A tear in the ligaments of the shoulder joint

Rupture of the ligaments of the shoulder joint is most often found in athletes and manifests itself, first of all, as a significant limitation of the mobility of the arm and shoulder.

One of the main characteristics of the shoulder joint is considered to be a fairly wide range of motion. But sometimes this can cause destabilization of the joint. Thus, those positive qualities that facilitate free arm movements can in some cases make the joint vulnerable: the fibrous membrane and shoulder ligaments are not strong enough.

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Causes of Shoulder Ligament Rupture

There are many reasons for ligament rupture, so they are divided into the following options:

• traumatic disruption of the integrity of the ligaments, which occurred as a result of injury of varying degrees;
• degenerative disruption of the integrity of the ligaments, arising as a result of age-related or physical disorders of joint trophism (the so-called wear of the shoulder joint).

In general, the most common reasons can be characterized as follows:

• professional characteristics associated with frequent increased loads on the shoulder joint. With such loads, the integrity of the ligaments can be gradually disrupted;
• physical activity associated with certain sports that require increased activity of the shoulder joint - these include swimming, basketball, gymnastics or weightlifting;
• household trauma – mainly, these are unsuccessful falls on an upper limb extended forward;
• joint nutritional disorder is a characteristic sign of age-related changes, when ligaments weaken due to a lack of the elements and vitamins they need;
• the growth of osteophytes - bone growths that simply "grind" the ligaments, which leads to their rupture. This reason also belongs to the category of age-related changes in the joint;
• hormonal imbalance – this factor is often associated with the use of corticosteroid hormones, especially in large doses and over a long period of time. This reason is typical for people who are involved in bodybuilding;
• Continuous and frequent smoking is a bad habit that makes our ligaments brittle and inelastic. In a heavy smoker, even a slight careless movement can provoke a dislocation or rupture of the ligament apparatus.

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Symptoms of a torn shoulder ligament

A ligament rupture may be suspected in the following cases:

• there are no visual manifestations of injury, the forearm and shoulder joint are not deformed, there is pain during palpation of the head of the humeral joint and when trying to move the arm to the side;
• the first day after the injury, the pain may be minor or moderate, but the pain becomes sharp with repeated injury to the shoulder, with an accidental turn of the limb, when putting on the sleeves of clothing;
• it becomes impossible and very painful to move your arm completely to the side.

Often the victim notes a feeling of crunching or light cracking at the moment of injury. Hematomas may appear at the site of the rupture, and over time, if left untreated, swelling of the joint may develop.

Consequences of a ruptured shoulder ligament

There are two types of ligamentous apparatus rupture:

• complete disruption of the integrity of the ligaments. This option assumes the presence of a complete rupture with damage to all the fibers of the ligament, or an absolute detachment of the ligament from the area where it was fixed;
• Incomplete rupture of the ligaments of the shoulder joint is also called ligament sprain. This injury is a rupture and incomplete tear of some fibers of the ligament. In this case, the functions of the ligamentous apparatus are not impaired.

Negative consequences from a violation of the integrity of the ligaments of the shoulder joint can occur with a complete violation of the integrity of the ligamentous apparatus, with unqualified and untimely assistance, or with ignoring the doctor's recommendations. Growths and nodular formations on the tendons may appear, which will subsequently interfere with the full functionality of the joint, as well as create obstacles to nerve innervation. The latter can provoke pain in the joint area even after complete healing of the ligament injury.

If treatment is insufficient, degenerative disorders of the ligament and muscle apparatus of the shoulder may occur. Incorrect fusion of the damaged area of the ligament is also possible, which can subsequently cause pain and numbness of the joint.

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Diagnosis of ruptured shoulder ligaments

At the initial stage of diagnostics, the doctor studies the mechanism of injury, for which he carefully questions the victim about the nature and cause of injury, as well as about the patient's sensations. The examination procedure may include palpation, external examination, comparison of the damaged joint with the opposite healthy shoulder.

The following procedures are usually used as specific diagnostic methods:

• the computed tomography method can confirm or refute the diagnosis of ligament rupture, and also subsequently assess the dynamics of the healing process;
• the magnetic resonance imaging method makes it possible to determine the scale and degree of damage to the ligamentous apparatus;
• X-ray examination helps to exclude other possible consequences of trauma: the presence of a fracture or dislocation;
• Ultrasound of the shoulder joint is used much less frequently.

Qualified diagnostics allows the doctor to correctly prescribe effective and adequate treatment.

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Treatment of ruptured shoulder ligaments

Immediately after receiving an injury, the victim must be given emergency assistance, which includes:

• complete rest and immobilization of the injured limb using a bandage or improvised means (a piece of cloth, a scarf);
• cold on the injured shoulder, preferably ice;
• taking analgesic drugs (analgin, baralgin, nimesulide).

Further drug therapy should be prescribed by a doctor after the victim has visited the emergency room and the necessary diagnostic procedures have been carried out.

Surgery for ruptured shoulder ligaments was previously performed using a rather traumatic method. Under general anesthesia, the surgeon made an incision in the shoulder area, then sewed the torn tendon and sutured the incision. Currently, the operation is performed using the arthroscopy method, which involves minimal disruption of the skin. During arthroscopy, two small incisions (or punctures) are made. The doctor inserts an arthroscopic device with a camera on the end into one incision, and the necessary instrument for performing the operation into the other incision. The procedure is so minimally invasive that the victim can leave the hospital the same day after the operation.

In the postoperative period, you can already begin to restore the shoulder apparatus. For this purpose, physiotherapy methods are used (using diadynamic currents, ultra-high frequencies), massage procedures, acupuncture and warming creams. If you want to use any medication on your own, be sure to consult your doctor first.

The approach to treating ligament rupture must be comprehensive; only a comprehensive impact on the injury can guarantee a positive therapeutic result.

To consolidate the effect of conservative and surgical treatment, you can use folk therapy methods. Natural folk remedies will help relieve inflammation, reduce tissue swelling and speed up the healing stage. Let us remind you that applying cold is recommended for the first two to three days after injury. In the following days, you can use warming procedures.

• Warm alcohol compress – take equal parts of water and good vodka, wet the bandage and apply to the injured shoulder. It is possible to use under oilcloth and leave it overnight.
• Apply a hot compress of boiling milk while it is hot and change it as it cools;
• Apply a compress of grated onion mixed with sugar for 6-7 hours (or overnight). After the procedure, lubricate the skin with massage ointment or vegetable oil;
• Lotions or baths with wild rosemary infusion are good for relieving inflammation and killing pathogenic microbes;
• Mix regular clay with apple cider vinegar and apply to the affected area of the shoulder periodically until complete recovery.

Prevention of rupture of the shoulder ligaments

To prevent stretching and rupture of the shoulder ligaments, you must remember the following rules:

• Before physical activity and exercise, be sure to “warm up” your muscles and stretch;
• avoid sudden movements, turns, and jolts;
• strengthen the muscles of the upper limbs, back, and chest with the help of physical exercises;
• During your workouts in the gym, learn the correct technique for performing certain exercises, don’t be shy about asking your trainer for help;
• also, a trainer can and should teach you how to fall correctly, avoid landing on an outstretched arm or elbow;
• muscle loads can only be increased gradually, without rushing;
• eat properly and nutritiously, drink enough water to maintain normal joint elasticity;
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol.

Shoulder Ligament Rupture Prognosis

The prognosis for a ruptured shoulder ligament can be favorable if all doctor's instructions are followed. Of course, if the injury is not treated, or treatment is started later than required, the outcome can be disappointing: the ligament apparatus will stop functioning properly, movements in the joint will become limited, or even impossible.

Shoulder ligament rupture does not accept self-treatment. In case of any traumatic shoulder injuries, it is necessary to contact the trauma center, where qualified specialists will rush to provide you with emergency therapeutic assistance and prescribe effective treatment.