Michigan auto accident victims may suffer from many types of shoulder injuries.  However, these all fall under three general categories of impairment; fractures, dislocations, and soft-tissue injuries.

Fractures are broken bone injuries to the clavicle, proximal humerus (the top of the upper arm bone) and the scapula.

Dislocations happen when the bones on the opposite sides of a joint fail to connect or line up.

Soft tissue injuries involve tears in the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and the joint capsule of the shoulder including rotator cuff tears and labral (SLAP) tears.

The shoulder has three main bones making up a ball-and-socket joint.  These include the scapula (shoulder blade), arm bone (humerus), and the clavicle (collar bone).  The shoulder joint has the largest range of motion in the human body, though because of its mobility, it is more likely to be injured.  If you are involved in an auto accident resulting in shoulder injury it is very important to address any pain.  Common symptoms of shoulder injury include:

• A tender and stiff shoulder that hurts more at night and interrupts sleep.
• Shoulder pain in a precise area that worsens with physical exertion.
• Tingling, numbness, weakness, or inflammation.
• Sudden pain in the shoulder area
• Trouble moving arms in any direction without pain
• Pale or discolored shoulder area.

If you are experiencing any shoulder pain or stiffness, you should immediately make an appointment with your orthopedic surgeon to diagnose the injury and the extent of the damage.  If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek out medical help.

Is your shoulder stiff or in pain?  Can you rotate your shoulder and move your arm normally?

Does your shoulder feel as if it might pop out of the socket when moving it?

Is your shoulder weak enough that day to day activities have become a challenge?