Common Shoulder Ligament Tears in Bellaire, Texas 

How the Shoulder Ligaments Work

Ligaments are connective tissue that bonds bones to other bones, and have an important role in providing joint stability. They usually tie them from several angles, determining range of motion and flexibility.

The shoulder is one of the most unstable joints in the body, which is necessary for it to have ample range and diversity of movement. In the shoulder there are ligaments tying together the scapula, humerus (arm bone) and the clavicle, and each group has a distinct name. There are two groups that receive the most amount of injuries in a sports context:

• The Glenohumeral Ligaments: tie the scapula to the humerus, and are usually the ones affected by a shoulder dislocation, common in contact sports like rugby or american football.
• The Acromioclavicular Ligaments: a complex of ligaments that tie together the clavicle and the forward end of the scapular bone. Often these are known by the acronym ACJ (Acromioclavicular Joint), and it’s a common injury in young athletes. 

Difference with Other Shoulder Injuries

A rotator cuff injury or tear happens not directly in the ligaments but in the tendons, which are the part of the muscle that attaches to the bone. These can also be a result of sudden trauma to the shoulder, or a result of gradual overuse, like extended overhead activity. 

To know the difference it’s important to consult with a medical provider so the proper exams can be done to know what injury you are dealing with, and finding an adequate treatment plan.

Frozen shoulder is also a common injury, although it’s usually found in population over 40 and not so much related to sports injuries. It is an inflammation of the tissue surrounding the joint, and its most important symptom distinction is stiffness and inability to move the arm.

If you have suffered a severe dislocation, muscle tissue or tendon tissue can be affected or torn as well as the tendon, and treatment for this will need to take both into account. You can contact our office in Houston for further consultation.

Reasons and Risk Factors of Shoulder Ligament Tears 

Each sport will exert different pressures and stress on different body parts. Finger injuries are far more common in volleyball or basketball players than in swimmers or soccer players. 

Shoulder Dislocation or Subluxation

Both subluxation and dislocation are almost always the result of trauma. Trauma in medicine refers to contact injury with force. So for example, rugby and american football players when being tackled or when tackling someone, risk getting a ligament injury if not performing with good technique. 

Indirect trauma can also result in a shoulder dislocation/subluxation. For example, if the force is delivered to the elbow in an angle, the glenohumeral ligaments can be the ones to take the hit, and become dislocated.

ACJ Injuries and Tears

The ACJ can also become injured due to direct or indirect trauma. However, a torn ACJ can also be the result of overtime exertion, or overuse. 

Because of this, sports that involve a lot of overhead activity are prone to having athletes with this type of tear. Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Baseball and Softball are the most commonly seen. Swimming and other related sports have less incidence, but should still be looked at closely to prevent injury

Sports Medicine in Houston for Shoulder Ligament Tears

Dr. Berkman’s office provides expert orthopedic services for any kind of injury you may be experiencing. We understand the importance of medical care for young athletes and their longevity in their sports, and with the vast experience in orthopedic medicine, you are guaranteed an optimal service no matter how complicated the injury.