Injury To The Shoulder Joint (acromioclavicular Joint)

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Injury To The Shoulder Joint (acromioclavicular Joint)
Injury To The Shoulder Joint (acromioclavicular Joint)

Video: Injury To The Shoulder Joint (acromioclavicular Joint)

Video: Injury To The Shoulder Joint (acromioclavicular Joint)
Video: Shoulder Pain from Your AC Joint? 3 Quick Tests You Can Do. 2024, March
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Injury to the shoulder joint

The shoulder joint (acromioclavicular joint or AC joint) connects the collarbone (clavicle) with the "roof" of the shoulder blade (acromion). A fall or a strong blow to the shoulder can injure this joint. About twelve percent of acute shoulder injuries affect the ankle joint. In contrast, injuries to the joint (sternoclavicular joint) between the collarbone and breastbone (sternum) are very rare.

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The shoulder joint is part of the functional unit of the shoulder girdle. Information on the anatomical structure can be found under: Shoulder and dislocation of the shoulder joint.

What is the cause of an injury to the ankle joint?

Injury to the shoulder joint can result from a blow or fall on the shoulder roof. The typical course of an accident is a fall on the shoulder with the arm lying flat or a fall on the hand with an outstretched arm. Depending on the impact of violence, the joint and the surrounding ligaments, tendons and muscles are more or less severely injured. The most common cause is a fall on the shoulder roof. Suitable protective clothing for sport or in traffic can reduce the risk of injury.

What are the symptoms?

In the case of an acute injury to the ankle joint, the affected person has pain in the shoulder. The pain increases when the arm moves inwards (abduction) and when there is local pressure on the joint. The mobility is severely restricted. Most of the time, the affected arm is held in a relaxed position in front of the body. The injury often causes swelling in the area of the joint on the shoulder. In the event of an accompanying ligament injury (tear in the retaining straps at the joint), the outer (distal) end of the collarbone is usually up and the shoulder roof is lowered.

First aid

The stabilization of the arm in a protective position in front of the abdomen of the injured person helps to relieve pain. For example, an arm sling with a triangular shawl can be used for immobilization. Cooling the affected area with "cool packs" or other cool objects also relieves pain and reduces swelling.

Warning: ice must not be placed directly on the skin! For example, wrap it in towels. For more information, see: Emergency Injuries.

How is the diagnosis made?

At the beginning, the doctor collects the medical history and asks how the injury occurred (e.g. direct impact, impact, indirect trauma). The shoulder is then examined for external signs, for example swelling in the area of the affected joint, raised collarbone, etc. The doctor checks stability, tenderness and mobility of the shoulder with special grips. The collarbone and shoulder roof are also examined.

With the help of imaging diagnostics, the extent of the injury is precisely determined and classified. Possible injuries are, for example, a dislocation or dislocation of the shoulder joint as well as injuries (tears) to the capsule-ligament apparatus or the adjacent ligaments and muscles. First, X-rays and possibly an ultrasound examination of the shoulder joint are carried out. An MRI may be necessary to record possible accompanying injuries more precisely. Ev. There may also be a fracture of the collarbone, a dislocation of the shoulder joint, or an injury to the sternoclavicular joint.

How is the ankle joint injury treated?

Treatment depends on the diagnosed extent of the injury.

Immobilization

In the event of a sprain or dislocation, the shoulder joint is immobilized with a shoulder arm bandage and the pain is treated with anti-inflammatory medication (conservative therapy). In certain cases, the doctor will also suggest conservative therapy in the event of a subluxation or dislocation. The duration of the immobilization depends on the extent of the injury. It can range from a few days to several weeks. During or after the immobilization, the doctor will prescribe physiotherapy with exercises to improve mobility.

surgery

Whether or not an operation should be performed depends on a number of factors. These include, for example, the age of the patient, the individual surgical risk, the state of muscle strength in the shoulder area, the demands placed on the musculoskeletal system due to sporting or professional activities (overhead work) etc. The doctor clarifies the patient with the patient Advantages and disadvantages of the operation.

There are several surgical procedures available for treating ankle joint injury. The joint capsule and torn ligaments can be sutured. Sutures are used that slowly dissolve. Bones, such as the roof of the shoulder and collarbone, are fixed with wires, screws or plates. Depending on the operation, an arthroscopic or open procedure can be performed.

How is follow-up treatment and rehabilitation carried out?

In order to restore the function of the joint, the doctor prescribes functional physiotherapy with exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve the mobility of the joint. The patient is instructed by the physiotherapist to perform the exercises independently. Stabilizing taping of the joint during rehabilitation can be useful for some patients. After an operation, a brief immobilization with a shoulder-am-bandage is usually necessary.

Whom can I ask?

In the event of a shoulder injury or shoulder problems, you can contact the following offices:

  • General practitioner
  • Specialist in orthopedics and traumatology
  • Specialist in orthopedics and orthopedic surgery
  • Accident ambulance

How are the costs going to be covered?

The e-card is your personal key to the benefits of the statutory health insurance. All necessary and appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures are taken over by your responsible social insurance agency. A deductible or contribution to costs may apply for certain services. You can obtain detailed information from your social security agency. Further information can also be found at:

  • Right to treatment
  • Visit to the doctor: costs and deductibles
  • What does the hospital stay cost?
  • Prescription fee: This is how drug costs are covered
  • Medical aids & aids
  • Health Professions AZ

and via the online guide to reimbursement of social insurance costs.

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