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SHOULDER

Rotator Cuff .jpg

ROTATOR CUFF TEARS

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that assist in shoulder motion and helps to stabilize the ball in the socket. When the rotator cuff tears, it frequently causes significant pain with loss of strength and motion.

Treatment

Impingement syndrome.jpg
Frozen shoulder.jpg
Shoulder arthritis.jpg

IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME

The rotator cuff tendons live in a space between the scapula above and the humerus below. If the space narrows due to enlarging bone spurs, this can cause impingement of the rotator cuff and bursa leading to tendonitis and bursitis. In long-standing cases, tears of the rotator cuff can develop requiring repair.

Treatment

FROZEN SHOULDER (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder is a common inflammatory condition that affects the lining or capsule of the shoulder joint, leading to a loss of the normal elasticity of the capsule. Hallmarks of the condition are significant pain and restricted motion of the shoulder. There are high rates of associated metabolic conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders.

Treatment

SHOULDER ARTHRITIS

Cartilage in the shoulder acts as a cushion to allow smooth gliding of the joint. When the cartilage covering the ball and socket wears away, bone-on-bone contact occurs which results in pain and limited motion. The development of osteophytes (i.e. bone spurs) is a sign of end-stage disease.

Treatment

Labral tears.jpg

LABRAL TEARS

The labrum is a bumper of fibrocartilage that encircles the socket and helps keep the ball from slipping out. When it is torn, this can lead to instability and dislocation of the ball and socket.

Treatment

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SLAP TEARS

The long biceps tendon attaches at the top of the socket and merges with the labrum. An injury in this area is called a superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tear and frequently results in pain and loss of strength.

Treatment

Shoulder dislocation.jpg

SHOULDER DISLOCATIONS

With a traumatic injury, the ball can slip out of its socket leading to a shoulder dislocation. A dislocated shoulder is extremely painful and unable to perform normal motion. Higher rates of dislocation are seen in the adolescent and young patient.

Treatment

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AC JOINT SEPARATION

When the ligaments are torn that hold the clavicle and scapula (shoulder blade) together, this is called an acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation. A higher grade separation can lead to chronic disability of the shoulder if not surgically repaired. 

Treatment

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PROXIMAL HUMERUS FRACTURES

Fractures of the ball (proximal humerus) are often only mildly displaced and can heal well without surgery. In severe cases, the proximal humerus fracture will need to be repaired with a plate and screws, or reconstructed with a shoulder replacement.

Treatment

Clavicle shaft fracture.jpg

CLAVICLE FRACTURES

Clavicle (collarbone) fractures typically occur from a direct impact to the shoulder. They are the second most common fracture of the shoulder. Severe cases can lead to loss of power in the shoulder if not repaired.

Treatment

Biceps injuries.jpg

BICEPS INJURIES

The upper biceps tendon is frequently injured in middle age and can range from a partial tear to a complete rupture. A cramping sensation of the muscle and a “popeye” deformity is commonly seen when the biceps is contracted.

Treatment

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PECTORAL RUPTURES

Tears of the pectoralis major muscle are typically seen in male weightlifters during the benchpress maneuver. The tendon usually tears away from the humerus and causes bruising and deformity of the chest.

Treatment

Scapula injury.jpg

SCAPULA INJURIES

The scapula (shoulder blade) sits on the back of the chest and has connections to the clavicle and humerus. Certain fracture patterns of the scapula can lead to abnormal motion and chronic pain in the shoulder.

Treatment

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