Shoulder pain can be caused by damage to the shoulder blade. This is a lesion of the tendon attachment of the head of the long biceps muscle of the shoulder to the pelvis and the upper part of the articular vertebra. Many types of such damage are recognized:
I-degeneration or protrusion of the articular vertebra without signs of its instability;
II – the most common (50% of cases) is the detachment of the upper part of the vertebra from the pan;
III – “bucket handle” type damage, leaving part of the tendon and vertebra attached to the pan;
IV-a” bucket handle ” fracture extending to the biceps tendon.
Causes
SLAP-type shoulder joint damage most commonly occurs in athletes performing a throwing motion above the head (javelin throw, discus throw, ball thrust, as well as basketball, volleyball, handball or tennis). Most cases are associated with micro-injuries, which, when applied, lead to a slap. A large group of people also suffer damage of this type after the action of direct external force on the shoulder joint, for example, a blow during a fall or with a very strong pull on the shoulder in a situation of falling from a height with a sudden grip, for example, on a bar.
Symptoms
- feeling of jumping, blocking or jerking,
- reduced shoulder strength,
- reduced range of motion of the shoulder joint,
- shoulder pain when moving or holding the shoulder in certain positions,
- accompanying pathologies: rupture of the rotator cuff or instability of the shoulder joint.
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis is based on a medical interview and a subject examination, during which the doctor checks the range of motion, strength and stability of the shoulder joint. Imaging diagnosis relies on X-rays to make sure there are no other problems in the arm, such as a fracture, as well as an MRI showing soft tissue, such as the articular vertebra. In most cases, initial treatment of a slap injury is inoperable. The doctor prescribes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and implements physiotherapy.
A suitable exercise program prepared by a qualified rehabilitator will strengthen the arm, restore mobility in the joint and reduce shoulder pain.
The surgical treatment of a SLAP injury depends on the diagnosis of whether the tibial or anteroposterior attachment has been detached. In the event of type III damage, the exposed parts of the rim shall be cleaned without the need for stitching. The repair procedure for Type II damage consists in arthroscopic suturing and attaching the fragment with special implants. SLAP type IV, in the case of damage to the larger part, the tendon is sewn and the hem is sewn.