A dislocated shoulder is a common injury – and a very painful one. It can happen, of course, in sports, but also in a car crash or a bad fall.
People often think that once it’s put back in place (which should only be done by a doctor), they’re good to go and that the pain will subside after a couple of days of pain relievers. However, there is often a lot more damage that can’t be seen without MRI.
If that damage isn’t addressed with proper treatment, things are only going to worsen. You could end up with lifelong pain and mobility issues. Let’s look at just a couple of possible injuries that occur when a shoulder is dislocated.
Rotator cuff injuries
Rotator cuff muscle tears are among the more common injuries that occur when a shoulder becomes dislocated. The rotator cuff has four muscles that surround the cuff at the top of the shoulder. This cuff is what allows people to lift and rotate their arm.
If the muscles are actually torn, surgery is required. However, it’s possible to have a less serious rotator cuff injury that requires non-surgical treatment. Without proper treatment, a person can lose mobility and adequate use of the shoulder.
Circumflex axillary nerve injury
This is a nerve in the shoulder that can be damaged by a shoulder dislocation. Damage to this nerve can cause numbness in the shoulder and upper arm. Without proper treatment, this area can weaken and become difficult to move.
As noted, these are just two possible types of injuries that can accompany a shoulder dislocation. That’s why if your shoulder was dislocated in a car crash, a fall on someone’s property or in some other type of accident that was caused by someone’s negligence, it’s crucial to make sure you know the full extent of your injuries and required treatment before accepting a settlement. Having legal guidance can help you ensure that you get the compensation you need and deserve.
