Question

What is the cause of L shoulder pain in a patient with trauma to the L 8th rib?

1) Fracture of the L 8th rib
2) Dislocation of the L shoulder joint
3) Muscle strain in the L shoulder
4) Nerve injury in the L shoulder

Answer 1

The most likely cause of left shoulder pain in a patient with trauma to the left 8th rib is a fracture of the rib, which can cause referred pain to the shoulder.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cause of left shoulder pain in a patient with trauma to the left 8th rib could be multifactorial. However, the most direct cause related specifically to the rib injury is likely option 1) Fracture of the L 8th rib. Rib fractures can cause referred pain to the shoulder due to the intercostal nerves that run along the ribs. Although it is possible for a patient to sustain multiple injuries, such as a dislocation, muscle strain, or nerve injury, the mentioned fracture is the most plausible cause of shoulder pain related to rib trauma. Injuries such as a dislocated shoulder, muscle strain, or nerve damage typically occur due to direct trauma or excessive force applied to the shoulder or upper limb itself, and they produce symptoms localized to the area of direct impact or overuse.