Shoulder Impingement Syndrome With Torn Ligament

Older people often find their shoulders impinged due to worn-down ligaments. Young athletes get it because of repeated overhead movements, which impinges the shoulder. Torn shoulder ligaments may cause pain and early arthritis if not treated.

Definition

• Impingement syndrome happens when you lift the arm and the rotator cuff tendon rubs against the shoulder blade. Typically, torn shoulder ligaments result from a shoulder dislocation or acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation.

Causes

• Because the shoulder is such a mobile joint, it is prone to injury involving falls or trauma that may result in ligament tears. Impingement is often the result of overuse or underuse of the shoulder.

Identification

• Symptoms of shoulder impingement include pain resulting from you lifting your arm above shoulder height or reaching with the arm at shoulder height. Radiating pain from the front of your shoulder and down your arm is another typical symptom. You may even experience pain at rest. According to Dr. Christopher J. Centeno, a Colorado physician who is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain medicine, "a patient with an AC joint injury often has chronic and painful popping and cracking in this joint."

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Initial treatment for both afflictions is non-surgical. Both will require rest and avoidance of overhead movement. Your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and naproxen, depending on severity. Physical therapy often is done.

Surgical Treatment

• If pain persists, surgery is recommended. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, "The most common surgical treatment [for impingement] is subacromial decompression or anterior acromioplasty." Torn ligaments are usually sewn together or back to the bone.