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 an 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. Here is what to know about muscle and nerve injuries that can accompany a shoulder dislocation.
Let’s look at just a couple of possible muscle and nerve injuries that occur when a shoulder is dislocated.
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.
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. Injuries of this nature may be considered catastrophic injuries under personal injury law and warrant recovery in a legal case.
As noted, these are just two possible types of muscle and nerve injuries that can accompany a shoulder dislocation. That’s why, if your shoulder was dislocated in a car crash, a slip and 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. Contact your hometown legal team at The Downer Law Firm to get started.
