Rotator Cuff Dislocation/Subluxation
The shoulder is the junction of three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), the clavicle (collarbone), and scapula (shoulder blade). A group of four muscles and their respective tendons, known as the rotator cuff, connects the humerus to the shoulder socket, or glenoid, stabilizes the joint, and allows the upper arm to be lifted and rotated. In a dislocation, the humerus is forced out of the glenoid cavity by a strong blow or severe weakness of the rotator cuff. A dislocation can occur in one of three types: anterior (forward), posterior (backward), and inferior (downward). An anterior dislocation of the shoulder is by far the most common dislocation. Because of the great range of motion allowed by the shoulder joint, it is the most-frequently dislocated joint in the body.
A partial dislocation of the shoulder is known as a Subluxation. A full dislocation is very painful, and, since the rotator cuff tendons are weakened when it occurs, the chance of recurrent dislocation, a condition known as instability, increases with each occurrence.
Bracing Recommendation: Donjoy Sully Brace
Shoulder Tendonitis, Bursitis, Impingement Syndrome
These conditions are closely related and may occur alone or in combination. If the rotator cuff and bursa are irritated, inflamed, and swollen, they may become squeezed between the head of the humerus and the acromion. Repeated motion involving the arms, or the aging process involving shoulder motion over many years, may also irritate and wear down the tendons, muscles, and surrounding structures. Tendonitis is inflammation (redness, soreness, and swelling) of a tendon. In tendonitis of the shoulder, the rotator cuff and/or biceps tendon become inflamed, usually as a result of being pinched by surrounding structures. The injury may vary from mild inflammation to involvement of most of the rotator cuff. When the rotator cuff tendon becomes inflamed and thickened, it may get trapped under the acromion. Squeezing of the rotator cuff is called impingement syndrome.An inflamed bursa is called bursitis. Tendonitis and impingement syndrome are often accompanied by inflammation of the bursa sacs that protect the shoulder. Inflammation caused by a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis may cause rotator cuff tendonitis and bursitis. Sports involving overuse of the shoulder and occupations requiring frequent overhead reaching are other potential causes of irritation to the rotator cuff or bursa and may lead to inflammation and impingement.
Bracing Recommendation: Donjoy Sully Brace, Bauerfeind OmoTrain