Information About Separated/Dislocated Shoulder Injuries

Brockton Car Accident Victim And Personal Injury Attorneys

There is a difference between a separated shoulder and a dislocated shoulder. It’s important to distinguish a separation from a dislocation because each injury has its own treatment.

The mobility and flexibility that gives the shoulder the ability to twists, turn and reach in multiple directions also makes it susceptible to injuries. The location and symptoms of the injury will determine whether it is a dislocation or separation.

Dislocated Shoulder

Roughly 50 percent of all people that go to the emergence room with a dislocated joint have a dislocated shoulder. A dislocated shoulder deals with the shoulder joint.

The Humerus (upper arm bone), Scapula (shoulder blade) and Clavicle (collar bone) all merge to form the shoulder joint/socket which is also know as the glenhumeral joint. A dislocated shoulder results when the humerus bone and the scapula separate at the shoulder joint/socket.

There are two types of dislocated shoulders: a partial dislocation (subluxation) and a complete dislocation. A partial dislocation occurs when humerus bone is partially separated from the shoulder/glenhumeral joint. A complete dislocation occurs when the humerus bone is completely separated from the shoulder/glenhumeral joint.

Symptoms Of A Dislocated Shoulder  

• Pain and swelling up the the arm and into the shoulder
• Dead arm or inability to move the arm
• Loss of feeling or numbness in arm
• Shoulder appears deformed with a lump over the shoulder.
• Shoulder appears as though it has been repositioned and is now out of place. Arm will face away from body with the forearm pointed forward

Separated Shoulder

A separated shoulder does not involve the shoulder joint. The collarbone (clavicle) and shoulder blade (scapula) connect to form the acromioclavicular joint (AC joint). A separated shoulder occurs when one of the ligaments connecting the collarbone (clavicle) to shoulder blade (scapula) is torn.

The most common cause of a separate shoulder is a slip and fall directly on the shoulder. Car accidents can also generate enough force to separate a shoulder. Also, anything that forces the arm up into the AC joint can cause a separated shoulder.

Symptoms Of A Separated Shoulder

• Intense Pain;
• Swelling sometimes accompanied by extreme bruising;
• A bump or lump or other deformity over the collarbone;
• Reduced range of motion in shoulder and arm and shoulder weakness.

Compassionate Accident Attorneys With A Proven Track Record And Experience In Dealing With Insurance Companies

Our law firm is well regarded when it comes to getting satisfactory results for our clients.  If you have been injured in an accident caused the by the careless or negligent actions of someone else, we can help you get the compensation you need to get proper medical treatment as well as to help you cover costs related to your accident including for any lost income while you are unable to work.

We offer a free, no-obligation legal consultation to help you understand your rights and the value of your case. 

No matter where you are located, we are just a phone call away. Call an experienced Brockton, MA Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free no-obligation case review and consultation at (508) 588-0422 and you will have taken your first step to find out how best to obtain civil justice and compensation for your injuries.  You can also click here to use our Free Case Evaluation Form.

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Information About Biceps Tendon Tears At The Shoulder

Hingham Car Accident Victim And Personal Injury Attorneys

The biceps muscle and tendon are located at the front upper arm. The biceps helps stabilize the shoulder and allows the arm to bend at the elbow.

The shoulder is comprised of three main bones. The humerus (upper arm bone), Scapula (shoulder blade) and Clavicle (collar bone) all merge to form a ball-and-socket joint. The end of the humerus (also known as the humeral head) meets with the scapula. The scapula in turn joins with the clavicle. These three bones are connected by ligaments.

The socket is called the glenoid. The shoulder joint’s socket is very shallow and therefore unstable. The glenoid is the part of the shoulder blade (scapula) that makes up the socket. The labrum (glenoid labrum) is a layer of tissue/cartilage that lines the shoulder socket. The labrum stabilizes the ball-and-socket shoulder joint by keeping the ball (humeral head) in the socket (scapula).

Shoulder muscles are connected to these bones by tendons. Tendons provide additional stability and the muscles allow the shoulder to move and rotate. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that provide this stability and facilitate movement.

The top of the bicep muscle consists of two tendons, both of which connect to the shoulder. The biceps tendon known as the long head connects to the glenoid, or shoulder socket, while the short head tendon attaches to the bottom part of the shoulder blade. A bicep tendon tear at the shoulder occurs when either the long head of the biceps tendon or the short head of the biceps tendon sustains a tear.

The long and short head bicep tendons can sustain partial tears or complete tears. Partial tears are also know as partial thickness tears or frays. These tears do not completely tear the tendon in two. Complete tears are also known as full thickness tears. Full thickness tears rip the tendon into two pieces disconnecting the biceps from the shoulder.

Symptoms Of A Torn Biceps Tendon

• Immediate, sharp, shooting pain in the upper arm;
• Loud popping sound;
• Using arm causes cramping;
• Swelling and bruising running from the upper arm down toward the elbow;
• Pain and swelling at the shoulder the elbow;
• Weakness in the shoulder and the elbow;
• pain or inability to turn the arm palm up or palm down.

You Don’t Have To Fight Insurance Companies On Your Own — Our Lawyers Can Help You Get Fair Compensation

A seasoned trial lawyer, Attorney Noonan also represents plaintiffs in personal injury cases, wrongful death actions, and serious accidents.  He will aggressively seek to obtain a fair settlement for you for your injuries, but when insurance companies won’t settle, his law office has the experience and resources to take your case to trial.

To schedule your free consultation with The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan use our online contact form, or call us at (508) 588-0422.

The following are other common shoulder injuries and conditions that can occur as a result of an accident.  Our attorneys can assist you in pursuing an accident claim for any of the following shoulder related injuries:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Rotator Cuff Tear
• Torn Labrum
• Labral SLAP Tear
• Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome
• Bursitis/Subacromial Bursitis
• Frozen Shoulder
• Dislocated/Separated Shoulder
• Broken/Fractured Clavicle (Collarbone)
• Broken/Fractured Scapula (Shoulder Blade)
• Broken/Fractured Proximal Humerus

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Information About Labral SLAP Tear (Shoulder Socket Injuries)

Brockton Car Accident Victim And Personal Injury Attorneys

The shoulder joint socket is very shallow and therefore unstable. The glenoid is the part of the shoulder blade (scapula) that makes up the socket. The labrum (glenoid labrum) is a layer of tissue/cartilage that lines the shoulder socket. The labrum in effect turns the shallow socket into a deeper socket. This gives the ball, or the head of the humerus bones (humeral head), more room to fit into the socket. The labrum stabilizes the ball-and-socket shoulder joint by keeping the ball (humeral head) in the socket (scapula).

Common Labral Tears

• SLAP Tear: A Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior tear or SLAP Tear is most common labral rear. SLAP tears are typically located towards the front of the arm where biceps tendon connects to the shoulder. Biceps tendon tears sometimes accompany SLAP tears.

• Bankart Tear: Bankart tears usually occur when the shoulder dislocates. A bankart tear destabilizes the shoulder and increases the likelihood of future dislocations.

Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior tear or SLAP Tear and Bankart Tears are be caused by acute trauma or years of repeated shoulder motion. An acute trauma related injury may be caused by:

• A car accident;
• Slip and Fall onto an arm that is outstretched;
• Forceful pulling on the arm as occurs when trying to catch a heavy object;
• Forcefully moving the arm when it is positioned above the level of the shoulder;
• Dislocated Shoulder.

SLAP tears share similar symptoms with other shoulder injuries. A SLAP tear may cause a popping, crackling or locking sound or sensation when moving the arm and shoulder. Localized shoulder pain whenever moving the arm or shoulder is a common symptom found in almost all shoulder injuries. Decreased strength and range of motion are other shared symptoms.

If the diagnosis is uncertain and the symptoms are not too serious the physician will likely pursue a conservative course of treatment. Treatment might consist of anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil and Naproxen. Physical therapy could also be prescribed in order to restore shoulder strength and mobility. Surgery may be required if the pain and other symptoms do not improve with a conservative course of treatment. Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure whereby the physician inserts a tiny camera into the shoulder. Images from the camera are shown on a T.V. in the operating room. The surgeon uses the images on the T.V. to perform repairs with tiny surgical instruments. Arthroscopic surgery is considered a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

Experienced Accident Attorneys With A Proven Track Record Dealing With Insurance Companies

Our Massachusetts law firm is well regarded when it comes to getting satisfactory results for our clients.  If you have been injured in an accident caused the by the careless or negligent actions of someone else, we can help you get the compensation you need to get proper medical treatment as well as to help you cover costs related to your accident including for any lost income while you are unable to work.

We offer a free, no-obligation legal consultation to help you understand your rights and the value of your case. 

No matter where you are located, we are just a phone call away. Call an experienced Brockton, MA Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free no-obligation case review and consultation at (508) 588-0422 and you will have taken your first step to find out how best to obtain civil justice and compensation for your injuries.  You can also click here to use our Free Case Evaluation Form.

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Information About Torn Labrum (Shoulder Socket Injuries)

Weymouth Car Accident Victim And Personal Injury Attorneys

The shoulder joint socket is very shallow and therefore unstable. The glenoid is the part of the shoulder blade (scapula) that makes up the socket. The labrum (glenoid labrum) is a layer of tissue/cartilage that lines the shoulder socket. The labrum in effect turns the shallow socket into a deeper socket. This gives the ball, or the head of the humerus bones (humeral head), more room to fit into the socket. The labrum stabilizes the ball-and-socket shoulder joint by keeping the ball (humeral head) in the socket (scapula).

The symptoms of a tear in the labrum/shoulder socket are similar to the symptoms found in many of the other major shoulder related injuries.

• Pain with performing overhead activities;
• locking or popping sound or sensation;
• Nighttime pain and inability to sleep on shoulder;
• A feeling of instability in the shoulder;
• A decrease in range of motion;
• Decreased strength.

These injuries are usually diagnosed by clinical observations and physical exams performed in a physician’s office. The physician will take a medical history to see a if specific incident can be traced to the injury. How the the injured occur is very telling. The physician will perform several tested determine mobility, stability and what motions cause pain.

X-rays are used for diagnosing irregularities in bones. X-rays are not the appropriate test for diagnosing glenoid labral tears. That is because the glenoid labrum is composed of soft tissue and not bone. A Computer tomography scan (CT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) are best for diagnosing a torn glenoid labrum tear. However, these test are not completely reliable. As a result, a physician will consider both clinical observations and CT/MRI scan results together when forming a diagnosis. A true and accurate diagnosis will be made during arthroscopic surgery.

Treatment For A Torn Labrum

There are several courses of treatment all of which rely on the severity and type of labral tear. If the symptoms and pain are not too serious a physician could first prescribe anti-inflammatories and rest. Physical therapy might be ordered in an attempt to strengthen the muscles surrounding the labrum. This reduces the tension and stress on the labrum giving it time to heal. Arthroscopic surgery is a last resort and will usually only be consider if other conservative treatment options fail.

Trial Lawyers With Experience You Can Count On

If you, or someone you love has been injured in an accident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, future loss of income, and in some cases, other types of damages.  Attorney Gerald J. Noonan has obtained many favorable settlements and verdicts for automobile accident victims, injuries from slip and fall accidents, and other negligence-related cases.  Our law firm has experience in dealing with insurance companies and will work tirelessly as your advocates to get you the best possible outcome as quickly as possible.

Our Massachusetts wrongful death, personal injury, and accident trial lawyers are dedicated to the efficient and effective handling and management of the firm’s personal injury cases. Our clients have unfettered access to the paralegal responsible for managing his or her case and can be confident that their case is being handled efficiently and competently.

No matter where you are located, we are just a phone call away. Call our law offices today to schedule a free no-obligation case review and consultation at (508) 588-0422 and you will have taken your first step towards getting the compensation you deserve.  You can also click here to use our Free Case Evaluation Form.

The following are other common shoulder injuries and conditions that can occur as a result of an accident.  Our attorneys can assist you in pursuing an accident claim for any of the following shoulder related injuries:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Rotator Cuff Tear
• Torn Labrum
• Labral SLAP Tear
• Biceps Tendon Tear at Shoulder
• Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome
• Bursitis/Subacromial Bursitis
• Frozen Shoulder
• Dislocated/Separated Shoulder
• Broken/Fractured Clavicle (Collarbone)
• Broken/Fractured Scapula (Shoulder Blade)
• Broken/Fractured Proximal Humerus

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Information About Frozen Shoulder

Quincy Car Accident Victim And Personal Injury Attorneys

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a shoulder condition that causes pain in the shoulder joint and immobilizes the shoulder by significantly reducing its range of motion.

Three bones makeup the shoulder. The upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula) and collar bone (clavicle) converge to form a ball-and-socket joint at the shoulder. The end of the upper arm bone (also known as the humeral head) fits into a shallow socket located in the shoulder blade. The shoulder blade in turn joins with the collar bone.

The ball-and-socket shoulder joint is surrounded by a strong connective tissue known as the shoulder capsule. The shoulder capsule and shoulder joint rely on Synovial fluid for mobility. The fluid acts as a lubricate aiding in the movement of the shoulder capsule and shoulder joint.

Often times the shoulder has to be completely immobilized when someone suffers a rotator cuff injury or shoulder fracture. For instance a sling is used to immobilize an injured shoulder. Immobilization allows the injury to set because constant motion aggravates the underlying injury. It can take two –four months for a shoulder fracture injury to heal.

The prolonged period of immobility causes a buildup of scar tissue in the shoulder joint which results in adhesive capsulitis. As the scar tissue sets-in, the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens. This thickening process reduces the amount of the lubricating synovial fluid in the joint. The reduction in lubrication immobilizes the shoulder joint further which increases the thickness of the shoulder capsule and the buildup of scar tissue

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, develops in three distinct stages:

1. Freezing Stage: pains level gradually increase. Increased pain coincides with gradual lose of shoulder mobility. The freezing stage lasts anywhere from seven weeks to nine months.
2. Frozen Stage: stiffness and restrictions in mobility remain while pain begins to subside. Activities that rely on shoulder movement or result in shoulder movement will be difficult and painful. The frozen stage lasts anywhere from four to six months.
3. Thawing Stage: gradual increase in shoulder mobility. Six months to two years pass before reaching full strength and mobility.

Treatment For Frozen Shoulder

9 out 10 patients improve with conservative nonsurgical treatment. Conservative treatment consists of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines or corticosteroid injections. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory that is injected directly into the shoulder. Physical therapy could also be prescribed in an attempt to restore shoulder strength and mobility.

Surgical options consist of manipulation while under anesthesia or arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure whereby the physician inserts a tiny camera into the shoulder. Images from the camera are shown on a T.V. in the operating room. The surgeon uses the images on the T.V. to perform repairs with tiny surgical instruments. Arthroscopic surgery is considered a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Manipulation while under anesthesia consists of the surgeon putting the patient under anesthesia and forcing the shoulder to move around in an attempt to break-up or tear-up the scar tissue and adhesive capsulitis. This reduces the tightness and increase mobility.

Our Law Offices Serve All Of Southeast Massachusetts – Initial Consultations Are Always Free

No matter where you are located, we are just a phone call away. Call an experienced Brockton, MA Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free no-obligation case review and consultation at (508) 588-0422 and you will have taken your first step to find out how best to obtain civil justice and compensation for your injuries.  You can also click here to use our Free Case Evaluation Form.

Our knowledgeable and experienced Greater Boston Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan are available to assist clients throughout all of Southeast Massachusetts, including but not limited to Brockton, Holbrock, Abington, Hingham, Quincy, Plymouth, Marshfield, Attleboro, Taunton, Bridgewater, Easton, Norton, Randolph, Braintree, Rockland, Hanover, Duxbury, Whitman, Hanson, Halifax Middleborough, Raynham, Mansfield, Avon, Canton,  and Stoughton.

Information About Bursitis/Subacromial Bursitis

Attleboro Car Accident Victim And Personal Injury Attorneys

The shoulder is comprised of three main bones. The humerus (upper arm bone), Scapula (shoulder blade) and Clavicle (collar bone) all merge to form a ball-and-socket joint. The end of the humerus (also known as the humeral head) meets with the scapula. The scapula in turn joins with the clavicle.  These three bones are connected by ligaments.

The rotator cuff is responsible for securing the arm in the shoulder socket. The muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff attach the head of the humerus bone, or ball, to the shoulder socket.

Your shoulder contains several bursa. Bursa are fluid filled sacs that act like a cushion by reducing friction between the bones, muscles and tendons located in the shoulder.

The subacromial bursa is the most commonly inflamed bursa in the shoulder. The subacromial bursa aids the motion of the supraspinatus muscle which essential for lifting the hands above your head.

Bursitis of the shoulder is a common source of shoulder pain and is usually related to shoulder impingement syndrome. The supraspinatus muscle, located in the rotator cuff, runs between the top of the humerus/arm bone (humeral head) and the tip of the shoulder blade (acromion).

The subacromial bursa is a fluid filled sac that rests between the top of the humerus arm bone (humeral head) and the tip of the shoulder blade (acromion). The subacromial bursa is a cushion located between the two bones which allows the supraspinatus muscle to safely travel between the bones.

All sorts of trauma related negligence accidents can cause long-lasting bursitis.

Our Law Offices Serve All Of Southeast Massachusetts – Initial Consultations Are Always Free

The following are other common shoulder injuries and conditions that can occur as a result of an accident.  Our attorneys can assist you in pursuing an accident claim for any of the following shoulder related injuries:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Rotator Cuff Tear
• Torn Labrum
• Labral SLAP Tear
• Biceps Tendon Tear at Shoulder
• Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome
• Frozen Shoulder
• Dislocated/Separated Shoulder
• Broken/Fractured Clavicle (Collarbone)
• Broken/Fractured Scapula (Shoulder Blade)
• Broken/Fractured Proximal Humerus

No matter where you are located, we are just a phone call away. Call an experienced Brockton, MA Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free no-obligation case review and consultation at (508) 588-0422 and you will have taken your first step to find out how best to obtain civil justice and compensation for your injuries.  You can also click here to use our Free Case Evaluation Form.

Our knowledgeable and experienced Greater Boston Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan are available to assist clients throughout all of Southeast Massachusetts, including but not limited to Brockton, Taunton, Bridgewater, Canton, Stoughton, Easton, Norton, Randolph, Holbrock, Abington, Hingham, Quincy, Plymouth, Marshfield, Attleboro, Braintree, Rockland, Hanover, Duxbury, Whitman, Hanson, Halifax Middleborough, Raynham, Mansfield, Avon, and all smaller cities and rural areas in Southern Massachusetts. We also serve the counties of Plymouth, Norfolk, Bristol, Massachusetts.

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Information About Rotator Cuff/Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Braintree Car Accident Victim And Personal Injury Attorneys

The shoulder is comprised of three main bones. The humerus (upper arm bone), Scapula (shoulder blade) and Clavicle (collar bone) all merge to form a ball-and-socket joint. The end of the humerus (also known as the humeral head) meets with the scapula. The scapula in turn joins with the clavicle.
These three bones are connected by ligaments.

The rotator cuff is responsible for securing the arm bone (humerus) in the shoulder socket. The muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff attach the head of the humerus bone, or ball, to the shoulder socket.

Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons in the rotator cuff become irritated and inflamed by the surrounding bones. The shoulder region is very unique. The muscles in the shoulder are unlike any of the body’s other muscles. The muscles in the body usually surround bone. However, in the shoulder area, bones surround the muscles and their connecting tendons. The rotator cuff muscles are effectively sandwiched by surrounding bones.

Impingement syndrome occurs when the surrounding bones are knocked out of alignment or compress or pinch the muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff. Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents and other trauma related accidents can cause this compression. Consistent compression and pinching can irritate and inflame the rotator cuff muscles. Consistent compression reduces the blood flow in the muscles. Reduced blood flow hardens the muscle which reduces elasticity and causes the muscle tissue fray.Lifting your hands above your head, moving your hands behind the back of your head and other shoulder movements can perpetuate this cycle of compression/pinching and painful inflammation and irritation.

Chronic pain caused by shoulder impingement can drastically reduce the quality of one’s life. Aside from living in constant pain, this injury can prevent one from engaging in physical activities like golf, tennis and all the other activities that rely on shoulder movement.

Our Law Offices Serve All Of Southeast Massachusetts – Initial Consultations Are Always Free

Getting compensation for a car accident may seem simple to the victim:  someone else caused or contributed to the accident, you were injured, and so you should be compensated.  But insurance policy terms and Massachusetts laws make things a little more complicated than that.  There are many provisions and restrictions that can be confusing to lay people — especially when insurance companies contest liability or when they offer to settle claims for the least amount possible and not necessarily what the victim is entitled to.

Our lawyers are experienced in dealing with insurance company red tape, denials, and delay tactics and will work hard to get you fair compensation as quickly as possible.

No matter where you are located, we are just a phone call away. Call an experienced Brockton, MA Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free no-obligation case review and consultation at (508) 588-0422 and you will have taken your first step to find out how best to obtain civil justice and compensation for your injuries.  You can also click here to use our Free Case Evaluation Form.

Our knowledgeable and experienced Greater Boston Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan are available to assist clients throughout all of Southeast Massachusetts, including but not limited to Brockton, Taunton, Bridgewater, Easton, Norton, Randolph, Holbrock, Abington, Hingham, and Quincy.

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Information About Rotator Cuff Tears

Holbrook Car Accident Victim And Personal Injury Attorneys

The Rotator Cuff mainly consists of a group of tendons and four muscles that connect the upper arm bone (humerus) to the shoulder blade (scapula). Additionally, the tendons of the rotator cuff help stabilize the shoulder while the muscles facilitate rotation and movement of the shoulder.

Rotator cuff tears are the most common shoulder injury. The rotator cuff consists of the following muscles: teres minor, infraspinatus, supraspinatus and subscapularis. These four muscles originate in the shoulder blade (scapula) and are connected to the humerus bone by tendons. The four muscle/tendon components are perform the following functions:

• Supraspinatus: runs over the humeral head or ball joint of the shoulder and is responsible for abduction of the arm.

• Subscapularis: runs across the front of the humeral head and internally rotates the arm.

• Teres minor: runs across the back of the humeral head and externally rotates the arm.

• Infraspinatus: runs across the back of the humeral head and this muscle externally rotates the arm.

A rotator cuff tear occurs with one of the four tendons connecting one of the four muscles sustains either a partial tear or full thickness tear.

• Partial Tear: this type of tear results in some damaging of the tendon .

• Full Thickness Tear: Also known as a complete tear, this tear rips the soft tissue into two pieces.

Middle aged adults and older adults with preexisting shoulder problems are more likely to sustain rotator cuff tears. High impact injuries are typically required in order produce full-thickness tears to a healthy rotator cuff found in teens and young adults. The high impact trauma usually required occurs in slip and fall accidents and motor vehicle/car accidents. Younger individuals are more likely to suffer partial thickness rotator cuff tears. Older individuals on the other hand are prone to sustaining full thickness rotator cuff tears and multiple tendon tears.

Symptoms Of A Rotator Cuff Tear

Pain in shoulder when attempting to raise arm above your head;

• Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm;

• Trouble sleeping due to nigh-time pain. Unable to sleep on shoulder;

• Crackling sounds whenever moving shoulder; and/or

• A popping sound heard at the time of the tear.

Partial thickness rotator cuff tears have a good chance of healing without surgery. Physical therapy is an important form of treatment for partial thickness tears. Physical therapy helps regain lost mobility and strengthens the other muscles of the shoulder which will take pressure off the injured tendon allowing it time to heal.

Full thickness tears typically do not heal on their own. This is because the muscles continue to put pressure on the tendon causing the edges of the tendon tear to pull apart. There are a few options for surgical repair.

• Arthroscopic Repair: A minimally invasive procedure whereby the surgeon inserts a tiny camera into the shoulder joint. The images from the camera appear on a T.V. in the operating room. The surgeon is able to perform surgical repairs through a very small incision with the help of the video footage and a tiny set of surgical instruments.

• Mini-Open Repair: Relatively new technology allows the surgeon to perform repairs through an incision 3 to 5 centimeters long. This form of surgery allows the surgeon to view the shoulder tear directly instead of on the T.V. During this surgery the surgeon will rely on the arthroscopic camera to view, remove and repair other structures that are not visible through the 3 to 5 centimeter incision.

• Open Repair: This is the traditional form of surgery. The operation is performed through an incision several centimeters long. Open repair is usually performed when there is a large complex tear.

Surgical Repair And Considerations

Surgery could be considered if any of the following apply:

• Symptoms continue for 6 to 12 months.

• There is a large tear. Anything greater than 3 cm is considered a large tear.

• Extreme loss in shoulder strength and function.

• There is an acute injury.  An acute injury is one that was caused by some form of trauma like a car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident or slip and fall accident.

Don’t Fight Insurance Companies On Your Own — Our Lawyers Can Help

A seasoned trial lawyer, Attorney Noonan also represents plaintiffs in personal injury cases, wrongful death actions, and serious accidents.  He will aggressively seek to obtain a fair settlement for you for your injuries, but when insurance companies won’t settle, his law office has the experience and resources to take your case to trial.

To schedule your free consultation with The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan use our online contact form, or call us at (508) 588-0422.

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Information About Rotator Cuff Injuries

Bridgewater Car Accident Victim And Personal Injury Attorneys

The Rotator Cuff mainly consists of a group of tendons and four muscles that connect the upper arm bone (humerus) to the shoulder blade (scapula). Additionally, the tendons of the rotator cuff help stabilize the shoulder while the muscles facilitate rotation and movement of the shoulder.

The rotator cuff can be injured in a slip and fall accident especially if someone sticks a hand out to brace for a fall and lands hard on the hand and arm. Rotator cuff injuries are common in car accidents and truck accidents.  Our law office is experienced in dealing with insurance companies in vehicle accident claims and can handle the coordination of benefits between the PIP insurer and your private health insurance carrier and will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve as quickly as possible.

In the case of front-end collisions and side-impact accidents the driver will see the accident coming and will usually grip the steering wheel tight in order to brace for impact. This is can also be the case in rear-end accidents if the driver happens to see the accident coming in his or her rear view mirror. Most of the force generated by the impact in these collisions gets absorbed by the shoulders and rotator cuffs.

The four main muscles of the rotator cuff are:

• Teres minor: this muscle externally rotates the arm;
• Infraspinatus: this muscle externally rotates the arm;
• Supraspinatus: this muscle abducts the arm;
• Subscapularis: this muscle internally rotates the arm.

All of these muscles are inserted into the scapula or shoulder blade. The tendons connected to these muscles attach to the humerus bone. All four of these muscles are susceptible to tearing injuries. All four muscles could sustain injuries in a serious accident.

The rotator cuff is one of the most common sources of pain and injury in the shoulder. Shoulder pain can be the result of the following rotator cuff injuries:

• Rotator Cuff Tear
• Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome
• Bursitis
• Frozen Shoulder

Our Law Offices Serve All Of Southeast Massachusetts – Initial Consultations Are Always Free

No matter where you are located in Southeast Massachusetts, we are just a phone call away.   You can contact us to schedule a free no-obligation case review and consultation at (508) 588-0422 and you will have taken your first step to find out how best to obtain civil justice and compensation for your injuries.  You can also click here to use our Free Case Evaluation Form.

Our knowledgeable and experienced Greater Boston Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan are available to assist clients throughout all of Southeast Massachusetts, including but not limited to Brockton, Taunton, Bridgewater, Easton, Norton, Randolph, Holbrock, Abington, Hingham, Quincy, Plymouth, Marshfield, Attleboro, Braintree, Rockland, Hanover, Duxbury, Whitman, Hanson, Halifax Middleborough, Raynham, Mansfield, Avon, Canton, Stoughton and all smaller cities and rural areas in Southern Massachusetts. We also serve the counties of Plymouth, Norfolk, Bristol, Massachusetts.

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Information About Shoulder Injuries

Brockton Car Accident Victim And Personal Injury Attorneys

Information About Shoulder InjuriesThe shoulder is one of the most movable and mobile joints in the body. Whether it’s swinging a golf club, shooting a basketball, combing your hair, brushing your teeth, or pouring a glass of milk we rely heavily on our shoulders in everyday life. However, the flexibility, versatility and mobility of the shoulder is source of instability.

The things that make the shoulder so useful and important also make it vulnerable to injury. The shoulder is susceptible to the following injuries and conditions: fractures, tears, separations, dislocations, sprains, strains, arthritis and tendinitis.

The shoulder is comprised of three main bones. The humerus (upper arm bone), Scapula (shoulder blade) and Clavicle (collar bone) all merge to form a ball-and-socket joint. The end of the humerus (also known as the humeral head) meets with the scapula. The scapula in turn joins with the clavicle. These three bones are connected by ligaments.

Shoulder muscles are connected to these bones by tendons. Tendons provide additional stability and the muscles allow the shoulder to move and rotate. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that provide this stability and facilitate movement.

The labrum (glenoid labrum) is a cuff of cartilage that lines the shoulder socket. The labrum stabilizes the ball-and-socket shoulder joint by keeping the ball (humeral head) in the socket (scapula).

The shoulder is a complex structure made up of many moving parts. The shoulder’s range of motion and versatility puts great strain on the bones, tendons, cartilage, muscles and ligaments that comprise the shoulder. As a result, these structures are susceptible to injuries.

The following are examples of common shoulder injuries:

• Broken bones and fractures. The clavicle (collar bone), proximal humerus or humeral head and scapula (shoulder blade) are susceptible to fractures.

• Soft-tissue injuries involve tearing of ligaments, muscles, tendons and cartilage. Rotator cuff tears and labral tears are the most common soft tissue injuries.

Dislocations occur when the bones are knocked loose from joints. The following three joints are prone to dislocation:

• Dislocated acromioclavicular joint. This the collar bone joint. This type of dislocation is also known as a “separated shoulder.”

• Dislocated sternoclavicular joint. The clavicle and sternum (breastbone) connect to form this joint.

• Dislocated glenohumeral joint. This is typically referred to as the the ball and socket joint of the shoulder. This joint can be dislocated at the front or toward the back.

The following are common shoulder injuries and conditions:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Rotator Cuff Tear
• Torn Labrum
• Labral SLAP Tear
• Biceps Tendon Tear at Shoulder
• Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome
• Bursitis/Subacromial Bursitis
• Frozen Shoulder
• Dislocated/Separated Shoulder
• Broken/Fractured Clavicle (Collarbone)
• Broken/Fractured Scapula (Shoulder Blade)
• Broken/Fractured Proximal Humerus

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If you, or someone you love has been injured in an accident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, future loss of income, and in some cases, other types of damages.  Attorney Gerald J. Noonan has obtained many favorable settlements and verdicts for automobile accident victims, injuries from slip and fall accidents, and other negligence-related cases.  Our law firm has experience in dealing with insurance companies and will work tirelessly as your advocates to get you the best possible outcome as quickly as possible.

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