Shoulder Tears

Illinois Personal Injury Attorneys for Rotator Cuff Tears After a Slip and Fall, Car Accident, or Pedestrian Accident

What is a Shoulder Tear?

A shoulder tear is an injury affecting the soft tissues—muscles, tendons, and cartilage—that provide stability and facilitate the range of motion in the shoulder joint. Such injuries are prevalent, with nearly 2 million individuals in the United States seeking medical attention for rotator cuff tears alone each year.

The Different Types of Shoulder Tears

The shoulder’s complex anatomy makes it susceptible to various types of tears, primarily involving the rotator cuff, labrum, and bicep tendons.

1. Rotator Cuff Tears: The rotator cuff comprises four muscles—the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor—that originate from the scapula and converge to form a covering around the humeral head. These muscles are crucial for shoulder stability and movement. Rotator cuff tears can be partial or complete, with most occurring in the supraspinatus tendon.
2. Labral Tears: The labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage that deepens the glenoid fossa, serving as an attachment site for ligaments and aiding in shoulder stability. Common labral tears include:
   • SLAP Tears: Tears of the superior labrum from anterior to posterior, potentially involving the long head bicep tendon.
   • Bankart Tears: Tears below the middle of the glenoid fossa, involving the inferior glenohumeral ligament.
3. Proximal Bicep Tendon Tears: The bicep muscle has two tendons at its proximal end: the short head, attaching to the coracoid process, and the long head, attaching above the glenoid fossa. Tears, especially in the long head tendon, can be partial or complete and may be associated with labral injuries.

What Causes Shoulder Tears?

Shoulder tears can result from injuries or degenerative changes. Common causes include:

• Trauma: Falling onto an outstretched arm, direct blows to the shoulder from car accidents and pedestrian accidents, contact sports, or falls directly onto the shoulder.
• Repetitive Movements: Occupations involving repetitive overhead motions, such as painting and carpentry, can lead to degenerative tears over time.
• Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy objects, especially overhead, can strain shoulder tissues.

What Are the Symptoms of Shoulder Tears?

Symptoms of shoulder tears can vary depending on the specific tissue injured and the severity of the tear. Common signs that you may have a shoulder tear include:

• Shoulder pain, especially during movement.
• Pain radiating to the upper arm.
• Tenderness and bruising.
• A crackling or popping sensation (crepitus) during certain shoulder movements.
• Decreased range of motion and a sense of instability.
• Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm.
• A bulge in the upper arm, known as “Popeye’s sign,” indicative of a proximal bicep tendon tear.

How Are Shoulder Tears Diagnosed?

A thorough evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis. The process typically involves:

• Physical Examination: Assessing for swelling, bruising, tenderness, deformity, muscle strength, stability, and range of motion.
• Imaging Tests:
  • X-Rays: While soft tissues don’t appear on X-rays, they can help identify bone-related issues like fractures or arthritis.
  • Ultrasound: Useful for visualizing soft tissues in real-time, aiding in the diagnosis of muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries.
  • CT Scans: Provide detailed cross-sectional images of the body’s internal structures, offering more information than standard X-rays.
  • MRI: Utilizes radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed images of soft tissues, making it particularly useful for evaluating shoulder injuries.

Treatment Options For Shoulder Tears

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the tear. Options include:

• Conservative Management:
  • Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength and flexibility.
  • Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Steroid Injections: To alleviate severe pain.

According to Rush, if a shoulder tear is caught early, approximately 50% of individuals with rotator cuff tears achieve pain relief and improved function through conservative, nonsurgical treatments. If conservative treatment does not work, surgical intervention is another option.

• Surgical Intervention:
  • Arthroscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive procedure to repair torn tissues.
  • Open Surgery: Required for larger or more complex tears.

Surgery is often considered when conservative treatments fail to provide relief or in cases of complete tears.

The Typical Recovery Timeline and Prognosis of Shoulder Tears

Recovery times vary based on the injury’s severity and the treatment approach. For example, following rotator cuff surgery, re-tear rates vary but range between 13-94%, depending on factors such as tear size, patient age, and rehabilitation compliance.

• Recovery Timeline:
  • Conservative Treatment: Mild to moderate tears typically improve within 6-12 weeks with physical therapy.
  • Surgical Recovery: Post-surgical rehabilitation can take on average, 4-6 months, with full recovery taking up to a year in some cases.
• Rehabilitation: A structured physical therapy program is crucial to restoring strength, flexibility, and function. Patients are typically advised to avoid heavy lifting or overhead movements for several months post-surgery.

Preventing Shoulder Tears

While not all shoulder tears are preventable, individuals can reduce their risk by:

• Strengthening Shoulder Muscles: Regular exercise focusing on rotator cuff and scapular muscles can improve stability.
• Practicing Proper Lifting Techniques: Avoiding excessive strain on the shoulders during lifting and repetitive motions.
• Using Ergonomic Work Practices: Adjusting workstations and tools to minimize repetitive stress injuries.
• Warming Up Before Activity: Stretching and warming up before sports or strenuous activities can help prevent injuries.

Contact John J. Malm & Associates For Your Shoulder Tear Injury

Shoulder tears can cause significant pain and limit daily activities. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment—whether conservative management or surgical intervention—can lead to positive outcomes. If you suspect a shoulder injury, seeking prompt medical attention can improve recovery and prevent long-term complications.

If you or a loved one has suffered a shoulder tear in an accident, contact the Illinois shoulder injury lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. Our dedicated accident attorneys work hard to help you get the compensation you deserve and do not charge a fee upfront. We have offices in Naperville, and St. Charles and serve clients throughout the state.