Shoulder Dislocations Versus Shoulder Separations: Ask Our NM Lawyers For Help With Either
NM Trucking Accident Lawyers Explain the Difference Between Shoulder Dislocations Versus Shoulder Separations
Shoulder injuries are very common following trucking accidents. The specific trauma seen during a trucking accident can cause muscles and ligament tears, broken bones, and nerve damage. There are many questions about injuries and how or why they happen. Our New Mexico trucking accident lawyers know these injuries well and will be able to assist you in your case. Two common injuries are shoulder dislocations and shoulder separations.These may sound similar but they are two very different pathologies with different treatment strategies. They ma also result in different amounts of compensation, particularly how they heal. Learn the differences between shoulder dislocations versus shoulder separations from our New Mexico trucking accident lawyers.
Basic Shoulder Anatomy
To understand the difference between shoulder dislocations versus shoulder sensations, an understanding of the shoulder anatomy is essential. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint with the upper arm bone (the humerus) forming the “ball” and the shoulder blade (scapula) and clavicle (collar bone) forming the “socket.” Ligaments connect these bones to one another and are important when discussing shoulder separation versus shoulder dislocation. Some important ligaments and their function include:
- Coracoclavicular ligament – connects the clavicle to the scapula
- Acromioclavicluar ligament – connects the clavicle to the scapula
- Superior, middle, and inferior glenohumeral ligaments – these three ligaments make up the front of the shoulder joint
New Mexico trucking accidents can cause either type of shoulder injury and many other serious types as well.
What is a Shoulder Separation?
A shoulder separation is an injury at the joint called the acromioclavicular joint where the clavicle meets the scapula. The ligament at this joint, called the acromioclavicular ligament, can be torn leading to pain and instability of the shoulder joint. In more severe cases, a second ligament, the coracoclavicular ligament, may tear as well causing more instability. This injury usually occurs from landing on the shoulder or side impact, such as what may happen during a side collision. Treatment for shoulder separation is usually conservative and consists of sling immobilization for a few weeks and physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion.
What is a Shoulder Dislocation?
A shoulder dislocation is a very different injury from a separation. In a shoulder dislocation, the humerus is displaced either anteriorly or posteriorly from the socket. The majority of cases are anterior dislocations. When this happens, the ligaments in the front of the shoulder (superior, middle, and inferior glenohumeral ligaments), are often stretched or torn.
A dislocated shoulder needs to be reduced, or put back in place, by a doctor and can be very painful and carries risk of fracture and soft tissue damage. Conservative treatment for shoulder dislocations include sling immobilization and physical therapy. People who have had a shoulder dislocation are at a very high risk to dislocate again. For people who have multiple episodes of dislocations, surgery is usually performed to tighten and repair the ligaments in the front of the shoulder. Following surgery, 3-4 months of physical therapy will be required to restore normal motion and strength to the shoulder.
In terms of severity between shoulder dislocations versus shoulder separations, a shoulder dislocation is usually much worse and more severe. This generally means higher compensation, especially if surgery is required.
Ask Our New Mexico Trucking Accident Lawyers for Help with Shoulder Dislocation or Shoulder Separation Cases
If you or a loved one suffered a shoulder injury such as a shoulder dislocation or a shoulder separation as a result of a New Mexico trucking accident, please ask our Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers for help today. We have handled many shoulder injury cases before and have devoted our practice to representing those seriously injured in trucking accidents throughout New Mexico. Call to schedule your FREE appointment with our lawyers at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. by dialing (505) 883-5000.
We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 883-5000 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
