Shoulder Injuries

What are Shoulder Injuries?

Shoulder injuries encompass various types of damage to the structures within or surrounding the shoulder joint, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Common shoulder injuries often result from trauma, repetitive motion, or degenerative conditions. Two significant types of shoulder injuries are Bankart lesions and rotator cuff tears. Bankart lesions involve damage to the labrum, a ring of cartilage that stabilizes the shoulder joint, often occurring due to shoulder dislocations. Rotator cuff tears affect the group of muscles and tendons that provide shoulder mobility and stability, typically resulting from acute injury or chronic overuse. Symptoms of shoulder injuries include pain, weakness, reduced range of motion, and joint instability. Diagnosis usually involves physical examination and imaging studies like MRI or ultrasound to assess the extent and specific nature of the injury.

What are the Major Shoulder Injuries?

Major shoulder injuries include Bankart lesions and rotator cuff tears. Bankart lesions occur when the labrum, the cartilage ring stabilizing the shoulder joint, is torn due to shoulder dislocations. This injury is common in young athletes and can lead to recurrent shoulder instability if not properly treated. Rotator cuff tears involve one or more of the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles, responsible for shoulder movement and stability. These tears can be partial or complete and result from acute trauma, such as a fall, or chronic wear and tear from repetitive motions. Symptoms of both types of injuries include pain, especially during overhead activities, weakness, and limited shoulder mobility. Accurate diagnosis through physical examination and imaging techniques like MRI is crucial for determining the severity and appropriate treatment approach for these injuries, which can significantly impact shoulder function and quality of life.

Management of Shoulder Injuries

Management of shoulder injuries, such as Bankart lesions and rotator cuff tears, depends on the severity and nature of the injury. For Bankart lesions, initial treatment may involve physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve joint stability, along with activity modification to avoid further dislocations. Severe cases often require surgical intervention, such as arthroscopic labral repair, to reattach the torn labrum. Rotator cuff tears can be managed non-surgically with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility, and corticosteroid injections for pain relief. Surgical options, such as arthroscopic tendon repair, are considered for large or non-responsive tears. Post-surgery, a structured rehabilitation program is essential to regain full function, focusing on exercises to restore range of motion, strength, and shoulder stability. Long-term follow-up is important to monitor recovery and prevent recurrence, ensuring the patient can return to normal activities with minimal risk of re-injury