Acute Shoulder Trauma: Snap, Crack and Pop - Nicholas Colyvas, MD

Description

In this presentation, Nicholas Colyvas addresses acute shoulder trauma, a significant topic for healthcare professionals as shoulder injuries are commonplace among various patient demographics. He begins by setting the context for the discussion and emphasizing that understanding shoulder injuries is crucial in both surgical and non-surgical practices. Throughout the talk, Colyvas highlights various types of acute shoulder injuries, notably rotator cuff tears, biceps tendon ruptures, AC joint injuries, shoulder dislocations, and fractures.



Colyvas explains that rotator cuff tears often develop acutely following trauma, such as falls or sports injuries, and that these injuries can be significantly more complex than chronic shoulder problems. He outlines the importance of recognizing these acute injuries early since timely intervention may lead to better surgical outcomes.



Following this, he discusses biceps tendon ruptures, clarifying the characteristics and typical presentation of these injuries, including the classic 'popeye deformity.' He notes that while surgical intervention is sometimes warranted, many patients may not require surgery following a biceps tear.



Next, the presentation shifts to AC joint injuries, commonly found in contact sports. Colyvas explains the classification of AC joint injuries, detailing the different types and their implications for treatment, stressing that many such injuries can be managed conservatively.



The discussion then focuses on shoulder dislocations, describing them as the most frequent joint dislocation, particularly in active young males. He explains the mechanisms of injury and the importance of thorough assessment, including neurovascular examination, to rule out associated injuries such as rotator cuff tears.



Lastly, Colyvas addresses fractures, specifically emphasizing clavicle fractures and proximal humeral fractures. He provides insights into the evolving standards for surgical intervention and the criteria that guide decision-making in surgery versus conservative management.



Overall, the lecture provides an insightful overview of acute shoulder trauma, equipping practitioners with knowledge on injury recognition, management protocols, and when to refer patients to orthopedic specialists. Colyvas concludes with a call to action for healthcare providers to be vigilant about these injuries to optimize patient care.

Specialties