Shoulder and Upper Arm Injuries

Abstract

Sports injuries of the shoulder and upper extremity are frequent in athletes, mainly in contact and overhead disciplines. The most frequent injuries seen are the traumatic shoulder dislocation, acute acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation, clavicle fracture, and sternoclavicular (SC) dislocation. The traumatic shoulder dislocation is an injury that usually needs to be treated operatively in young athletes, either reconstructing the labrum or with a bone reconstruction if there is a significant bone loss. Regarding the acute AC dislocation, mild dislocation can be treated conservatively, but severe dislocation and horizontal unstable lesions need to be surgically managed. Clavicle fractures with significant shortening, displacement, concomitant AC injury, or involvement of the shoulder suspensory complex need to be operated. The sternoclavicular dislocation is not a frequent injury. Direction of dislocation is usually anterior, but if dislocation is posterior, mediastinum structures can be in danger and a surgery is needed. In all these injuries, a good rehabilitation program is the key for successful results.