A Review of Common Shoulder Injuries

Abstract

The shoulder complex is an intricate combination of bones, muscles, and ligaments that function synergistically to move the arm. While the shoulder is a very mobile joint, allowing for movement in all planes, it is not an apparatus known for stability. The injuries that can be sustained by the shoulder are often extensive and could give rise to further injuries in other aspects of the body, including the arm, back, and sternum. Two of the most common injuries that can be sustained by the shoulder include clavicular fractures and anterior shoulder dislocations. Clavicular fractures are most commonly sustained by direct compressive force directed towards the sternum and applied to the ipsilateral shoulder, while anterior dislocations commonly occur as a result of direct force projected anteriorly while the arm is externally rotated and abducted. The mechanism of injury for both clavicular fractures and anterior dislocations dictates the injuries' severity which subsequently determines the extent of treatment and rehabilitation that is needed. Both conservative and surgical methods are effective in treating shoulder injuries depending upon an individual's activity level and the extent of the injury. Following treatment, proper rehabilitation of the injury is crucial to regain the shoulder's active pain-free range of motion, strength of surrounding muscles, and neuromuscular control, while ensuring a timely return to daily activities.