Common Shoulder Injuries
Use the tabs below to view the most common types of shoulder Injury.
Sudden OnsetGradualFractures
Dislocated shoulder
![shoulder-sudden-2](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-sudden-2.jpg)
A traumatic injury where the head of the humerus is forced out of the socket at the shoulder.
![shoulder-sudden-2](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-sudden-2.jpg)
A traumatic injury where the head of the humerus is forced out of the socket at the shoulder.
Rotator cuff injury
![shoulder-sudden-1](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-sudden-1.jpg)
A tear of one or more of the four rotator cuff muscles or tendons which surround the shoulder joint.
![shoulder-sudden-1](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-sudden-1.jpg)
A tear of one or more of the four rotator cuff muscles or tendons which surround the shoulder joint.
AC joint sprain
![shoulder-sudden-3](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-sudden-3.jpg)
Injury to the ligaments which hold the acromioclavicular joint together at the top of the shoulder.
![shoulder-sudden-3](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-sudden-3.jpg)
Injury to the ligaments which hold the acromioclavicular joint together at the top of the shoulder.
Subacromial bursitis
![shoulder-gradual-2](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-gradual-2.jpg)
Inflammation and swelling of the bursa (sack of fluid) which sits under the AC joint in the shoulder. This has similar symptoms to inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon.
![shoulder-gradual-2](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-gradual-2.jpg)
Inflammation and swelling of the bursa (sack of fluid) which sits under the AC joint in the shoulder. This has similar symptoms to inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon.
Shoulder impingement
![shoulder-gradual-3](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-gradual-3.jpg)
Pinching of one or more tendons within the shoulder joint, especially on overhead movements. The supraspinatus rotator cuff tendon becomes impinged or trapped between the bones.
![shoulder-gradual-3](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-gradual-3.jpg)
Pinching of one or more tendons within the shoulder joint, especially on overhead movements. The supraspinatus rotator cuff tendon becomes impinged or trapped between the bones.
Frozen shoulder
![shoulder-gradual-1](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-gradual-1.jpg)
Shoulder pain and stiffness in the shoulder which slowly gets worse until the shoulder can barely be moved. A frozen shoulder will go through three phases before it is finally cured.
![shoulder-gradual-1](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-gradual-1.jpg)
Shoulder pain and stiffness in the shoulder which slowly gets worse until the shoulder can barely be moved. A frozen shoulder will go through three phases before it is finally cured.
Fractured neck of humerus
![shoulder-fracture-3](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-fracture-3.jpg)
A break in the upper arm bone, near the top, just under the shoulder joint.
![shoulder-fracture-3](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-fracture-3.jpg)
A break in the upper arm bone, near the top, just under the shoulder joint.
Fractured collar bone
![shoulder-fracture-1](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-fracture-1.jpg)
A break in the collar bone (or clavicle) usually caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand.
![shoulder-fracture-1](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-fracture-1.jpg)
A break in the collar bone (or clavicle) usually caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand.
Scapular fracture
![shoulder-fracture-2](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-fracture-2.jpg)
A break in the flat shoulder blade which sits on the back of the ribcage. Usually due to a direct impact.
![shoulder-fracture-2](https://kneeandshoulderclinic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/shoulder-fracture-2.jpg)
A break in the flat shoulder blade which sits on the back of the ribcage. Usually due to a direct impact.
This overview of shoulder injuries is intended to provide general information only and are not a substitute for medical advice about your particular condition.