Definition
Torn ligaments of the shoulder are ruptures of the ligament structures located there, which contribute to the stability of the joint. Depending on the severity of the injury, one or more ligaments may be affected.
Causes of a torn ligament of the shoulder
Tearing of the ligament structures often occurs during a fall with direct force applied to the shoulder joint and when the arm is extended. The resulting leverage effect can lead to various joint injuries of the shoulder girdle. Tearing of the ligaments is not inevitable, but may also be due to overstretching or entrapment.
Symptoms of torn ligaments in the shoulder
A fracture of the acromioclavicular joint usually causes direct pain. This occurs both at rest and under stress. The area around the shoulder joint can swell.
Depending on the extent of the injury, the collarbone shifts upwards and can then already be seen from the outside. During the clinical examination, patients often report a pressure pain. The collarbone is also movable and can be pressed down like a piano key. In order to be able to distinguish a torn ligament from a torn capsule in the shoulder area, it is also recommended to deal with the following topic: Torn capsule in the shoulder
What is the severity of torn shoulder ligaments?
Depending on the extent of the injury, these can be divided into 3 forms. The classification according to Tossy is very common in everyday clinical practice. Tossy I is an overstretching or stretching of the two ligament structures mentioned.
In Tossy II, on the other hand, there is a rupture of the acromioclavicular ligament and overstretching of the coracoclavicular ligament. This instability leads to an incomplete dislocation (subluxation) of the acromioclavicular joint. The joint head is still partially located in the leading joint capsule.
In Tossy III, both ligaments are finally torn and the shoulder joint is no longer secured by the strong ligament structures. This is a complete dislocation (luxation) of the acromioclavicular joint. In this classification, 6 types of injury are distinguished.
Type 1 is a dislocation of the acromioclavicular ligament and the patient feels a slight pain in pressure and movement. In type 2 there is a rupture of this ligament and a slight incomplete dislocation of the lateral clavicular fragment. Type 3 describes a rupture of the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligament.
In addition, a step formation between acromion and clavicle can be seen. Type 4 shows the same injuries as type 3, but the clavicle is displaced backwards. The clavicle can run in or even through the trapezius muscle.
It can be palpated in the area of the shoulder blade. In type 5 there is a clear distance between the clavicle and the shoulder blade. There is no longer any grip, so that the shoulder sinks downwards while the clavicle escapes upwards.
Often there is also a rupture of the trapezius and deltoideus muscles. Type 6 is a severe displacement of the torn clavicle under the acromion or shoulder blade protrusion (proc. coracoideus). In most cases, this injury is accompanied by rib fractures, clavicula fractures and injuries to the nerve plexus lying there. Similar topics that might interest you: Dislocated shoulder
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