The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body — allowing you to lift, rotate, and reach freely.
Because of this wide range of motion, it is also vulnerable to injury, wear, and instability.
Below is a clear overview of common shoulder diseases, injuries, and fractures, grouped by anatomical regions for better understanding.

By Dr. Anupam Khandelwal – Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Indore

🦴 1. Shoulder Joint (Glenohumeral Joint) Conditions

This is the main ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder, connecting the humeral head and the glenoid cavity. It allows maximum movement but is prone to instability and degeneration.

Common Diseases / Disorders:

Osteoarthritis of Shoulder – Wear and tear of cartilage causing stiffness and pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Autoimmune inflammation leading to deformity.
Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of Humeral Head – Loss of blood supply to bone leading to collapse.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – Stiffness and pain with restricted movement.
Shoulder Instability / Dislocation – Repeated slipping out of the joint, common in young athletes.
Labral Tear (Bankart / SLAP Lesion) – Cartilage rim injury causing clicking and instability.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis – Degeneration after an untreated injury or fracture.

Common Fractures:

Proximal Humerus Fracture – Common in elderly falls; may need fixation or replacement.
Head-Splitting Humeral Fracture – Severe fracture involving joint surface.
Anatomic Neck / Surgical Neck Fracture – Common in osteoporotic patients.

💪 2. Rotator Cuff & Surrounding Tendon Disorders

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that stabilize and move the shoulder. These are the most frequently injured structures in the joint.

Common Diseases / Disorders:

Rotator Cuff Tear (Partial / Complete) – Due to aging, overuse, or trauma.
Subacromial Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa leading to shoulder impingement.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – Compression of tendons during arm lifting.
Calcific Tendinitis – Calcium deposits in rotator cuff causing severe pain.
Tendinopathy / Overuse Injury – Common in athletes and manual workers.

Related Fractures / Injuries:

Greater Tuberosity Fracture – Often associated with rotator cuff injury.
Lesser Tuberosity Fracture – Affects internal rotation strength.

🦾 3. Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Conditions

This small joint connects the collarbone (clavicle) to the shoulder blade (acromion) and provides overhead stability.

Common Diseases / Disorders:

AC Joint Sprain / Separation / Dislocation – Common after a fall on the shoulder.
AC Joint Osteoarthritis – Wear and tear due to repetitive lifting or aging.
Distal Clavicle Osteolysis – Seen in weightlifters due to overuse.

AC Joint Reconstruction Surgery

Common Fractures:

Clavicle Fracture (Collarbone Fracture) – Among the most common shoulder injuries.
Lateral End Clavicle Fracture – Often needs surgical stabilization.

🦵 4. Scapula (Shoulder Blade) & Surrounding Region

The scapula supports shoulder movement and provides muscle attachments for strength and stability.

Common Diseases / Disorders:

Scapulothoracic Bursitis (“Snapping Scapula”) – Grinding or popping sound near the shoulder blade.
Winged Scapula – Muscle or nerve weakness causing protruding shoulder blade.
Muscle Imbalance / Postural Shoulder Pain – Seen in desk workers and athletes.

Common Fractures:

Scapular Body / Spine Fracture – Often from high-energy trauma.
Glenoid Cavity Fracture – Involves the socket part of the joint.
Acromion Fracture – Upper part of scapula; may accompany other injuries.

🤕 5. Nerve & Soft Tissue Related Shoulder Problems

The shoulder’s movement depends heavily on nerve and soft tissue coordination.

Common Conditions:

Brachial Plexus Injury – Stretch or compression of nerves after trauma.
Axillary Nerve Injury – Weakness in shoulder abduction post dislocation.
Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment – Causes dull pain and weakness in shoulder blade area.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome – Trigger points around shoulder and neck.

👶 6. Pediatric & Congenital Shoulder Disorders

Congenital Dislocation of Shoulder – Rare, due to developmental issues.
Physeal (Growth Plate) Injury – Seen in young athletes or falls.
Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy – Nerve injury at birth affecting arm movement.

🏥 When to See Dr. Anupam Khandelwal

If you experience shoulder pain, stiffness, weakness, or deformity after an injury, early evaluation is essential.
Dr. Anupam Khandelwal offers advanced 3D imaging, arthroscopic (keyhole) shoulder surgery, and minimally invasive fracture fixation — helping patients regain movement quickly and safely.

📞 Book Appointment: +91-8818814030
🌐 Visit: www.dranupamkhandelwal.com