Shoulder Injuries Caused by Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents can be devastating. Injuries, including death, result from the force of the impact. Bruises are formed and bones can break. One area common to injury is the shoulder.

Acromioclavicular Joint (AC) Strain

• An AC strain occurs when the ligaments in the shoulder become stretched or torn in the impact of a car accident. Pain and loss of movement result.

Thrower's Shoulder

• A condition called "Thrower's Shoulder," or impingement syndrome, results when the rotator cuff tendons become stretched and inflamed. The tendons could swell in size, causing pain and discomfort.

Broken Clavicle

• The clavicle is the bone that is connected to the shoulder blade by ligaments. A car accident could cause this bone to break, which would reduce or even eliminate the ability to move your shoulder.

Bruising

• Bruising in the shoulder occurs when tiny blood vessels in the shoulder burst because of impact to that area. The area becomes discolored and sore.

Rotator Cuff Injury

• The shoulder's rotator cuff can become damaged in a car accident. Severe rotator cuff injuries require surgery.