The shoulder joint is a synovial ball-and-socket joint formed by the articulation of the head of the humerus and the glenoid cavity of the scapula.
The humerus is the longest bone in the upper limb, extending from the scapula to the elbow.
The shoulder joint is stabilized by the rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) and the glenohumeral ligaments.
Classification of Shoulder Injuries and Humerus Fractures
Shoulder injuries:
Acute injuries: fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries.
Chronic injuries: osteoarthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis.
Humerus fractures:
Intracapsular fractures: fractures that occur within the shoulder joint capsule.
Extracapsular fractures: fractures that occur outside the shoulder joint capsule.
Clinical Signs
Shoulder injuries:
Pain and tenderness in the shoulder region.
Limited range of motion and weakness in the shoulder joint.
Abnormal mobility and instability of the shoulder joint.
Humerus fractures:
Pain and tenderness in the upper arm.
Limited range of motion in the elbow and shoulder joint.
Deformity and swelling in the upper arm.
Emergency Management
Stabilization of the shoulder joint using a sling or a splint.
Immobilization of the affected limb using a cast or a splint.
Administration of pain relief medication.
Evaluation and management of any associated injuries.
Complications
Shoulder injuries:
Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder).
Osteoarthritis.
Rotator cuff tears.
Humerus fractures:
Compartment syndrome.
Nerve damage (radial nerve, axillary nerve, or brachial plexus).
Vascular damage (artery or vein).
Clinical Examination
Inspection: evaluation of the shoulder joint and upper arm for deformity, swelling, and bruising.
Palpation: evaluation of the shoulder joint and upper arm for tenderness and swelling.
Range of motion: evaluation of the shoulder joint and elbow for limited mobility.
Strength testing: evaluation of the shoulder joint and upper arm for weakness.
Neurovascular examination: evaluation of the radial nerve, axillary nerve, and brachial plexus for damage.
Investigations
X-ray: evaluation of the shoulder joint and upper arm for fractures and dislocations.
CT scan: evaluation of the shoulder joint and upper arm for complex fractures.
MRI: evaluation of the shoulder joint and upper arm for soft tissue injuries (ligaments, tendons, and muscles).
Arthrography: evaluation of the shoulder joint for tears in the rotator cuff and labrum.
Treatment
Conservative management:
Immobilization using a sling or a splint.
Pain relief medication.
Physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength.
Surgical management:
Reduction of dislocations and fractures.
Repair of soft tissue injuries (ligaments, tendons, and muscles).
Replacement of the shoulder joint (arthroplasty).
Homoeopathic Therapeutic Approach
Arnica montana: for pain and inflammation.
Rhus toxicodendron: for stiffness and limited mobility.
Bryonia alba: for pain and inflammation.
Hypericum perforatum: for nerve damage and numbness.
Phosphorus: for trauma and shock.
Indications
Acute shoulder injuries and fractures.
Chronic shoulder injuries and osteoarthritis.
Soft tissue injuries (ligaments, tendons, and muscles).