Off-piste skiing is the ultimate adventure for those seeking the thrill of untouched powder and challenging terrain. However, it also comes with unique risks, particularly to the shoulders. Navigating uneven snow, steep slopes, and hidden obstacles can put significant strain on this critical joint, leading to injuries such as dislocations, sprains, or rotator cuff tears.

For avid skiers, the road to recovery from shoulder surgery can be challenging, but with the right guidance and dedication, you can safely get back to the sport. Dr. William Sterett, a seasoned shoulder dislocation doctor at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, is committed to helping patients regain strength, stability, and confidence in their shoulders.

Understanding the cause of your shoulder pain is the first step to a full recovery. Working with a sports medicine specialist like Dr. Sterett ensures a tailored treatment plan that addresses the specific injury and your unique needs as an athlete.

Shoulder instability occurs when the structures surrounding the shoulder joint no longer keep the ball within its socket, leading to frequent shoulder dislocations or a feeling that the shoulder might give out. This condition can result from a traumatic injury, repetitive strain, or congenital factors.

The question, "can a dislocated shoulder cause a rotator cuff tear?" is often asked by patients. The answer is yes. The force that dislocates the shoulder can indeed cause a tear in the rotator cuff.

The question, "can a dislocated shoulder cause a rotator cuff tear?" is often asked by patients. The answer is yes. The force that dislocates the shoulder can indeed cause a tear in the rotator cuff.

"Biking can be a valuable addition to a runner's training regimen as it provides a low-impact alternative that reduces the repetitive stress on the knees," states Dr. Sterett.

Dr. Sterett advises, "By diversifying training activities, runners can reduce the strain on specific muscle groups and joints, thereby minimizing the risk of overuse injuries.”

Dr. Sterett explains, "Knee popping can arise from harmless, physiological mechanism. Common causes of knee popping encompasses a variety of factors. Soft tissue interactions, such as the movement of tendons, ligaments, or menisci can produce audible popping sensations.”

Dr. Sterett states, "Shoulder popping may originate from dynamic interactions between the bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage within the joint”

Dr. Sterett explains, “The most common direction for a shoulder dislocation is anteriorly – where the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket towards the front of the body. This type of dislocation, known as an anterior shoulder dislocation, accounts for approximately 95% of all shoulder dislocations.”

This overview aims to delve into the distinct differences and commonalities in knee injuries associated with skiing and snowboarding, as well as provide insights into risk factors and injury prevention techniques.

I am dedicated to helping ski enthusiasts enjoy their time on the slopes without the risk of debilitating shoulder injuries. A proactive approach that encompasses both pre-skiing preparations and on-slope techniques is my top recommendation for shoulder injury prevention.

Dr. Sterett concentrates on the distinct characteristics of shoulder dislocations, including their cause clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options. Hopefully you will come away with a better understanding of shoulders that “pop out”, are first time dislocations, and who is at risk for recurrence or other related injuries.

I hear people refer to shoulder separations and shoulder dislocations as the same thing quite often. Let’s clear up the confusion.