Shoulder Impingement & Bursitis

Accident trauma to the shoulder — direct impact, rotator cuff strain from bracing, or altered scapular biomechanics from clavicle or AC joint injury — produces subacromial inflammation and compresses the rotator cuff tendons. Patients with pre-existing risk factors (Type III hooked acromion, AC joint arthrosis) are particularly susceptible to developing symptomatic impingement after trauma.

Yes. Shoulder impingement evaluation and treatment following motor vehicle accidents is covered under New York State No-Fault at MAIC. Services include examination, MRI, physical therapy, orthopedic consultation, and subacromial injection when indicated. All prior authorization is managed by our team.

Shoulder X-ray assesses acromial morphology, AC joint, and calcifications. Shoulder MRI characterizes the subacromial bursa, rotator cuff tendons, and any associated cuff tearing. MAIC coordinates both modalities and provides radiologist-interpreted reports within 48 hours.

Initial treatment includes physical therapy targeting rotator cuff strengthening and scapular stabilization, subacromial corticosteroid injections for acute bursitis, and activity modification. When conservative management fails, orthopedic consultation assesses surgical candidacy — typically arthroscopic subacromial decompression, with concurrent cuff repair if tearing is present.

Yes. Untreated or inadequately treated shoulder impingement can progress to partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tearing, chronic bursitis, and post-traumatic AC joint arthrosis — each of which can produce permanent impairment. MAIC's orthopedic team issues formal permanency statements and impairment ratings at MMI when permanent deficits are present.