Shoulder joint dislocation

Under one Shoulder joint dislocation one understands the incomplete to complete tearing of the capsule-ligament-apparatus of the shoulder joint. Mostly this is the result of falls in which one falls directly on the shoulder.

What is an ankle joint dislocation?

If there is an existing shoulder joint dislocation, severe pain in the shoulder is the clearest symptom. Affected people also often suffer from severe swelling in the shoulder region.
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The shoulder joint is called acromioclavicular joint in technical terms; Acromion means shoulder roof, clavicula means collarbone. So there is Shoulder joint dislocation an injury in the relatively small joint formed by the roof of the shoulder and the collarbone.

The inner part of the connection consists of the outer side of the collarbone, the outer part is the side of the shoulder roof facing towards the middle of the body. Above all, the joint is stabilized by the joint capsule and several ligaments.

In this region, the ligaments and capsule are overstretched, pulled or torn in the ankle joint dislocation. There may also be a complete disruption of the ligaments. In the area of ​​the shoulder girdle, the shoulder joint dislocation is one of the most common injuries.

causes

The causes of a Shoulder joint dislocation are mostly direct violence or falls on the shoulder area. This is primarily a typical sports injury, as the arm is often pulled in front of the body when a fall occurs.

Above all in the sports of skiing, cycling, motorcycling, martial arts and horse riding, an ankle joint dislocation is sustained. But all other sports in which you run a lot can also lead to a fall in the shoulder joint. On the other hand, a fall on the outstretched arm is less common.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

If there is an existing shoulder joint dislocation, severe pain in the shoulder is the clearest symptom. Affected people also often suffer from severe swelling in the shoulder region. Even the smallest of movements or when pressure is exerted increases the pain considerably. Even at rest, this pain persists. As a result, affected people usually adopt a tense relieving posture.

The arm is bent and supported with the healthy arm. This tense position may even lead to back pain, which will also get worse as the disease progresses. If a doctor is consulted at an early stage in the event of a shoulder joint dislocation, the symptoms that arise can be relieved effectively and quickly.

With the help of pain pills and permanent cooling of the affected area, rapid relief can be brought about. The situation is different, however, if the person concerned completely renounces treatment. Then a significant worsening of the existing symptoms can be expected.

In particularly bad cases, there is even permanent damage to the joint, which cannot be restored afterwards. A shoulder joint dislocation is accompanied by fairly typical symptoms, but they can be treated very well. However, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible, as otherwise there is a risk of serious complications.

Diagnosis & course

To a Shoulder joint dislocation To be able to diagnose, a physical exam and a questionnaire about the exact cause of the injury will be done.

If the ligaments and / or the capsule are torn or torn, a clear misalignment of the collarbone can be seen; it stands up (it is luxated). However, imaging diagnostics are essential in order to be able to reliably determine the splintered shoulder joint.

A misalignment can be seen here, even if it is not visible from the outside. The shoulder joint dislocation can be divided into 3 degrees, one usually speaks of the classification according to Tossy (or also according to Rockwood). Tossy I describes a tear in the ligaments, but the joint partners cannot be moved. Tossy II is also an incomplete tear, but the two joint partners can easily be displaced.

In Tossy III, the ligaments (and the capsule) are completely torn and the two joint partners can clearly move against each other. The clearly protruding collarbone can be pushed down and then comes up again (piano key phenomenon).

Complications

In the case of an ankle joint dislocation, those affected primarily suffer from very severe pain. These occur mainly in the shoulder, but can also spread to the surrounding regions, causing pain in the neck or arms. Furthermore, the patients suffer from severe swelling and also from bruises.

Due to the constant pain, many patients suffer from restricted mobility or continue to suffer from depression. Nocturnal pain, in particular, can lead to irritation in the patient, which is made easier by sleep problems. The shoulders and arms can hardly be moved due to the pain.

Movement of the hands can also lead to pain, so that the everyday life of the patient is considerably restricted. Occasionally it can happen that the ligaments are torn when the shoulder joint splits off. However, the further course of this disease depends heavily on the exact cause and the type of accident or blow.

Usually the symptoms can be limited relatively well with the help of physiotherapy. Those affected have to refrain from sporting activities for a few weeks. There are no particular complications. The life expectancy of the patient is also not negatively affected by the shoulder joint dislocation, as long as the accident does not pose a mortal danger.

When should you go to the doctor?

In the case of an ankle joint dislocation, the person concerned is dependent on treatment by a doctor in any case. It cannot heal itself and the symptoms usually worsen if they are not treated. The earlier the shoulder joint dislocation is recognized and treated, the better the further course of this disease. A doctor should be consulted if the patient suffers from severe swelling of the shoulders.

These swellings appear for no particular reason and will not go away on their own. Severe and, above all, permanent pain in the shoulders can also indicate the ankle joint dislocation and must be examined by a doctor. The pain can also spread to the back and cause discomfort there too. A general practitioner or an orthopedic surgeon should always be consulted with these symptoms in order to prevent complications. The shoulder joint dislocation can be treated relatively well, and the life expectancy of the person affected is not limited or reduced by the disease.

Treatment & Therapy

Is medical treatment the Shoulder joint dislocation completed, consistent and adapted physiotherapy should be carried out in order to be able to guarantee the best possible rehabilitation. Since no operation is necessary with Tossy I or II, after the pain has subsided, light sporting activity can be carried out again, but this does not include the affected shoulder.

You shouldn't do any sport for 1 to 2 weeks. With Tossy III, the break should be about 4-6 weeks, depending on whether the ankle joint dislocation was treated conservatively or surgically. In addition, the arm should not be spread more than 90 ° from the body during this period.

As an immediate measure after the fall, the arm can be stabilized on the stomach to relieve the strain, if possible with a triangular cloth. A cooling battery can also initially relieve the pain and reduce the swelling until you have seen a doctor. With all 3 Tossy forms, physical therapy is still important so that the arm can move freely again.

prevention

One Shoulder joint dislocation can only be prevented to a limited extent, as it is usually an unfavorable fall on the lateral shoulder region and this cannot always be prevented. The risk of injury can only be reduced if appropriate protective clothing is worn. For example, you can wear a jacket with protective pads, especially when riding a motorcycle, as the risk of injury in the event of a fall is particularly high here. Appropriate shoulder pads can also be worn for football.

Aftercare

In the case of an ankle joint dislocation, those affected primarily suffer from very severe pain. The pain mainly occurs in the shoulder, but it can also spread to the neighboring regions, causing pain in the neck or arms. Furthermore, the patients suffer from severe swelling and sometimes from bruises.

The permanent pain can also lead to restricted mobility or depression. Nocturnal pain, in particular, can irritate the patient and cause further sleep problems. The shoulders and arms can hardly be moved due to the pain.

Movement of the hands can also lead to pain, so that the everyday life of the patient is considerably restricted. Furthermore, the ligaments can also be torn when the shoulder joint splintered. However, the further course of this disease depends heavily on the exact cause and the type of accident or blow.

Usually the symptoms can be limited relatively well by physiotherapy. Those affected have to refrain from sporting activities for a few weeks. Particular complications arise. The life expectancy of the patient is also not negatively affected by the shoulder joint dislocation, as long as the accident does not pose a mortal danger.

You can do that yourself

In the case of an ankle joint dislocation, the person affected should take it easy and avoid physical strain. Sports activities are to be avoided for the time of the medical treatment or should be reduced to a minimum.

Since the sick person automatically takes a relieving posture due to the existing complaints, there is a greater burden on other physical regions. To avoid tension or additional pain, heat treatments or massages are advisable in the affected areas. Everyday life must be restructured and adapted to the requirements and possibilities of the patient. The completion of important physical tasks should be taken over by other people so that there is no overload. The request for help must therefore be made by the patient to people from his social environment.

Physiotherapeutic therapy is part of the treatment of ankle joint dislocation. The exercises and training units learned there can also be used independently outside of the sessions. They support and promote the healing process.

Mental strength is just as important to recovery. With a positive attitude and optimism, the person concerned helps himself to improve the overall situation more quickly. The focus of perception should not be directed towards the activities that can no longer be carried out by oneself. It is important to recognize the help of others as well as one's own progress within the therapy.