Shoulder Impingement Injury

Shoulder injuries commonly happen after car accidents, from bad falls, and after years of carrying out a repetitive motion at work. When the pain and loss of mobility are the result of shoulder impingement, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Shoulder impingement happens when the rotator cuff tendon gets pinched between the rotator cuff and the acromion, which is the upper bone of the shoulder. A car accident may cause acute injury to the shoulder, or, with a repetitive movement injury, wear and tear causes the damage over a long period of time. In both scenarios, the area between the two bones (the rotator cuff and the acromion) becomes decreased. Surgery fixes the problem by widening this area, returning range of motion and decreasing pain. If your injury stemmed from a car accident, premises accident, or on the job, you may be able to collect compensation to help pay for the surgery and accompanying costs, such as lost wages. Contact an experienced Charlotte, North Carolina attorney today to find out what kind of compensation you can expect for your shoulder impingement injury.

Increased Friction Causes Pain

Any movement of the shoulder, in particular moving the are above the head, can cause immense pain for those suffering from shoulder impingement. This is because the rotator cuff tendon is being put under increased friction, either from a direct blow (such as a fall) or from a repetitive motion. Both types of injury, acute and chronic, have the same result: a jagged, pinched area through which the rotator cuff tendon has to move, according to Orthoinfo.

Shoulder Impingement Non-Surgical Option

Surgery may not be necessary for everyone with shoulder impingement, or patients may opt out due to fears of recovering following surgery. The non-surgical route may include cortisone injections, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, and rehabilitation to decrease the pain and inflammation, while strengthening and increasing the range of motion of the shoulder.

Arthroscopic Decompression Surgery for Shoulder Impingement

Decompression surgery has an 85 percent rate of success for decreasing pain and improving mobility for those patients who undergo the process, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The surgery involves a five millimeter incision in the shoulder and a thorough examination of the area surrounding the rotator cuff. Any bone spurs or rough areas will be smoothed out and the area widened to decrease friction and improve the surface the rotator tendon travels through. Recovery takes at last six weeks and generally requires pain medication. After recovery, the patient will most likely undergo physical therapy to increase range of motion and strength.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney for Shoulder Impingement Compensation

If you became injured on the job, your employer may be responsible for paying for the surgery and recovery process that you need. If you were injured in an auto accident or in an unsafe premises, or by the negligent actions of any other party, contact an experienced Charlotte, North Carolina attorney to discuss your legal options for compensation.