Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries are a commonly presenting complaint to the ED. In the absence of an obvious deformity, they can be difficult to assess and definitively diagnose because of the multiple structures that cause shoulder pain, the acuity and severity of pain and the lack of range of motion in the ED setting - Kirsten Strudwick
image by: Sports-health
HWN Suggests
Occult Shoulder Injuries and Proximal Humerus Fractures
What should be included in the list of key occult shoulder injuries that we should have in our back pockets when faced with a patient who has injured their shoulder and the x-ray appears normal? Which proximal humerus fractures are likely to require surgical management? Which shoulder injuries require a simple sling vs Velpeau sling vs collar and cuff vs sugar tong splint? When is an ultrasound of the shoulder indicated and how should they be interpreted? What is the best x-ray view to diagnose a sternoclavicular dislocation? What are the surgical indications for clavicle fractures? and many more…
Featured
Can’t Miss Adult Shoulder Injuries
Third most common musculoskeletal complaint, only to low back pain and neck pain. Most commonly dislocated major joint.
Articles of Interest
Commonly Missed or Mismanaged Shoulder Injuries – Approach and Glenohumeral Dislocations
In this EM Cases main episode podcast Commonly Missed or Mismanaged Shoulder Injuries – Approach and Glenohumeral Dislocations with Dr. Arun Sayal and Dr. Dale Dantzer we answer questions such as: why do we miss orthopedic injuries in general? Where do we go wrong when it comes to ordering and interpreting extremity x-rays? How do we know we have adequate shoulder x-ray views? How can we best remember the differential diagnosis of an orthopedic emergency with a normal x-ray? What is the quickest and best way to test neurologic status of patients with shoulder injuries?
Approach to Traumatic Shoulder Pain
Consider glenohumeral dislocation, acromioclavicular separation, proximal humerus fracture, and clavicle fracture, each amongst the most common traumatic shoulder injuries...
Best practice management of common shoulder injuries and conditions in the emergency department
This rapid review provides clinicians who manage shoulder dislocations, fractures and soft tissue injuries in the ED a summary of the best available evidence to enhance the quality of care for optimal patient outcomes.
Clinical Images Series: My Shoulder Hurts
Consider posterior sternoclavicular dislocation for those with traumatic shoulder or clavicular pain, particularly when the initial x-ray is unrevealing. Posterior sternoclavicular dislocation can have subtle exam findings that are easily missed if a high level of suspicion is not maintained.
Managing Shoulder Injuries in the Emergency Department: Fracture, Dislocation, and Overuse
The complex structures of the shoulder can be injured by fracture, dislocation, and overuse, and correctly identifying and classifying injury is essential to avoiding pain, disability, and life- and limb-threatening complications. This issue presents a systematic approach to classifying shoulder injuries based on the mechanism of injury and clinical presentation...
Sound Waves for Shoulder Dislocations
The use of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal injuries is becoming more common. While it currently does not supplant the use of radiographs, it can be a useful adjunct to the management of these patients.
“Floating shoulder” injuries
“Floating shoulder” is a rare injury complex resulting from high-energy blunt force trauma to the shoulder, resulting in scapulothoracic dissociation. It is commonly associated with catastrophic neurovascular injury.
