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Broken Shoulder Blade Treatment

1. Get Medical Help Immediately

  • Get the person to a health care provider or hospital emergency department.

 

2. Control Bleeding

  • If there is bleeding, apply steady, direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for 15 minutes. If blood soaks through, apply another cloth over the first.

 

3. Make a Sling

  • Supporting the injured arm, place a triangular bandage or cloth under it and over the uninjured shoulder.
  • Tie the sling at the side of the neck.

 

4. Treat Symptoms

  • Apply ice for pain and swelling.
  • Give over-the-counter acetaminophen for pain.

 

5. Follow Up

  • The health care provider will examine the shoulder and may do an X-ray or other tests. In most cases, surgery is not needed.
  • The health care provider may put the arm in a sling.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on November 22, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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