Common and Uncommon Shoulder Injuries

AC Joint Sprain
This is where the clavicle (collar bone) meets the acromion process of the scapular. It is a bony bit on the top of the shoulder. This joint can be injured by falling onto the shoulder, elbow or an outstretched arm.

Dislocated Shoulder
This is one of the most common traumatic sporting injuries and occurs frequently in contact sports such as rugby or judo. Shoulder dislocations can be either anterior or posterior dislocations.

Fracture of the clavicle
Shoulder injury involving a fracture of the collar bone or clavicle. This bone is usually fractured as a result of falling badly onto an outstretched arm or onto the shoulder.

Glenohumeral Instability / Subluxation
Referred Pain from Cervical and Thoracic Spine

Glenoid Labrum Injury
Shoulder pain resulting from damage to the lining of the cavity the end of the upper arm bone sits in.

Inflammation of muscle attachments to the clavicle
Pain along the front of the collar bone.

Impingement syndrome
Impingement syndrome is when the rotator cuff tendons become trapped in the shoulder joint. Repeated impingement can lead to inflammation and thickening, which in turn will result in more impingement and trapping of the inflammed tendons.

Inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon The supraspinatus muscle runs along the top of the shoulder blade and inserts via the tendon at the top of the arm (humerus bone). This muscle is used to lift the arm up sideways and is also important in throwing sports. Inflammation of the subscapularis tendon The subscapularis muscle originates from the underside of the shoulder blade and inserts at the front of the upper arm (humerus). It is mainly throwers that injure this muscle. A partial rupture of the muscle is more common than a complete rupture but the partial rupture will often heal with inflammation. Pectoralis major muscle / tendon strain The pectoralis major muscle is a large powerful muscle at the front of the chest. It used to rotate the arm inwards, pull a horizontal arm across the body, pull the arm from above the head down and pull the arm from the side upwards. It is most likely to rupture at the point where it inserts into the arm (humerus). Pectoralis major tendon inflammation The tendon where it inserts into the arm (humerus) can become inflammed. It is common in racket players, rowers, swimmers, throwers and weight trainers. Referred Shoulder Pain Referred pain from cervicle spine and thoracic spine. Rotator cuff injuries / rotator cuff strain The rotator cuff muscles control rotation of the shoulder.These muscles are put under a great deal of strain especially in throwing events and racket sports where your arm is above your head a lot. Rupture of the supraspinatus tendon The supraspinatus muscle runs along the top of the shoulder blade and inserts at the top of the arm (humerus bone). This muscle is used to lift the arm up sideways and is also important in throwing sports as it is the muscle that holds the arm in the shoulder joint when you release what you are throwing. Rupture of the long head of the biceps The biceps muscle splits into two tendons at the shoulder. A long one and a short one. The long tendon runs over the top of the humerus bone (upper arm) and attaches to the top of the shoulder blade. A rupture of this tendon is rare in young athletes but more common in older ones. Subacromial bursitis Over the supraspinatus tendon is a bursa (small sack of fluid used to help lubricate the moving tendon). This bursa can become trapped in the shoulder causing pain and inflammation. The athlete is more prone to this injury if they overuse the shoulder particularly if the arm is at or above shoulder level. Or if the athlete has had a rupture of the supraspinatus tendon. Less Common Shoulder Injuries Deltoid muscle strain (front) The deltoid muscle is the big muscle on the shoulder. It has three parts - the front (anterior), middle and back (posterior). The muscle lifts the arm up sideways. The front part helps to lift the arm up forwards (flexion) and the back part helps to lift the arm up backwards (extension). Deltoid muscle strain (back) The deltoid muscle is the big muscle on the shoulder. It has three parts - the front (anterior), middle and back (posterior). The muscle lifts the arm up sideways. The front part helps to lift the arm up forwards (flexion) and the back part helps to lift the arm up backwards (extension). Dislocation of the sterno-clavicular joint The clavicle (or collar bone) connects to the sternum (or breast bone) in the middle of the chest at the top. If the shoulder is subjected to a hard impact this joint can become damaged. Fracture of the neck of the humerus A fracture to the neck of the humerus is often caused by falling onto an outstretched hand or direct impact to the shoulder. It is seen more often in young adults, adolescents and the elderly. Frozen Shoulder / Adhesive capsulitis A frozen shoulder (known also as adhesive capsulitis) is a condition that occasionally occurs in older athletes. It is this joint and the surrounding capsule that becomes inflammed and eventual there is a significant loss in mobility. Inflammation of the long head of the biceps Inflammation of this tendon is a fairly common complaint especially with swimmers, rowers, throwers, golfers and weight lifters. Winged Scapula A winged scapula is a shoulder injury or condition in which the scapula or shoulder blade sticks out at the back, particular when pushing against something such as a wall. Suprascapular Neuropathy Aching or burning diffuse pain which may radiate through the arm

Reference : http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/shoulder_injuries.htm