What is a Floating Shoulder?

A floating shoulder injury comes with near catastrophic levels of neurovascular damage. This unique injury pattern often requires a multi-disciplinary team of orthopedic, vascular, and trauma surgeons to treat properly. So what exactly is a floating shoulder? A floating shoulder occurs when a break in the clavicle and upper part of the scapula pulls the shoulder out of place and makes it appear floating. The experts at Manhattan Sports Medicine and Wellness Group, physical therapy near penn station, lay out all the information you need to know about a floating shoulder here: 

Potential Causes of a Floating Shoulder Injury:physical therapy near penn station

These injuries are the result of some traumatic event. Any event that places the shoulder joint under immense pressure and force can cause this injury. The most common causes are motor vehicle or motorbike accidents. Positioning the arm at the time of contact influences the likelihood of this injury. The arm positioning of someone driving a car or bike leaves it susceptible to this injury in a crash.

 How a Floating Shoulder Injury is Treated:

The bone breaks associated with the injury will require surgery to repair. The clavicle is usually repaired with the use of plates and screws. The scapula may also be fixed the way. Post-surgery, the arm may be placed in a sling to limit movement and stimulate healing for an assigned period. The damage done to the neurovascular system within the shoulder for someone dealing with this injury is a more complicated fix. Depending on the extent of damage done, a team of orthopedic, vascular, and trauma surgeons will need to perform surgery together to coordinate and manage the compounding complications. In extreme cases, arm amputation at the shoulder may be required.    

 Contact MSM For Physical Therapy Near Penn Station!

For an injury as traumatic and complex as a floating shoulder. You need the best of the best to help you in your recovery process! Our doctors are experts in shoulder anatomy and are prepared for the complexity of these kinds of injuries. Contact our experts at Manhattan Sports Medicine and Wellness Group, physical therapy near penn station, for your floating shoulder treatment today!