How Car Accidents Injure the Shoulder
Shoulder injuries occur when the seatbelt locks across the shoulder during impact, the hands grip the wheel transmitting force up into the joint, airbag impact causes direct contusion, or lateral collisions push the door into the shoulder.
Rotator Cuff Tear
Partial or full tear of the rotator cuff tendons. May require surgical repair.
SLAP Tear
Superior labrum tear from bracing impact. Often requires arthroscopic repair.
AC Joint Injury
Acromioclavicular separation from direct impact. Ranges from sprain to complete disruption.
Shoulder Fracture
Clavicle or humeral head fractures in high-impact collisions.
Diagnosis
Standard X-ray identifies fractures but misses soft tissue injuries. MRI or MRI arthrogram is the gold standard for rotator cuff and labral injuries. MAIC's orthopedic surgeons evaluate imaging in the context of your complete clinical examination.
Surgical Options at MAIC
Rotator cuff tears, SLAP tears, and severe AC injuries frequently require surgery. MAIC's in-house ambulatory surgery center allows orthopedic surgeons to perform arthroscopic procedures on-site — continuous clinical record from injury through repair and rehab.