SHOULDER

Common Shoulder Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Clavicle (Collarbone) Fracture

• Most common shoulder injury in cyclists.
• Caused by falling onto the shoulder or outstretched hand.
• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, visible bump, limited arm movement.
• May require sling immobilization or surgery with plates/screws.

Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Separation

• Caused by a fall directly onto the point of the shoulder.
• Graded I-VI depending on severity (ligament stretching to complete rupture).
• Presents with pain, deformity at the shoulder tip, and difficulty lifting the arm.

Shoulder Dislocation (Glenohumeral Joint)

• The upper arm bone (humerus) is displaced from the shoulder socket.
• Typically occurs during a fall with the arm outstretched or abducted.
• Often accompanied by ligament, labrum, or nerve injury.

Rotator Cuff Injury

• Involves tearing or straining of the muscles/tendons stabilizing the shoulder.
• May result from impact or from forceful catching/falling motions.
• Causes pain with movement, especially overhead.

Scapula (Shoulder Blade) Fracture

• Rare but serious; usually from high-speed or high-impact crashes.
• Often occurs with other injuries (rib fractures, pneumothorax).
• Presents with deep posterior shoulder pain and limited motion.

Proximal Humerus Fracture

• Fracture near the top of the upper arm bone.
• Common in older cyclists or high-impact falls.

Cycling Injuries