$120+ Million
The amount we've recovered for clients.
Rotator Cuff
Vaccine Injury
How can a vaccine injure a rotator cuff?
The muscles and tendons of a rotator cuff can be damaged when a vaccine is
administered too high or too deep into the shoulder.
Rotator Cuff Vaccine Injury
Flu shots, tetanus shots and other vaccines can often cause a shoulder rotator cuff tear and other shoulder injuries such as Tendonitis and Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder). Rotator cuff injuries can be painful and debilitating for people of all ages. In the case of a rotator cuff tear or injury, vaccines are administered into the deltoid of the vaccine recipient’s shoulder. If the injection is administered too high on the shoulder, the needle can penetrate the sensitive tendons and bursa within. This can cause inflammation of the rotator cuff and subsequently lead to additional complications. Often, a complete tear of the rotator cuff will occur.
Hear Cheryl's Vaccine Injury Story
Cheryl suffered SIRVA (shoulder injury related to vaccine administration) following a flu shot. Her vaccine injury claim was filed in the VICP by vaccine lawyer Max Muller where she obtained a large cash settlement for her pain and suffering, lost wages and out of pocket medical expenses.
What is a Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and help with its movements. These muscles and tendons are:
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus,
- Teres minor
- Subscapularis.
They start from the shoulder blade and attach to the upper arm bone, forming a cuff-like structure around the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is important for many shoulder movements, such as lifting, rotating, and extending the arm. It also helps keep the upper arm bone in place within the shallow socket of the shoulder blade, preventing dislocations and ensuring smooth joint movement.
Injuries to the rotator cuff, such as tears or tendinopathies, can cause pain, weakness, and limited shoulder movement. Understanding the basics of the rotator cuff helps one grasp the impact of Rotator Cuff Vaccine Injury (SIRVA) and develop effective ways to manage it.
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Vaccine Injuries
If any of the symptoms below arise after an incorrectly administered intramuscular vaccine injection, the vaccine recipient likely has a resulting rotator cuff injury:
- Pain when moving the arm to the side or behind the body
- Worsening pain in cold weather
- Worsening pain at night
- Limited range of motion
- Weakness when lifting the arm
- chronic pain in and around the shoulder capsule
How to diagnose a Rotator Cuff injury
When shoulder pain persists beyond a reasonable period, it may indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as:
- A rotator cuff tear
- Frozen shoulder
- Tendonitis
- Ulnar neuropathy
- Bursitis
Consulting a primary care physician is important in such instances. Upon evaluation, a primary care physician might refer the patient to an orthopedic specialist for further assessment. These specialists are trained to diagnose and treat shoulder injuries effectively.
The orthopedist may suggest an MRI of the shoulder to determine the exact nature of the injury. This imaging test can reveal signs of inflammation, fluid buildup, swelling, or even a tear in the rotator cuff. Once the MRI results are reviewed by the orthopedist, they can provide a precise diagnosis, guiding subsequent treatment decisions for the patient's optimal recovery.
Prognosis
Understanding the prognosis of rotator cuff injuries is important in managing expectations and devising effective treatment strategies. The outlook for individuals with rotator cuff injuries can vary based on multiple factors, including the severity of the injury, timing of intervention, and individual response to treatment.
Factors Influencing Prognosis
Early Diagnosis and Intervention: Prompt diagnosis and timely intervention play a key role in halting the progression of rotator cuff injuries and mitigating long-term disability. Early recognition and treatment initiation can prevent further damage to the tendons and facilitate a more favorable prognosis.
Severity of Injury: The severity of symptoms and the extent of rotator cuff damage significantly influence the prognosis. Individuals with mild to moderate injuries may experience quicker recovery and better overall outcomes than those with severe tears or extensive tendon involvement.
Adherence to Treatment: Consistent adherence to treatment protocols, including rehabilitation exercises and lifestyle modifications, is necessary for optimizing outcomes. Active participation in rehabilitation programs can promote tissue healing, restore shoulder function, and enhance overall recovery.
Underlying Health Conditions: Concurrent health conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can impact the prognosis of rotator cuff injuries. Individuals with underlying health issues may experience prolonged recovery periods and have a less favorable prognosis compared to those without.
Long-Term Outlook: Most people with shoulder injuries get better with the right treatment and regular rehabilitation. It might take some time, maybe a few months of dedicated effort, but many regain almost normal shoulder function and movement if they stick to their treatment plan.
How can a vaccine cause a Rotator Cuff injury?
Vaccines can occasionally result in unforeseen complications, including rotator cuff injuries. These injuries often stem from improper injection techniques, where vaccines administered too high or deep in the shoulder disrupt delicate structures around the rotator cuff, leading to inflammation or tearing of tendons.
The force exerted during vaccination, particularly with excessive pressure or at incorrect angles, can traumatize the rotator cuff, resulting in micro-tears or more significant injuries. Immune responses triggered by vaccines may induce inflammation and tissue damage within the shoulder joint, further exacerbating the risk, especially for individuals with pre-existing shoulder issues or anatomical vulnerabilities.
4,500
Clients represented across the country in the past 10 years.
1,750+
SIRVA clients represented since 2020.
5 Stars
Average Google review score from past clients.
Which vaccines are linked to Rotator Cuff injuries?
Certain vaccines have been linked to instances of rotator cuff injuries, highlighting the importance of understanding potential risks associated with vaccination. For those who experience rotator cuff due to vaccine administration, there might be eligibility for compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, providing support for individuals facing the distressing impact of this condition.
Inactivated Influenza Vaccine
The inactivated influenza vaccine, commonly known as the flu shot, has been implicated in cases of rotator cuff injuries. Improper administration techniques or inadvertent injections into the shoulder area during flu vaccination can lead to inflammation, tearing, or damage to the rotator cuff tendons, resulting in shoulder pain and dysfunction.
Other Vaccines
While the inactivated influenza vaccine is the primary vaccine associated with rotator cuff injuries, other vaccines administered in the deltoid muscle area can also pose similar risks if not administered correctly.
Can a Rotator Cuff injury create permanent damage?
Rotator cuff injuries can result in lasting damage, affecting shoulder function significantly. The severity of the injury often determines the potential for permanent damage, with severe tears or extensive damage potentially leading to:
- Chronic pain
- Weakness
- Restricted shoulder motion
Conditions like rotator cuff tendinopathy or adhesive capsulitis may develop without timely intervention, causing persistent discomfort and functional limitations.
What is the treatment for a Rotator Cuff injury?
The treatment for Rotator Cuff injuries typically involves various options tailored to the severity of the injury and may include:
- Medication
- Injections
- Physical therapy
- Or, in severe cases, surgery
Once diagnosed, your doctor can prescribe various treatment options for your injury.
How to report a vaccine injury (VAERS)
If you believe you have experienced a shoulder injury related to a vaccine, you can report it to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). VAERS is a national program that collects and analyzes reports of adverse events following vaccination. Reporting adverse events helps monitor vaccine safety and identify potential issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Compensation for a Rotator Cuff vaccine injury
If you suffer a rotator cuff injury after a vaccination, you can seek compensation through the vaccine injury compensation program ("VICP"). Through the VICP, the government has paid billions of dollars to individuals with rotator cuff injuries and other shoulder injuries caused by the administration of certain vaccines.
The attorneys at My Vaccine Lawyer have handled thousands of cases of rotator cuff injuries. They can provide you with a free consultation to evaluate your case. You may also be compensated for the following: (1) reimbursement of medical expenses, (2) applicable lost wages, and (3) pain and suffering.
- Reimbursement of Medical Expenses: Any medical costs incurred for treatment of the vaccine injury are reimbursable by the VICP. Reimbursable expenses are limited to what the injured party has paid or will pay related to the injury and will not be applied to any portion of treatment paid for by a health insurance provider. The exception to this rule applies in cases where state Medicaid has paid for some or all treatment. Medicaid is the only entity that can subrogate against a compensation award for a vaccine injury. In light of this rule, the injured party must advise their attorney if they have been a Medicaid recipient during or leading up to treatment. In cases where catastrophic injuries have occurred and in-home nursing or home modifications are necessary, the VICP will estimate expenses that an injured party will incur in the future. Petitioners can recover damages for those medical expenses and expenses they have already paid.
- Lost Wages: If a vaccine injury or related treatment causes an injured party to miss work and lose income, the VICP will reimburse the party for those wages. Even in workers' compensation cases, a petitioner can seek the difference between the benefits received through workers' compensation and the actual wages lost. Standard pre-reimbursement tax deductions apply.
Pain and Suffering: Although each injured party experiences some degree of pain and suffering, the extent is largely determined by the circumstances of the claim. The key factors for determining a monetary value for pain and suffering can be narrowed down to symptoms, treatment, and residual effects on an injured party's life. The type and duration of treatment, coupled with the severity and duration of symptoms, speak to the injured party's experience. Those factors and any residual or permanent effects on the party's life are used to quantify the claim and determine an award.
-
What are the common symptoms of shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration?
Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration can manifest as shoulder pain, stiffness, weakness, or limited range of motion. These symptoms may indicate underlying rotator cuff problems or conditions like frozen shoulder.
-
How soon after vaccine administration can shoulder pain develop?
Shoulder pain can develop within hours to days after vaccine administration, depending on individual susceptibility and the specific vaccine involved. It's important to monitor any unusual symptoms and seek medical attention if shoulder pain persists or worsens.
-
Can vaccines cause frozen shoulder?
Vaccines have been associated with rare cases of frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but inflammation and scar tissue formation within the shoulder joint capsule may contribute to its development.
-
What are the treatment options for shoulder injuries caused by vaccines?
Treatment options for shoulder injuries caused by vaccines vary depending on the severity of the injury. They may include medication, cortisone injections, physical therapy, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention to repair torn tendons or address underlying conditions like frozen shoulder.
-
How can I differentiate between normal post-vaccination soreness and a potential shoulder injury?
Normal post-vaccination soreness typically resolves within a few days and is localized to the injection site. However, persistent or worsening shoulder pain, especially accompanied by limited range of motion or weakness, may indicate a shoulder injury that requires medical evaluation.