Understanding Steph Curry’s Shoulder Subluxation
- Post By: Jeff Stotts
- Date:
- Category: NBA, Understanding...
The Warriors are expected to be without Stephen Curry for an extended period of time after suffering a “labral injury” following a subluxation of his left shoulder.
Warriors’ Stephen Curry has a labrum injury in his left shoulder that is not expected to require surgery, sources say. Details on @TheRally: pic.twitter.com/6ox6W2UiN5— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 15, 2022
Stephen Curry injury update: pic.twitter.com/h07AmDbHT0— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) December 15, 2022
The shoulder complex is a made up of multiple articulations, formed by the bones of the sternum, collarbone (clavicle), shoulder blade (scapula), and even the ribs. The joint most commonly associated with the shoulder is the glenohumeral (GH) joint. The GH joint is the ball and socket joint of the shoulder. The “ball” is the head of the humerus, the upper arm bone, while a groove in the scapula, known as the glenoid cavity, acts as the “socket.” The design allows the ball (head of the humerus) to freely pivot on the socket (glenoid). As a result, the GH joint is highly mobile, enabling the joint to move in multiple planes in a high degree of motion. However, this mobility comes at the cost of stability. To offset this instability and reenforce the joint, a fibrocartilaginous ring known as the labrum widens the glenoid. The surrounding muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissue reinforce the area, further helping the shoulder remain in alignment.
However, external forces or stress can displace the humerus from the glenoid cavity. If the stabilizing structures naturally return the ball to the socket the injury is referred to as a subluxation or partial dislocation. A true dislocation occurs when the displacement of the joint is complete. In true dislocations, a reduction may be necessary, a process in which the joint is realigned by a medical professional. In both subluxations and dislocations, the resulting trauma often leads to the labrum tearing.
The return to play time following shoulder injuries of this variety often depends on the damage sustained by the involved tissues, particularly the labrum. Labral tears occur in a variety of patterns and in varying degrees. If the tear is small and the resulting instability is minimal, rest and general rehab can improve the area with a focus on improving the muscles around the shoulder. Surgery may still be needed eventually but it can be delayed. NBA players to sustain labral tears and avoid or delay surgery include Carmelo Anthony, Paul George, Anthony Davis, and Dwight Howard.
However, time off is still needed to address the symptoms associated with the initial injury. Curry is expected to miss at least two weeks recovering before being reevaluated. The timeline, along with the belief that surgery is not immediately required, suggests Curry’s labral tear is small. However, he will be at risk for future injury or re-injury when he returns to action. Consider the case of San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. who attempted to play through what was described as a “slight” labral tear. Tatis aggravated the area multiple times throughout the 2021 season before going under the knife in August of 2022. Forward Paul George faced a similar scenario in 2019. He tore the labrum in his left shoulder in March while a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He never missed time with OKC but saw his Clippers debut delayed after he was traded in the offseason, roughly a month after undergoing surgery to fix the issue.
Curry’s recovery will be fluid though it does sound like he will return this season. Since the 2005-06 season, the average time lost for in-season shoulder subluxations that do not require surgery is roughly 21 days. Fortunately, the involved shoulder is Curry’s non-shooting shoulder, lessening the demands on the area. In the meantime, the Warriors will now turn to their young core to stay afloat in the crowded Western Conference standings.