Exams and Tests

The diagnosis for shoulder separation is made based on careful history taking and physical examination findings. X-rays are usually taken. The doctor may want to order special x-rays with you holding small weights to see if a shoulder separation is present, although this is not always necessary or useful during the initial injury evaluation.

Other injuries to the joint, muscles, and bone may require other special tests such as an ultrasound or MRI. These are almost never ordered as part of the initial evaluation because the initial treatment plan may not change based on the results.