Orthopedic Trauma & Fracture Care · Salt Lake City · Park City · Heber City
Shoulder & Elbow Fracture Treatment in Salt Lake City & Park City, Utah
Park City and the Heber Valley are active places, and falls on the slopes, trails, and ice are a fact of life. Dr. Hatch provides fracture and trauma care for the shoulder and elbow, from clavicle and proximal humerus fractures to elbow fractures and dislocations, with treatment ranging from a sling to surgical fixation to reverse shoulder replacement when the bone cannot be reliably repaired.
Injuries Dr. Hatch Treats
- Clavicle (collarbone) fractures, common in cyclists, skiers, and snowboarders
- Proximal humerus fractures, breaks at the top of the upper arm bone, most common after a fall in patients over sixty
- Humeral shaft fractures
- Shoulder dislocations and fracture-dislocations
- Acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations
- Scapula (shoulder blade) fractures
- Elbow fractures and dislocations, including radial head, olecranon, and distal humerus fractures
- Tendon ruptures of the pectoralis major, distal biceps, and triceps
Nonsurgical Fracture Care
Many shoulder and elbow fractures heal well without surgery when the bone fragments remain well aligned. Treatment involves a sling or brace, careful follow-up X-rays to confirm the bone is holding its position, and early, protected motion to prevent stiffness. Dr. Hatch provides nonoperative protocols for clavicle and proximal humerus fractures so patients and therapists know what to expect at each stage.
Surgical Fracture Repair
When fragments are displaced, the joint surface is involved, or the fracture is unlikely to heal in a functional position, Dr. Hatch may recommend surgery:
- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) realigns the bone and holds it with plates and screws while it heals; used for clavicle, proximal humerus, and elbow fractures
- AC joint stabilization for higher-grade shoulder separations
- Reverse shoulder replacement for complex proximal humerus fractures in older patients, where the bone quality will not reliably hold hardware and replacement may offer a more predictable recovery
- Tendon repair for pectoralis major, distal biceps, and triceps ruptures
Dr. Hatch’s fellowship training in shoulder and elbow reconstruction is particularly valuable for fractures that involve the joint surface, where restoring anatomy precisely can make a meaningful difference in long-term function.
Recovery
Fracture recovery depends on the bone involved and the treatment chosen. In general, bone healing takes six to twelve weeks, with motion beginning early to prevent stiffness and strengthening following once the bone is solid. Dr. Hatch’s rehabilitation protocols for clavicle ORIF, proximal humerus ORIF, AC stabilization, and tendon repairs lay out each phase.
If You Have Just Been Injured
If you have an obvious deformity, an open wound over a fracture, numbness or loss of circulation in the hand, or severe pain, go to the nearest emergency department. Dr. Hatch’s Park City office is on the Park City Hospital campus. For an injury that has been evaluated in an emergency room or urgent care and needs orthopedic follow-up, call or text (435) 222-8675 and our team will work to see you promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a broken collarbone need surgery?
Many clavicle fractures heal well in a sling. Surgery is considered when the fracture is significantly displaced or shortened, when the skin is at risk, or in active patients who want a more predictable return to sport.
How is a proximal humerus fracture treated?
Many heal without surgery with a sling and early motion. Displaced fractures may be repaired with a plate and screws, and in older patients with poor bone quality a reverse shoulder replacement can offer a more reliable result.
How soon can I be seen after an injury?
Call or text (435) 222-8675. Our team prioritizes recent injuries and will help you get in at the Park City, Heber City, or Salt Lake City office as quickly as possible.
Recently Injured? We Will Help You Get Seen Quickly
Call or text (435) 222-8675 or send an appointment request and note that you have a recent injury.