The shoulder is an incredible joint that allows almost 360 degrees of motion through the coordination of multiple muscle groups. The shoulder is the link of the arm to the body. Because there is such a great amount of motion that depends primarily on soft tissue constraints, injuries can commonly occur. Trauma to the shoulder will cause ligament and tendon injuries. Shoulder surgery may be indicated in the treatment of some injuries.

How Can Reconstructive Orthopaedics Help?

Reconstructive Orthopaedics has extensive experience in diagnosing shoulder conditions, providing treatment, and performing shoulder surgery to treat a variety of shoulder issues.

When a shoulder dislocates, due to a high energy force, the cartilage and ligament structures around the joint will tear. In patients under the age of 40, shoulder surgery to repair the injury will be necessary. This is known as an arthroscopic Bankart repair to restore stability to the shoulder.

Overhead activities such as throwing, tennis or painting can injure another structure in the joint called the superior labrum. This injury is specifically called a SLAP tear. Most SLAP tears fail non-operative treatment but can be fixed with arthroscopic surgery.

When a chronic tendonitis of the shoulder, known as shoulder impingement syndrome, does not improve with physical therapy or a steroid injection, shaving away the sharp front edge of the acromion bone will relieve pain. This bone can apply pressure to the rotator cuff and produce pain. An Arthroscopic subacromial decompression will give the tendon more room in the shoulder and allow resolution of the chronic tendonitis.

Arthritic conditions of the collar bone joint (known as the AC joint) at the shoulder will sometimes be addressed with surgery, as well, when NSAID's and steroid injection fail to relieve pain. By shaving and removing a small amount of bone from the end of the collar bone with an arthroscopy, the pain can be relieved. This shoulder surgery is known as an arthroscopic Mumford procedure.

A separated shoulder, known as an AC joint separation, is a traumatic injury that causes the clavicle to protrude upwards. This painful injury will heal with rest in minor cases, but will require repair of the ligament with shoulder surgery for higher degree injuries. The AC joint repair can be repaired with traditional open surgery or arthroscopically.

Trauma to the shoulder and arm can also cause fractures to occur. Most commonly the collar bone (clavicle) will break from a hard fall. Most of these injuries heal with a simple sling for a month. However, some of the more serious collar bone fractures are fixed with a surgery to apply a plate and screws. Breaks of the humerus bone can be treated in a similar fashion as the collar bone fracture. Occasionally a severe fracture of the shoulder joint in the elderly patient will require a shoulder replacement.

If you are experiencing problems with your shoulder, it is essential to see an orthopaedic professional as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. The orthopaedic surgeons at Reconstructive Orthopaedics will assess your shoulder condition, and provide you with the best course of treatment or shoulder surgery.

Contact us or call our appointment line at 513-793-3933, and we will reserve the time and location that works best for you -- we can usually schedule your appointment within 48 hours.