Overview

A separated shoulder is an injury to the ligaments that hold your collarbone (clavicle) to your shoulder blade. In a mild separated shoulder, the ligaments might just be stretched. In severe injuries, ligaments might be torn.

In most people, a separated shoulder doesn't usually require surgery. Instead, conservative treatment — such as rest, ice and pain relievers — is often enough to relieve the pain. Most people regain full shoulder function within a few weeks after having a separated shoulder.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a separated shoulder might include:

• Shoulder pain
• Shoulder or arm weakness
• Shoulder bruising or swelling
• Limited shoulder movement
• A bump and swelling at the top of your shoulder

When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor if you have persistent tenderness or pain near the end of your collarbone.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Causes

The most common cause of a separated shoulder is a blow to the point of your shoulder or a fall directly on your shoulder. The injury may stretch or tear the ligaments that hold your collarbone to your shoulder blade.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Diagnosis

A separated shoulder can usually be identified during a physical exam. X-rays can sometimes confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the injury. But in many people who have a low-grade separated shoulder, early X-rays are often normal.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Complications

Most people fully recover from a separated shoulder with conservative treatment. Continued shoulder pain is possible, however, if:

• You have a severe separation that involves significant displacement or fracture of the collarbone
• You develop arthritis in your shoulder
• Other structures around your shoulder, such as the rotator cuff, are damaged

Risk factors

Participating in contact sports, such as football and hockey, or in sports that can involve falls — such as downhill skiing, gymnastics and volleyball — might put you at higher risk of a separated shoulder.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com