SHOULDER/ROTATOR CUFF SURGERY

What most people call the shoulder is really several joints that combine with tendons and muscles to allow a wide range of motion in the arm — from scratching your back to throwing the perfect pitch.  Mobility has its price, however. It may lead to increasing problems with instability or impingement of the soft tissue or bony structures in your shoulder, resulting in pain. You may feel pain only when you move your shoulder, or all the time. The pain may be temporary, or it may continue and require medical diagnosis and treatment.

Recognizing Shoulder Issues

Problems with your shoulder can include a variety of injuries and disorders, such as:

Rotator cuff tendinitis: Also known as shoulder impingement, this occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed or trapped under the shoulder blade. This can cause pain, especially when moving the arm.

Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac that protects the shoulder joint.

Frozen shoulder: The muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the shoulder become stiff, making it difficult and painful to move.

Arthritis: A chronic condition that can cause cartilage breakdown in the shoulder joint.

Dislocation: An injury that can occur to the shoulder.

Fracture: A broken bone in the shoulder.

Other shoulder issues include: Tendon tears, Nerve injury, Bone spurs, and Poor posture. Shoulder injuries can be caused by a number of things, including athletic activities, household chores, or a sudden increase in activity. Some shoulder injuries can be treated at home with rest, ice, and elevation. However, you should seek medical advice if you experience intense pain, sudden swelling, weakness or numbness in the arm or hand. pain that lasts more than 2 to 4 weeks, deformity of the shoulder joint, shoulder instability. A doctor can perform a variety of tests to help identify the cause of your shoulder pain, including X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and more.

Shoulder Surgeries

Surgery may be required to resolve some shoulder issues, although many who experience shoulder pain may benefit from physical therapy and/or rest. 

Certain types of shoulder problems, such as recurring dislocations and rotator cuff tears will require surgery.  Surgery can involve arthroscopy to remove scar tissue or repair torn tissues, or traditional open procedures for larger reconstructions or shoulder replacement.