Shoulder Conditions & Procedures

Shoulder Conditions and Procedures

Shoulder injuries are another common joint issue among athletes, particularly those who perform repetitive, intense overhead motions. Swimmers, tennis players, pitchers, and weightlifters are the most vulnerable to shoulder injuries. Everyday activities and work carried out by contractors can also cause shoulder injuries, like painting, hanging curtains, and gardening. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons are the components that are most affected by these activities. The shoulder is comprised of several joints, tendons, and muscles which give a large range of motion to the arm. Tendinitis occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become irritated. Because this is such a complex structure, shoulders are vulnerable to a variety of problems.

Shoulder pain consultation from RHO after an arthroscopic surgery.

Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears will weaken the shoulder and are a frequent cause of pain and disability among adults. Everyday activities, like washing your hair or getting dressed, may become painful and more difficult to do. Pain and weakness are the most common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear. Minor tears can be treated with nonsurgical treatments and procedures, but surgical procedures may be recommended depending on severity and activity level. If rotator cuff tears are not given proper medical attention, there is a risk of a full tear.

Impingement and Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Shoulder pain is one of the most typical physical complaints reported. Impingement occurs when the arm is lifted to shoulder height causing the acromion to rub on the tendon and the bursa resulting in pain and irritation.

Labrum Tears and Instability

Shoulder dislocations, loss of strength, decreased range of motion, instability, and pain are symptoms associated with tears of the labrum. The labrum is the tissue rim surrounding the shoulder, which can be injured by acute trauma or repetitive motion. Examples of traumatic injury include falling on an outstretched arm, a direct blow to the shoulder, a sudden pull, or a violent overhead reach, such as when trying to stop a fall. Instability occurs when the head of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket. Anti-inflammatory drugs and rehabilitation are options for treating a labrum tear. Some cases may require arthroscopic surgery.

Read more about SLAP tears.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder. There are no known causes of frozen shoulder. The risk factors for frozen shoulder are diabetes, immobilization, and some other diseases. Frozen shoulder most often affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 and occurs in women more often than men. There are many options for nonsurgical treatment of frozen shoulder, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, or physical therapy. Surgical treatment for frozen shoulder usually only occurs at stage 2 severity.

Shoulder Replacement

Recent advancements in shoulder surgery, particularly the “reverse shoulder replacement,” have provided effective solutions for patients suffering from severe arthritis and irreparable rotator cuff tears. This innovative technique has significantly improved patients’ functional outcomes. The progress in shoulder replacement surgery has now made it feasible to perform this procedure entirely on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to recover in the comfort of their homes. The use of modern tools such as pre-operative CT scanning has played a crucial role in enhancing surgical precision and improving overall outcomes. These technological advancements represent a significant step forward in orthopedic care, offering patients better results with less disruption to their daily lives.

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