What injuries can you get from falling on your shoulder?
Falling On Your Shoulder
There are 3 bones in the shoulder. The scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle (collar bone), and the humorous (arm bone). These bones when properly connected by ligaments, soft tissue, and tendons form the joints that move and support your shoulder. The vast mobility of these joints makes them very susceptible to injury, especially after a fall. Shoulder injuries due to falling are pretty common and can be quite painful. Here at New York Sports Medicine Institute, we understand these types of injuries and know how to get you on the path to recovery. If you have suffered a shoulder injury from a fall, schedule a consultation with an orthopedist Bergen County and our doctors will provide you with the care you need.
Common Situations Where Falls Occur
There is a preconceived notion that elderly people are the ones who fall. While the elderly population does make up the majority of patients who sustain falls, they certainly are not alone. The following situations are the most common where people of (all genders, ages and, fit levels) fall:
- Roof climbing
- Slippery wet floor/surface
- Performing work at home on a ladder
- Competing/practicing athletics
As you’re falling to the ground, instinctively, your first protective move is to outstretch your arm as to break the fall. This maneuver puts a majority of the force and impact on the shoulder joint leading to injury.
Common Shoulder Injuries and Treatments
Falling can result in the following:
Shoulder separation- The acromioclavicular joint is formed when the clavicle and acromion of the scapular join. Its location on the top of the shoulder makes it easy to be frequently landed on when someone falls. The tearing or damage of the ligaments that hold the joint in place is what is known as a shoulder separation. Depending on the severity of the separation will determine whether you require surgery to restore the joint by repairing the damaged ligaments.
Clavicle fracture- The most common shoulder injury is the clavicle fracture. For most cases, treatment consists of immobilization and physical therapy. When conservative treatment isn’t an option or doesn’t take, an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is needed.
Shoulder dislocation- The ball and socket glenohumeral joint is the formation of the glenoid of the scapula and head of the humerus. When an outstretched arm receives forceful impact it can cause the joint to dislocate. The severity of the dislocation dictates treatment. The shoulder may need to be put back into place by an orthopedist. If there is no soft tissue damage, conservative treatments should be sufficient. In cases where there is some soft tissue damage, surgery might be necessary.
Visit Orthopedist Bergen County If You Sustain a Shoulder Injury Due to a Fall
Shoulder injuries due to falling should be seen and treated by an orthopedic specialist. Regardless of the severity, an orthopedist will have treatment options available to minimize symptoms and speed up recovery. If you fall and injure a shoulder, please don’t hesitate to contact orthopedist Bergen County so we can arrange a consultation. We here at NYSMI understand the care and urgency needed for these types of injuries.
Dr. Nicholas Delaney of NYSMI provides a wide range of treatments to properly evaluate and treat conditions affecting the shoulder. When surgery is needed our surgeons use a minimally invasive arthroscopic option. We provide physical therapy following surgical procedures to ensure optimal healing. Our patients appreciate the comfort and convenience of only having to visit one location to serve multiple needs.
Contact Our Orthopedist Bergen County Today!
If you or someone you know is in need of an expert orthopedist Bergen County, our very own, Dr. Nicholas Delaney is here to assist you. Contact New York Sports Medicine Institute today to learn more about how we can help!