Shoulder Surgery

The most flexible joint in the human body is the shoulder. The shoulder joint enables your arm to be placed in front, behind, to the side, and above your body. However, the high level of flexibility leaves the shoulder more vulnerable to instability and injury.

Nonsurgical treatments are often recommended for shoulder problems prior to surgery. In some cases, however, the problem may become more difficult to treat if surgery is delayed. Therefore, making an accurate diagnosis as early as possible can significantly improve the outcome of treatment.

Here at YourOrthoSolution, we have some of the top orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians in the country. Our caring team always goes that extra step to make you feel a part of our family. We are dedicated to getting you back to the things you love through a customized plan that fits only you. Your physician at YourOrthoSolution will customize a treatment plan that will work best for you as an individual to facilitate a fast recovery.

Shoulder Problems and Treatments

Tendinitis and Bursitis

Tendinitis and bursitis can occur as a result of overuse in repetitive activities, such as weight lifting, swimming, or painting. During these activities, the rotator cuff can be impinged (squeezed) or rubbed under the acromion, a bony process on the shoulder blade, and in the acromioclavicular joint at the top of the shoulder. Initially, these problems are treated by modifying the activity that causes the symptoms and development of a rehabilitation program for the shoulder.

Here at YourOrthoSolution, we will work with you to create a customized treatment and rehabilitation plan for your shoulder.

Impingement and Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

The development of spurs on the underside of the acromioclavicular joint or the acromion or chronic inflammation can result in partial-thickness rotator cuff tears In the majority of cases, conservative nonsurgical treatment is successful. This may include light exercise, modification of activity, or cortisone injections. If nonsurgical treatment is not successful, surgery is often required to repair the rotator cuff and remove the spurs.

Our doctors at YourOrthoSolution are conservative and do not recommend surgery until other treatments have been attempted.

Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

Full-thickness rotator cuff tears usually result from falls, heavy lifting, impingement, or the worsening of partial-thickness tears. In most patients, nonsurgical treatment, most often modification of activity, is successful. Surgery may be needed to repair full-thickness rotator cuff tears if the pain continues. Arthroscopic techniques can be used to evaluate the rotator cuff, shave spurs, and to repair some tears. With or without surgery, extensive rehabilitation is required to restore full shoulder movement and function.

Instability

When the head of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket, shoulder instability occurs. This may be the result of overuse of the shoulder ligaments or an injury.

A subluxation occurs when the shoulder is partially out of the shoulder socket. A subluxation may eventually lead to a complete dislocation, where the head of the arm bone slips out of the shoulder socket. Even a minor injury can force the upper arm bone out of its socket.

Some patients experience chronic instability, and may have repeated shoulder dislocations. These patients usually require surgery. Arthroscopic surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, while a short hospital stay may be required after open surgical repair. After either type of surgery, extensive rehabilitation will be required to promote healing, often including physical therapy.

At YourOrthoSolution, we have extensive experience and will customize the entire treatment and rehabilitation process to get you on the path to recovery.

Collarbone Fractures and Acromioclavicular Joint Separation

Collarbone fractures and acromioclavicular separation commonly result from a fall onto the side of the shoulder, such as in children who fall while playing. These injuries are commonly treated nonsurgically with splints or slings. Surgical repair may be needed for acromioclavicular joint separation or fractures that are severely displaced.

Proximal Humerus Fracture, or Fractured Head of the Arm Bone

The humerus bone is the long part of the arm between the shoulder and elbow. A fracture of the head of the humerus often results from falling onto an outstretched arm. This is commonly seen in those with osteoporosis. If displaced or fragmented, open surgical repair may be needed, and in severe cases, the joint may be replaced with a prosthetic (artificial) joint.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can cause degeneration of the shoulder joint and the tissue surrounding the shoulder, including the capsule and rotator cuff. Osteoarthritis results from the articular surface wearing thin. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that can cause inflammation of the synovial lining, leading to the production of chemicals that degrade the lining of the joint, including the articular cartilage.

If the patient experiences limited motion or pain, a shoulder replacement may be recommended. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss whether it would be better to replace the head of the bone or the entire socket. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss the best option with you.

Types of Surgical Procedures

Depending on the condition and the individual patient, your surgeon may suggest either arthroscopy or open surgery.

Arthroscopy

In an arthroscopic procedure, the orthopedic surgeon will look into the joint using a pencil-thin camera into very small incisions. The camera sends the images to a TV monitor so that the doctor can evaluate the condition. Depending on the surgeon’s observations, other surgical instruments can be inserted through the small incisions. Arthroscopy is often an outpatient procedure. The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine reports that over 1.4 million shoulder arthroscopies are performed annually.

Open Surgery

In some cases, open surgery may be necessary, or may be associated with more favorable results compared to arthroscopy. Many procedures can be performed through an incision that is just a few inches long.
The type of surgery performed dictates the recovery and rehabilitation process, rather than whether open surgery or arthroscopy was performed.

No matter which type of surgery is performed, YourOrthoSolution is always keeping you in mind and looking for the least-invasive way to repair your injury.

All of our doctors and staff at YourOrthoSolution are dedicated to ensuring that you not only receive the best orthopedic care in the area but also have an exceptional experience each time you visit our locations. Our dedicated staff will handle all insurance processes for you. You can expect to be in a friendly atmosphere and receive top orthopedic treatment to help you return to your usual activities as quickly as possible.