“Dancing with the Stars” Shoulder Injury

"Dancing with the Stars" has been said to be one of the most dangerous reality shows. Due to its intense dance routines, injuries tend to happen more often on this show than any other show currently on TV.  

DWTS' most recent orthopedic injury involves current contestant Derek Hough, who dances with partner Ricki Lake.  Derek is a professional dancer who worked with his sister, Julianne Hough, on the remake of the 1984 movie, "Footloose." 

During DWTS rehearsals earlier in October, Derek sustained an injury to his shoulder. He had dislocated it and manually popped it back in, according to People magazine. His shoulder remained painful after that.            

In order for the shoulder to remain stable, muscles, tendons, and ligaments must anchor it. The shoulder joint is the most frequently dislocated major joint of the body. Dislocation commonly occurs when there is a backward pull on the arm that either catches the muscles unprepared to resist or overwhelms the muscles. The shoulder can dislocate either forward, backward, or downward. 

Some symptoms Derek may have felt include pain, swelling, numbness, weakness and bruising. It can be officially diagnosed by physical exam and x-ray to rule out a possible fracture. Treatment includes reducing the shoulder back into the joint socket. A sling is often used for several weeks later to allow for stabilization. Physical therapy will be initiated later to regain range of motion and strength.  Derek will soon be back in top form, impressing millions of viewers with his dancing!

AN EXERCISE IN ORTHOPEDICS: Dr. Raj Discusses the Angel Out for the Season

Mark Trumbo is known for playing an infielder position for a Major League Baseball team-- the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  He plays right infield and first baseman. 


At only 25 years old, he is a leading contender for the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

For about a month and a half, Mark had been playing several games with pain in his right foot. On Monday, September 26^th, 2011, after several tests- including MRIs, CT scan, and x-rays, the team orthopedist discovered a stress fracture at the top of his right foot in the navicular bone. 


No surgery is indicated for Mark but he will need to rest his foot for the rest of the season. He will be placed in a walking boot with no vigorous activity for at least 6 weeks.


The Breakdown
A stress fracture is one of the most common causes of foot pain. A metatarsal stress fracture is also called a “March fracture” because pain increases with activity specifically seen in solider recruits. In several interviews, Mark stated he felt throbbing pain across his right foot and felt his activity was limited.

These types of fractures need time to heal properly to avoid surgical intervention. An x-ray would have shown a hairline crack in one of the metatarsals (foot bones)-in this case the navicular bone.

Treatment includes rest for 6-8 weeks usually in a stiff orthopedic boot. Mark will be ready to return for next season as a full–time first baseman!