Shoulder injuries in children and young patients present very differently from those seen in adults, and this is mostly attributable to their lack of skeletal maturity. Patients are managed differently depending on the severity of their injuries and the methods used to diagnose them. Adolescents and children are more likely to sustain injuries because their growth plates remain open. Special surgical procedures are necessary to repair broken growth plates.
Shoulder injuries in children require an orthopaedist who specialises in the growth and development of young bones and ligaments to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend effective therapy.
The scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle (collarbone), and humerus are the three major bones that make up your children's (or anyone's) shoulder (upper arm bone). The glenoid is a socket on the scapula where the head of the humerus rests. The labrum is a thin layer of tissue that lines the socket and is attached to many ligaments. To a large extent, the labrum and the ligaments linked to it are responsible for the structural integrity of the joint.
Damage to the labrum, often known as a torn labrum, causes instability in the shoulder joint. This usually requires surgical intervention to fix.
One more significant shoulder structure is the rotator cuff, which comprises tendons and muscles. These muscle fibres help secure the humerus to the shoulder blade. The rotator cuff muscles enable children to raise their arms, rotate their shoulders, and reach over their heads. Weakness, restricted movement, and joint stiffness result from rotator cuff injury or damage. Tears of the rotator cuff are quite unusual in kids.
There are four main categories of shoulder problems:
Bursae, filled with fluid, can be found around every joint in the body, including the shoulder. Additionally, they lessen the resistance felt by gliding muscles against the bone by acting as cushions between the bone and the soft tissues that cover it. Overuse of the shoulder can cause inflammation and swelling of the bursa located between the rotator cuff and the acromion region of the shoulder blade.
This condition leads to subacromial bursitis. Patients are not uncommon to present with both bursitis and rotator cuff tendinitis. The shoulder's various tissues can become inflamed and painful. Common activities like washing and styling hair or putting on clothes may become difficult.
Several different types of arthritis can cause shoulder discomfort. The shoulder is a common site for osteoarthritis, sometimes known as "wear and tear" arthritis. In middle age, edoema, discomfort, and stiffness are frequent symptoms. The discomfort from osteoarthritis gradually worsens over time. Injuries sustained in sports or on the job, as well as everyday wear and strain, are all potential causes of osteoarthritis. Other types of arthritis can occur via rotator cuff injury, infection, or joint lining irritation. Many persons with arthritis try to avoid any shoulder movement since it causes them pain. This can lead to painful stiffness and mobility restriction in the joint's soft tissue components.
Changes of Activity: Depending on the severity of the condition, your kid may benefit from rest, a reduction in activity, or physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in their shoulders. Shoulder pain can be avoided if the youngster does not overdo it or participates in activities in which they are normally not interested.
Medications: Painkillers and anti-inflammatories are possible drug recommendations from your doctor. Any prescribed pain relievers should be taken precisely as directed. Your physician may suggest numbing medication or steroid injections help with the pain.
A few shoulder conditions can only be treated by operating on the patient. However, most individuals with shoulder discomfort will benefit from simple therapy tactics, including switching activities, resting, exercising, and taking medication. Injuries to the rotator cuff and other shoulder conditions that cause frequent dislocations may not respond well to exercise. Surgery is an option that doctors may suggest. Scar and damaged tissue can be removed and repaired with arthroscopy, whereas more extensive operations, such as shoulder replacements, may require an open operation.
Ensure your kid always has the right protective gear when playing sports. Shoulder pads and chest protection are two common types. Be sure your kid gets enough milk, cheese, and yoghurt to meet their calcium needs. Your child's bones will benefit from the calcium in these foods. Your child should see a shoulder expert if you are worried about shoulder pain.