, strength and shoulder function
- Surgery if the fracture is significantly displaced, involves the shoulder joint or is associated with other injuries
Your consultant will explain each option clearly and recommend the treatment that's most appropriate for you.
Treatment routes for scapula fracture
Most scapula fractures heal successfully without surgery.
If the bones remain well aligned, treatment usually involves wearing a sling for comfort while the fracture heals, followed by a personalised physiotherapy programme. Rehabilitation focuses on gradually restoring movement, rebuilding shoulder strength and helping you return safely to everyday activities.
Recovery goals after scapula fracture
The first stage of recovery focuses on:
Managing pain and swelling Protecting the fracture while it heals Maintaining gentle movement where appropriate Preventing shoulder stiffness
As healing progresses, rehabilitation aims to:
Restore shoulder movement Improve strength and control Increase confidence using the arm Return to everyday activities
The final stage of rehabilitation focuses on:
Building strength for work, sport or recreation Improving shoulder stability and endurance Returning safely to higher levels of activity Reducing the risk of future injury
Working with professionals and teams
Our shoulder specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their shoulders. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Shoulder Treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Scapula fracture FAQs
Most scapula fractures take around 6 to 12 weeks to heal, although recovery can take longer depending on the severity of the injury and whether surgery is required. Your rehabilitation programme will be tailored to your progress.
Not usually. Most scapula fractures heal successfully without surgery. An operation is generally only recommended if the bones have moved significantly, the fracture involves the shoulder joint or there are associated injuries.
You should only drive when you can safely control the vehicle without pain or restriction. If you are wearing a sling or your shoulder movement is limited, you should not drive. Your consultant will advise when it is safe to return to driving.
Yes. Smoking and vaping can slow bone healing and increase the risk of complications after both fractures and surgery. Stopping smoking, even temporarily during your recovery, can improve healing and reduce the risk of delayed bone union. If you would like support to stop smoking, speak to your GP or visit the NHS Quit Smoking website.
This depends on the type of work or sport you do and how your shoulder is healing. Many people can return to desk-based work sooner than manual work or contact sports. Your consultant and physiotherapist will guide you on when it is safe to increase your activity.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
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