Did you know that the shoulder joint has the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body? It’s no wonder then that it’s also one of the most commonly injured areas in the body. At the Duval Orthopaedic Clinic, our team of dedicated professionals can treat a range of shoulder issues with arthroscopic surgery. Read on to learn more about the possible injuries you can sustain to a shoulder joint and how we can help with arthroscopic surgery.
Types of shoulder injuries
The shoulder is a complex joint made up of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle). Connecting those 3 bones is actually 4 separate joints that work in tandem, providing stability to your shoulder and flexibility of motion. With all those moving parts, it’s no surprise that it has an elevated risk of malfunctioning.
Common shoulder injuries include rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, labral tears, bicep tendon issues, and loose and/or dislocating shoulders. If you are in pain, please don’t try to diagnose yourself but rather go see your doctor or a specialist so you can be helped as soon as possible.
Shoulder problems are generally caused by injuries, overuse, or aging. Injury and overuse most commonly occur during sports, work-related activities, chores around the home, or after falls from a height. Common symptoms include pain or soreness, swelling, numbness, weakness, tingling, or stiffness. It can sometimes be difficult to determine the exact cause of an injury because symptoms may appear gradually over time. Pain is most often a sign of muscle strain or ligament sprain, but it could be a sign of more serious problems. That’s why it’s important to consult your doctor for injuries or persistent problems you suspect might be serious.
Types of shoulder arthroscopies
At Duval Orthopaedic Clinic, while we do not perform shoulder joint replacements or prosthetics, we do perform a range of arthroscopies.
An arthroscopy is a surgery where a tiny camera is inserted into the joint, allowing the surgeon to examine, diagnose, and repair problems. This minimally invasive technique only requires a small incision in the skin, which translates to a quicker and less painful recovery for the patient. Arthroscopies can be performed for labral tears, dislocations, frozen shoulders, and ligament repairs, as well as to remove inflamed tissue or loose cartilage.
What to expect during your first appointment
When coming in for a shoulder pain consultation, your doctor will start with a history and physical examination. X-rays are commonly obtained to evaluate for fractures or arthritis. Additional imaging may be ordered, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or an ultrasound. Before arthroscopy or other surgery is considered however, alternative means of dealing with joint issues are usually tried first. These include rest, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and steroid injections.
If you have a shoulder injury or chronic pain, we invite you to give us a call (450-663-3901) or fill out our online form to make an appointment for a personal assessment. Our shoulder specialists are experts at evaluating and treating shoulder pain, so rest assured you will be examined by the most qualified specialists.
Note: This blog is intended for educational purposes only, and is not an exhaustive resource regarding the topic discussed. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.