“Clavicle fractures can occur from a direct blow, or due to a fall on an outstretched arm,” Dr. Kowalsky explained. Fortunately, the majority of these fractures can be managed non-operatively, he said, “Only those fractures with significant displacement or shortening might require surgery.”
Shoulder separations are also very common in football, as in any collision sport. Surgery is typically reserved for severe injuries in which the joint capsule, associated ligaments, and surrounding muscle are all traumatized.
Shoulder dislocations occur when the arm is forced into a vulnerable position, causing the ball to dissociate from the socket. In almost every case, the glenoid labrum tears as a result of this injury. The younger the athlete is when he sustains his first dislocation, the higher the chance of recurrence.
Certain positions carry with them a unique set of potential injuries, including offensive lineman or quarterbacks. Offensive linemen spend much of their time repeatedly blocking opposing players with their arm positioned forward, leading to posterior instability, and posterior labrum tears. Quarterbacks, due to the repetitive force associated with the throwing motion, might experience partial-thickness tearing of the rotator cuff, or tearing of the superior glenoid labrum.
Many shoulders injuries in football are preventable. “Safe tackling, proper blocking technique, and appropriate throwing mechanics can go a long way to decreasing the incidence of injury among youth football players,” said Kowalsky. Strength and conditioning programs, when properly supervised and executed, have been shown to be both safe and effective in decreasing the risk of injury among young players of collision sports. High quality shoulder pads, fitted after pre-season, are also essential for shoulder injury prevention.
Once injured, athletes should seek evaluation by a sports medicine physician or shoulder surgeon for proper evaluation, management, and safe return to play to decrease the risk of re-injury.