The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. It consists of several interconnected parts. It is made up of two joints, the AC joint (Acromioclavicular joint) which is between the collarbone (Clavicula) and the shoulder blade (Scapula), and the shoulder joint which is between the ball shaped head of humerus bone and the socket.
The shoulder socket is shallow, flat and rimmed with soft tissue. This makes the socket deeper and molds it to fit the humeral head. The rotator which is made up of the tendons of four muscles keeps the humerus tightly in the socket and allows it to move in various directions. Ligaments additionally increase stability. The anatomy of the shoulder allows you to move your arm in multiple directions.
CONDITIONS OF THE SHOULDER
Rotator Cuff Injury - The rotator cuff is important to keep the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. An injury of this muscle group may cause a dull ache in the shoulder, which often worsens during movement or while sleeping on the injured side.
It is commonly caused through overhead activities, in some cases a fall on the outstretched arm can also cause the injury. Many people recover from initial immobilisation and subsequent physical therapy exercises that improve flexibility and strength of the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.
Tendomyopathy - Tender points at the site of muscle and particular tendon insertion play an essential role in diagnosis of tendomyopathy, also known as fibromyalgia. It is a generalised pain disorder without structural lesion of tendons / muscles or other findings in the laboratory or imaging. Rather, an altered pain threshold is assumed. The complaints can occur in all parts of the body - not only in the shoulder.
Strains – A shoulder strain is a stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon in the shoulder with acute pain and limited mobility.
Sprains – Common causes of an AC joint sprain include trauma directly to the shoulder (e.g. from a car accident), as well as a fall onto an outstretched arm. You feel sudden pain, acute swelling and bruising. The degree of sprain can range from mild (slight stretching) to severe (complete dislocation of the joint).
Shoulder Tear - A tear (partial or complete) can occur in the tendons, the muscles, or the labrum, the rim of fibrous tissue that lines the glenoid. Over time, small tears in a tendon can lead to bigger ones. They are caused by repeated use or by sudden injury. Years of repetitive arm motions performed during sports, daily activities, or jobs can lead to a tear.
Fracture – Any bone may break, depending on mechanism, usually due to excessive force. Fractures can range from a simple crack in the bone to multiple breaks. The most frequent fracture of the shoulder joint occurs in the upper humerus, often with the involvement of the joint surface.
Joint Dislocation - The most frequent anterior dislocations of the shoulder is caused by the arm being forcefully twisted outward (external rotation) when the arm is above the level of the shoulder. These injuries can occur from many different causes, including a fall or a direct blow to the shoulder. Posterior dislocations are much less common.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome - Impingement syndrome is a common shoulder condition seen in active adults. This condition is closely related to local inflammation of rotator cuff tendons. It may occur with or without local calcification of soft tissue. Pain and immobility may be felt during the night and also while trying to extend arms above the head and shoulder and behind the back.
The medical content provided was developed and summarised by medical professionals on behalf of Essity T/A BSN medical and is based on the most current available orthopaedic knowledge.
The information provided is for educational purposes only and not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a physician or health care professional to obtain an accurate diagnosis and when encountering persistent pain, discomfort, inflammation or swelling.
The medical content provided was developed and summarised by medical professionals on behalf of Essity T/A BSN medical and is based on the most current available orthopaedic knowledge.
